Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

CHURCH HISTORY

The Beginning...

Calvary originated from a nucleus that was formed when the Rev. Philip S. Fall, Pastor of the First Baptist Church (Walnut Street Baptist) Louisville, Kentucky, baptized two African-Americans in 1822.

In 1829, Freed Blacks and slaves who worshipped at the First Baptist Church founded Louisville's first all Black Baptist Church, called The First African Baptist Church located on Market Street.

Move to Fifth and York Streets...

In 1841, First African Baptist moved to Fifth and York Street where it became the York Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.W. Taylor.

In 1849, a group of the York Street congregation separated and organized the Fifth Street Baptist Church at a location between Chestnut and Walnut (Muhammed Ali) Streets on Fifth Street. The remainder of the original congregation remained at the Fifth and York location and in 1883 reorganized and became The Calvary Baptist Church.

The Present Location...

The congregation moved to its present location at 28th and Woodland in 1958.

In her rich history, Calvary has had six pastors: Dr. C.S. Dinkins, Dr. C.H. Parrish, Dr. W.P. Offutt, Rev. B.L. Davis, Dr. W.H. Bell and Dr. L.D. Poyntz.

The meaning of Calvary can be given in one word, LOVE. LOVE is the meaning of the Cross of Calvary. LOVE was the unselfish motive for the sacrifice that was made at Calvary. LOVE, redeeming LOVE. This is what we offer you at Calvary Baptist Church, where you are always welcomed.