History

Calvary Baptist Church was organized on Sunday afternoon, August 20, 1950 at 2:30 pm in the Cosmo Club.  Those sitting on the council were: Moderator – Bro. Roy Davis of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; Council Clerk – Bro. Victory Powers of First Baptist Church of Haworth; Reading of Articles of Agreement and Church Covenant – Bro. S.J. McCarrell; Organization Prayer – Bro. Hardy of Central Baptist Church; Organization Sermon – Bro. Reuben Leslie.  After charter members adopted the Articles of Agreement and Faith, and took the Church Covenant with joined hands in an unbroken circle, she was officially declared a Missionary Baptist Church and ready to do business for the Lord.

Those who entered into this covenant were:  Ernest, Dorothy and Betty Tipton, John and Euna Farley, Marcie Dunning, Elizabeth Bloodworth, Dale and Geneva Finney, Carol Cornett, Alex and Ruby Coffman, Harrison Coffman and Joann Freeman.  The first members to join the church were Bro. and Sister T.R. McBrayer.

The church bought the first of four pieces of property on August 10, 1952 for $2800.00.  This property had a block house on it and the church remodeled this house for worship in September, 1952.  

The church voted to buy their second piece of property on October 19, 1957.  On February 5, 1958, the church voted to build a 35 x 72 brick auditorium.  They first met in their new auditorium on December 21, 1958, but it wasn’t dedicated until June 28, 1959.  Bro. E.A. Sharver delivered the dedication sermon.

The church later voted to build their first educational building.  The building was first used on February 4, 1968.  The following month the decision was made to tear down the block building that initially served as their sanctuary.

In 1970-1971 the church built a baptistry and a parsonage.  The parsonage was dedicated on May 23, 1971.

Between the years 1972-1975 the church bought the third and fourth pieces of property and built two more educational wings.  The church voted to build the first floor of their present educational building which was 36 x 46.  Continuing to grow, the church voted to build the second floor of their present educational building, a 36 x 66 two-story structure connecting to the existing buildings.  This building was dedicated on August 24, 1975.

On November 5, 1975, the church voted to sponsor extension courses in conjunction with the Oklahoma Missionary Baptist College in Marlow, OK.  The first classes were “Teaching Techniques” taught by Pastor Earl Mooney and “New Testament Survey” by Bro. M.G. McNeill.

A second extension school was later sponsored, the fellowship hall and the sanctuary were remodeled, and the newest educational wing was completed.

During winter storms in January & December, 2000 the church sustained major structural damage.  It was not noticeable until sometime during January 2001, and at that time, the insurance company was contacted and thorough inspections were done.  It was determined that the sanctuary was not safe for occupation and Calvary began holding services at Denison Elementary on April 8, 2001.  She met there for 7 weeks and then moved to a more permanent location.  On May 20, 2001, Calvary began holding services at 1439 E. Washington in Choctaw Village Shopping Center.

In the coming months, the church voted to separate the two-story educational building from the affected structures and proceed with demolition of those structures. The two-story educational building would be kept and a new building would be built in the present location.  Considering the fact that 3 charter members remained in the active membership, the building having been built by the members and all the special memories, the decision to tear down the church was a very difficult one to make.  Due to the long time of negotiations with the insurance company, it seemed the Lord gave everyone a peace about moving forward. The main demolition was done on September 10-11, 2001 and the new footings were poured on January 11, 2002.  The new building, 75’x 140’, included the sanctuary, offices, fellowship hall, restrooms, nursery and a classroom.  The new building was dedicated to the Lord on August 31, 2002.

Sometime just before the dedication of the new building the property to the north of the existing property was donated to the church.  The house that was located on the property was removed and now the view to the property is much improved while adding much needed parking.

The church has continued to grow in all areas and is still enjoying the privilege of seeing visitors on a regular basis.  Recently the church has been seeking to purchase neighboring property to further enlarge her ministry opportunities.  We currently hold Faith Bible Institute classes here each week for the furthering of the Word of God. Please pray for us as we seek to labor faithfully for our Lord.

The following men have served her as pastor during these 54 years:  Brethren Reuben Leslie, Elmer Hollingsworth, J.A. Bean, Ernest Lambert, E.A. Sharver, Glenn Carroll, Melton Carter, E.E. Swearingen, Jim Brown, Walter Lovelady, Earl Mooney, James Kitchens, James Passman, James Kesner, and Doug Clements.