Calvary Baptist Church

Growth and Change

God working at Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church was founded in 1890 and was the first African American Baptist Church in Wisconsin.  With the original name of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, the small congregation called its first pastor, Rev. J. D. Odom, in 1895 and leased its first building in 1897. 

Previous Pastors

     Rev. Odom served five years (1895-1900).  Other early pastors were:
     Rev. Jameson (1901-1902)
     Rev. Farrell (1902-1903)
     Rev. Herron (1903-1904)
     Rev. Robinson (1904-1906)

 

Rev. A. J. Fox began serving in 1906.

The congregation changed its name in 1913 to Calvary Baptist Church.

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. S. J. Williams (1923-1934)

Established youth group
 Instituted Leadership Workshop
 Organized joint Sunday School picnic with other churches
 An organizer of Wisconsin State Baptist Convention (African American Baptists)

 

 

Followed by Rev. E. A. Crockett (1934-1936)
  

Rev. Dr. Melvin James Battle (1937-1965)
 

Encouraged stronger Christian Commitment
Strengthened Sunday School with help of the Deacons

 

 

 

 

Rev. Walter B. Hoard (1965-1970)

A visionary in organizing Milwaukee's first Black-owned bank
President of Milwaukee NAACP
Calvary was fire bombed during this period.

 Rev. Roy B. Nabors (1970-1977)

Calvary authorized the formation of Calvary Housing Development, Ltd.   (affordable housing for senior citizens).

 

 

Rev. Tommie L. Mims (1978-1982)

Taught Bible Study class
"Mary's Story", a cantata by Judith Baity, was presented and produced for sale.

 

 

 

• Rev. Dr. James E. Leary (1983-2001)
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  Increased focus on Christian service and growth
  Emphasized tithing
  First president of MICAH (Milwaukee Inner City Churches Allied for Hope), an organization formed to address community issues in education, home ownership, economic development, and employment
  Encouraged strategic planning