History

“Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.” – Psalms 78:3-4

Calvary Baptist Church began in 1900 as a mission of the First Baptist Church. It grew rapidly and was soon chartered as East Hendersonville Baptist Church. It has also been known as Grove Street Gospel Church, and the name was eventually changed to Calvary Baptist Church.

Around 1902, the first real home for our Church was bought from the First Presbyterian Church, which was located on Seventh Avenue. The building was sold in 1912 to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and the congregation of Calvary then moved into an old school building on North Grove Street.

After 56 years at the Grove Street location, the property was sold in December of 1967 to Mr. J.D. King, and the King Hardware Company remains at that location today. Calvary then bought property on Haywood Road, where our Church remains located to this day.

While the new building was under construction, the congregation met in the Hunter building located at Five Points across from Hendersonville High School. This was provided rent-free by the J.D. Hunter family. The first service in the new building on Haywood Road was held on November 17, 1968.

Soon afterward, a small fellowship building was added, which later became the children’s church. A larger fellowship building was attached to the children’s church in 1978, which also houses the Church offices.

The following men have served as Pastors of the Church: A.I. Justice, George Wright, C.C. Blackburn, Pastor Ham, R.V. Miller, Fred McKenzie, George Pennell, Emory Nester, Wade E. Sinclair, Dr. J. Leland “Buddy” Mullinax (three times), Ed Yeoman, Dr. Freddie M. Young, and Joe Canipe. Ed Hampton served as Interim Pastor in 2008, and Ken Mason served as Pastor from 2009 through October 2020. John Stevens then served as Interim Pastor throughout 2021, and Randy Bray served as Pastor until June 2023. Dr. James Qurollo currently serves as our Interim Pastor.

Calvary Baptist Church continues to reach out to people in witness and ministry. Evangelism, education, missions, and ministry are all part of the heritage and the challenge of our Church. Calvary’s work has been blessed of God from its beginnings as a small mission.

(It is unfortunate that many of the records of our Church have been lost over time, and therefore much of its rich history cannot be given.)