The Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church was organized in Brother Abraham Ellis’ house in 1902, then, used for a public school.
After the organization of the Church by Reverend J.J. Jackson, Reverend Benson, and Reverend Rhone, a revival began and Deacon Will Grant* became the first convert in 1903.
Later in the year, the members began to discuss a site for the building. Money was collected from members of the community. Brother Babe Moore* was the first man to pay five dollars for the purchase of the present site.
After purchasing the land, the little Church building 20` x 38` was erected. Reverend Jackson was the first pastor. He served one year, became ill and expired shortly afterward.
In 1904, Reverend W. Guydon was called as pastor. During his administration, the Church grew spiritually and financially. A revival was conducted by Reverend Watts of Houston, Texas and 50 converts were added. One of the converts was Sister M. E. Powell*. Others were Brother Arthur Devine and Brother Ennis Coleman. Brother Coleman later became a deacon. Reverend Guydon served several years and resigned.
In 1908, the Church called Reverend M. B. Southern, as pastor. He served two years and resigned. In 1908, the first singing choir was organized from the Sunday School by Brother E. J. Powell*. Sister Sadie Whitt was the first organist of the Church. Sister Ada Lee Porter, the last member of the original choir, died February 5, 1980.
In 1910, Reverend W. H. Holland was called to pastor. Under his administration, the Church progressed. At this time, the pastor, deacons, and trustees saw the need for expansion of the Church building. A committee composed of Reverend Holland, Deacons Dennis Murphy, Gentle Thomas, Dafus Brown, Will Grant*, and Brother Jake Higgins, then Church clerk, took up the matter with Brother and Sister Babe Moore*, who decided to give the desired amount of land needed. This was accepted by the Pastor, Deacons and Trustees, and was then recorded in the Church minutes. In 1911, Sister M. E. Powell* became organist for the Church until 1952. After the dedication of the Church in 1912, Reverend Holland was called to the pastorate of the Fellowship Baptist Church of this city.
Some of the Pastors who served a short time were: Reverend M. B. Boykins, Reverend J. J. James, Reverend Simpson, Reverend Fontenot, Reverend D. J. Jones, Reverend S. J. Johnson, and Reverend V. D. Bradford.
In the year of 1923, Reverend W. T. Boldin of Houston was called to pastored. Under his administration, the Church installed electric lights. He pastured for six years and resigned. Reverend W. J. Beard was in charge of the services until a pastor was called.
In 1929, Reverend J. H. Sherman of Houston, Texas was called to pastor the Church. At this time, the Church membership was put a heavy debt for the remodeling of the Church building. He pastored until 1931 and resigned.
Reverend C. A. Copes, a member of the Church, was accepted as pastor in 1931. After five years of successful service, he resigned.
In 1936, Reverend D. Luke Dunlop, Jr.* was called as pastor of the Church. Under his administration, the first Brotherhood was organized with Deacon John Judge as first president. The first junior choir was organized under the supervision of Mrs. Rosetta Dunlop. Reverend Dunlop had a successful administration and resigned in 1940. Again, Reverend W. J. Beard assumed the responsibilities as acting pastor until a pastor was elected.
October 1, 1941, Reverend S. I. Mitchell* was called to pastor. After his installation, more auxiliaries were organized and great efforts were put forth to pay the $3,000 indebptedness to the Carter Lumber Company. This indeptedness was paid off in six months. Under Reverend Mitchell’s administration, Brother E. A. Adams* and Brother Clinton LeBlanc* became Deacons. Reverend Mitchell resigned in 1944 to become full-time pastor of Scott Olive Baptist Church of this city.
In 1945, Reverend J. L. Lewis was called to pastor the Church. Under his administration, Choir #3 was organized. The church was remodeled and auxiliary reports of all finances were started. The Church became a member of the Eastern Progressive District Association and paying tithe and offering as a means of paying the Church’s obligations was begun. Reverend Lewis became ill in 1950 and passed.
On July 14, 1950, Reverend Harold R. Bradley* was called as pastor. He was a young man full of the Spirit of Christ, a man with vision, and a friend to all he came in contact with. Under his leadership, the Church took on a new life. Auxiliaries doubled in membership, a youth period was made possible where they could be spiritually trained in the knowledge of God and their relation to others. The unit system started, the Church was remodeled, the first organ was purchased and paid for, the parsonage was purchased and paid for, and additional property was purchased on the north side of the Church building. In 1950, Reverend Bradley ordained Deacons Richard Garner, Cleveland Thomas, Gilbert Nelson, and W. D. Pierre. In 1952, Reverend Bradley resigned to become pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Reverend J. B. Norman* was called, and his pastoral duties began on the second Sunday of January in 1953. Under his administration, more than three hundred members were added to the Church. Reverend Theodore Twiggs and Reverend Percy Mitchell became members. Brother George Dodd was ordained as a Deacon. Land was purchased on the West and South side of the Church building. Renovation, refurnishing, and addition to the building were made for $21,000.00; remodeling of parsonage for $4,500.00; and support of foreign mission was initiated by sending finance directly to the field. On Tuesday, February 28, 1967 at or about 12:00 noon, Reverend J. B. Norman became ill and passed.
Sister Viola Norman*, wife of the late Reverend J. B. Norman, was a devoted person to the cause and to the best interest of her husband as pastor of Mount Calvary. She was director of the Senior Choir, teacher of Junior Mission for seven years, directed song services in B. Y. B. U. and teacher of the Women’s Bible Class.
On April 12, 1967, Reverend L. I. Lott* was called to pastor. Under his administration, the Young Adult Choir was organized. Reverend Theodore Twiggs* and Reverend Percy Mitchell* were ordained as Ministers. Brother John D. Sampson*, Brother E. J. Frazier* , Brother Booker T. Ryals, Brother Howard Nevills, Bro. Travis Harris, Bro. Clarence Pierre, Brother J. S. Douglas were ordained as Deacons.
Under Reverend Lott’s leadership, the Church:
- Continued to grow numerically, spiritually, and financially.
- Continued to support the Independent Missionary Baptist Association of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the National Baptist Convention of America
- Implemented a financial plan that netted $125,000.00 toward the building of the new Church edifice.
- Completed the new edifice in 1975, at a cost of $300,000.00 with a loan from First National Bank in Beaumont for $175,000.00
- Had entry service dedication and the laying of the cornerstone by Pride of Beaumont Masonic Lodge in 1975.
- Gave birth to two preachers: Reverend Charles Nevills and Reverend Joseph Pete Jr.
- Purchased its first van and Church bus for transportation ministry. Organized children’s workshop Bible study group.
- Was strengthened in its service to God and man.
Reverend Lynwood Isaac Lott became ill shortly after the entrance service into the new Church. He spent the final two years of his ministry in ailing health. He went home to be with the Lord in March of 1979. Reverend George W. Nobles served as interim pastor until a new pastor was called in late April 1979.
In April, 1979, Reverend Oveal Walker, III was called to pastor the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He assumed pastoral responsibilities on Sunday May 15, 1979. Under Reverend Walker’s leadership, the church has:
- Grown spiritually and financially.
- Given birth to five preachers: Reverend Travis Harris, Reverend Lorenzo Bowie Jr., Reverend Robert Perry, Reverend Samuel Spikes, and Reverend Larence Henson Jr.
- Ordained four men as Deacons: Bro. Don Ryals, Bro. Michael Ryals, Bro. Lorenzo Bowie Jr. and Bro. Larence Henson Sr., Bro. Manuel Breaux Jr., Bro. Milton Brown, Bro. Robert Cunigan Jr., Bro. Leslie Johnson, Bro. Henry Haynes, Bro. Robert Marshall and Bro. James Nevills.
- Paid off the indebtedness of the church and all other indebtedness. Purchased adjacent properties for parking an future expansion.
- Became a member of Trinity Valley Baptist District Association, the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of Texas, and the National Baptist Convention, U. S. A., Inc.
- Continued to contribute to the Home and Foreign Mission Board of the National Convention, U. S. A. Inc.
- Became involved in many community programs for the glory of God and the good of others
Through Reverend Walker’s leadership, the people of Mount Calvary continues to depend upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, growth, and development. With over 116 years of history behind the Church, her focus is still on working for God until Jesus comes.