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About us

 

Our Church History

On June 17, 1894, A. Wynn, the first pastor, organized Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Mustang Creek. He was helped in the establishment of the congregation by the following preachers: J. S. Cobb, H. Hawkins, and A. Nelson. Lay persons who also helped were Alice Ellison, Ann Davis, Dina Stina, Lula Greenwich, Matt Griffins, Sara Harrison, Square Harrison, Sr., and William Muckleroy. At the next church service an additional 15 people became 

members of the congregation: Alex Taylor, Jobbie Washington, Alfred Higgins, George Dillard, John Herring, William Davis, Joe Johnson, Janie Smith,

Ann Robinson, Leatha Washington, Fannie Robinson, Emline Johnson, Joanna Nelson, William and Jennie Soders. 

 

The first worship house was an old box-design laundry building that served the congregation until 1900. Rev. A. W. Wynn, pastor of this church, was terminated at this time and Rev. Sam Clark, was called to serve as pastor. He served for 12 years. The church purchased a lot on the present site.

Rev. A. W. Nelson, a preacher and an architect, built the present worship building 110 years ago. 

 

Facing numerous challenges and responsibilities, these early members helped to provide a firm foundation for the Church. Using obstacles as “stepping stones” while lifting as they climbed,” these pioneers organized the membership and established auxiliaries. Also, they ushered in a series of “firsts” in the history of Mount Calvary.

 

  • First Deacons: Brothers Matt Griffins, Square Harrison, Sr., and William Muckleroy

  • First Sunday School Superintendent: Brother William Muckleroy

  • First Church Clerk: Sister Lula Greenwith

  • First President of the Women’s Missionary Society: Sister Lula Greenwith

  • First President of the Baptist Young People’s Union: Rev. L. J. Horn

  • First Mothers of the Church: Sisters Sarah Harrison, Dina Stina, Easter Griffins and Ann Davis

  • First Wedding in the Church: George W. Bradford to Pearline Elizabeth Fisher 

 

In 1912, under the leadership of Rev. John Leonard, the building was enlarged and a baptismal pool added to the Sanctuary. During his ten-year tenure, church records show that he baptized 105 candidates at one time.

 

In 1923, Rev. M. L. Covington was called as pastor of the Church. Under his leadership, a parsonage was built and two lots south of the church were purchased.

 

In 1938, church membership peaked at 700 members. Additional space was added to accommodate the growth in membership. Rev. J. A. Kemple was called to serve as pastor. In the early 1940s, attendance at Sunday School and other Christian education programs grew, creating the need for an educational building. Building materials were in short supply, and were under government controls. A priority permit was required. Pastor A. T. Thomas justified the permit, and Deacon H. P. Davis built the building, completing it in 1954, the same year in which the United States Supreme Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson (an earlier court had ruled that ‘separate but equal’ was constitutional) and ruled unanimously that segregation in public education on the basis of race was unconstitutional. 

 

At the same time, however, the Church membership overall began to decline. World War II began in 1941, initiating an era in which church members migrated to other places. In a three-year period, 187 members were lost from the 1938 record of 700. A fire destroyed a portion of the Church building in 1948. The building was repaired, and additional improvements were made at that time under the leadership of Rev. H. Dolphus. Membership, however dropped to 465 members, as outmigration affected small-town churches everywhere. 

 

From 1938 to 1964 the following pastors served the church, respectively:

Revs. H. McCane, Bolive Haywood, E. J. Johnson, j. A. Kemple, A. T. Thomas, H. Dolphus, A. B. Brown, and E. Grant. Improvements were made with each pastor’s ministration. Under Pastor McCrane’s leadership lots were purchased. Pastor Kemple built a bell tower and added two rooms to the church. Pastor Thomas built the educational building. Pastor Dolphus completed the church and laid the cornerstone in the annex. Pastor Brown purchased a typewriter, office desk and a file cabinet. Pastor Grant organized a Junior Sunday School School, bought choir robes, and renovated the interior of the church and parsonage. 

 

On October 29, 1962, Rev. R. L. Perry was called as pastor. His pastoral tenure lasted 26 years (October 1962 to February 1989). It was longer than that of any of the previous pastors. He was instrumental in the establishment of the following programs: outreach ministry, financial 

contributions to black colleges, financial support to the local library, and ordination of four of 13 ministers sent out to preach. Under Pastor Perry’s leadership, the George Batts and the E. Houston estates were purchased; an organ, a barbecue pit, choir robes, a public address system, an allied fence to surround the property; brick imitation siding to the exterior of the church; three buses, new carpet for both the church and parsonage. He also renovated the education building, installed air conditioning, re-roofed the church, and added a room to the Fellowship Hall. Under Pastor Perry’s ministration, the office of Church Clerk was re-established, with Sister A. L. Jackson serving from 1972-2006; four were called to the ministry: Revs. S. L. Ross, Sr., Earl Harris, Leroy Anderson, Sr., and B. R. Reese. Deacons L. A. White, Jr., and Arthur Evans were ordained. 

 

"In 1988, Mt. Calvary membership had dropped to 250, but its priorities and organized auxiliary services allowed it to continue progressing” (quoted from Historian Clyde McQueen, in his book, Black Churches in Texas). 

 

Rev. B. R. Reese was called to pastor Mount Calvary on June 5, 1989. Under his leadership many accomplishments were made also: vinyl siding and a new roof; new carpet in the Sanctuary and a new public address system installed; robes purchased for the youth and young adult choirs; a walk built for individuals with disabilities (The American with Disabilities Act passed in 1990), 

renovations made to the education auditorium, and a new ceiling added. Established were food and clothes pantries, a prison ministry, a sick and shut in ministry. Ordained as Deacons, were Brothers L. A. White, Sr., and Willie Jefferson; Deacon Larry E. Caldwell, Sr., announced his calling on February 28, 1993 and preached his first sermon on March 14, 1993. During this time over 66 members were added: 37 by Baptism; 29 by Restoration or Christian Experience. Nearly 270 members were listed on the church roll: two mission societies, four choirs, a Brotherhood Union, Baptist Training Union, Drill Team, and a Youth Department. The Deacons were: Elmore Harris, chairman; Elo Clark, chairman of the Trustees and secretary of the Brotherhood; L. A. 

White, Jr., assistant secretary; Jessie B. Simms, president of the Brotherhood and Superintendent of Sunday School; Clifford Mays and Will Miles. The Staff included Sister Janice Simms, pianist; A. L. Jackson, clerk; Eva Clark, secretary; Ruby M. Harris, announcing clerk, and Caron Jones, organist.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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New Leadership for the 21st  Century: Pastor Tony Michael Sorrells, Sr.

1997-2007: “A solid church built with a solid foundation” The late Auga Lee Jackson wrote in the 105th and 109th historical reflections, “under the

leadership of our Shepherd, Pastor Tony Sorrells, the Church has continued to be blessed; the Church Family is trying to be faithful and obedient to the teachings of God’s Word. There is more love, unity and fellowship on exhibit.  We believe that a church that studies together and prays together will stay together.” The 115th Church Anniversary program reads, Pastor Sorrells: A leader with an understanding heart, progressive, prayerful, powerful, compassionate teacher and preacher. 

 

The Reverend Tony M. Sorrells, Sr., at age 38, accepted the pastoral call as the 15th Pastor of Mt. Calvary on October 5, 1997. Only 26 members were in regular and faithful attendance. His leadership, teaching, and compassion for people, has resulted in church growth spiritually, financially and numerically. Pastor Sorrells continues to work to rebuild Mt. Calvary, initially in the first ten years of his tenure calling for a solid church built on a solid foundation, strong, spirit-filled and led leaders, and encouraging members that God wants to bless Mount Calvary abundantly, if she will let go and let God. 

 

The Church witnessed many accomplishments during Pastor Sorrells’ first ten years: purchased three Church Vans, office equipment, computers, televisions and monitors, VCR. In addition he purchased two electric keyboards, new choir robes for the adult and youth choirs, drill team uniforms, and in June 2009, new Sanctuary seats. The interior building was repainted and underwent major renovations and remodeling in the restrooms and Fellowship Hall, as well as the Upper Room (formerly the Education Building). Upon his arrival he strived to maintain the century old edifice. 

 

Pastor Sorrells reconstructed or established more than 20 ministries; redesigned the Youth Ministry, Women’s Department, and Brotherhood, leaving intact the Junior Women’s Auxiliary and naming Sister Audrey Sorrells as director of the Women’s Department. Early in his ministration Pastor Sorrells established the much needed Emergency Relief Fund, the Church Building Fund. He also established the Janice B. Simms Education Scholarship and Dr. Audrey Sorrells Fellowship and Scholarship. Tony Michael Sorrells, Jr., was the first recipient of the Janice B. Simms Scholarship in May 2008. Five Deacons have been ordained: Deacons Sterling Simms, Jr., Desmond Aldridge, Rickie Kerley, Robert Ackerman, and O.D. Thompson; two Deacons came by letter: Deacons Kevin Henderson and Clarence Slaughter. Two ministers accepted their calling: Rev. Keith Wallace (1999: first sermon, October 24, 1999) and Rev. Roosevelt Harris (2007). Other ministers have also served under Pastor Sorrells ministers including Rev. F.L. Harris, Rev. David Henderson III, and Rev. Jeremy James. Sister Patricia Harris, Sister Barbara Phoenix, Deacon Elmore Phoenix, Sister Janice Simms, and youth Shadayia Caldwell provided leadership in the music ministry during these years. Pastor Sorrells appointed or reappointed 11 Deaconesses: Beverly Aldridge, Eva Clark, Tereska Henderson, Lucy Kerley, Virginia Kerley, Sophie Ross, Janice Simms (Emeritus), Hannah Slaughter, Linda Smith, Roberta Thompson, and Pinkie White.  

He also during these years named Sister Violetta Caldwell as Church Mother and in 2010 established a Board of Church Mothers, appointing six 

women: Mothers Sophie Ross, Eva Clark, Betty Hargrove, Delores Hennington, Pinkie White, and Alice Phoenix.

 

 

2007-2011: The Vision to Build a Church with an Understanding Heart 

On June 3, 2007, on the 113th Church Anniversary Pastor Sorrells read the Vision he had received from the Lord in April 2007. 

 

The vision of the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church is to communicate Christian values and character through Bible-based Christian Education in order to gain spiritual knowledge, spiritual prosperity and to cultivate spiritual maturity of all ages and levels of leadership: to strive with a labor of love, active faith and confidence to support the community’s spiritual, economic, and educational development; to prepare for phenomenal growth as we believe that God will provide a new 1,000-seat Sanctuary to house the 3,000 believers that God will send. 

 

Every Sunday as he stands in the Pulpit to share God’s Word with the Congregation, visible to all behind him is a large banner of Pastor and First Lady Sorrells that reads, “Understanding Hearts”; above him is another banner which reads, “Press Toward the Vision”; to his right is the church logo, “Building a Church of Understanding Hearts”; and to his left is The Vision. Truly as the Lord instructed Habakkuk (2:2-3), Pastor Sorrells has written the vision and made it plain. We are builders, fruit-bearers, and producers of good fruit. 

 

Pastor Sorrells is a community-based leader and has a heart for the community. He constantly seeks ways to help the community, especially in housing, education, and economic development. Annually, he sponsors a

2-day Spring Break Youth Conference, “Youth United Against Drugs and Gangs,” 35-50 youths aged 10-12 years to attend a weeklong Christian Camp, 

Camp Hoblitzelle. Partnerships have been formed with Taylor Community Network (CNEt), a computer lab, and Taylor Independent School District for the summer reading program. First founded and directed by Dr. Audrey Sorrells as the Keep Reading Going Summer Program the program is now in its sixth year and has expanded to include youth and adults in the community as well as local churches as Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Thorndale, Allen Chapel, and The First Baptist Church. Pastor Sorrells is president of Taylor Salvation Army, raising annual funds of $20,000 or more to provide emergency and medical funds to individuals in the Taylor community. He serves, or has served on the Boards of Directors: Williamson-Burnet Counties and Opportunities, Temple Community College at Taylor, Campus Improvement Board for TISD. 

 

Since 2007 Pastor Sorrells has continued to build a solid foundation; he has placed strong emphasis on teaching and producing fruit, as well as evangelism. Mt. Calvary as Sister Jackson wrote early in his ministration is continuing to grow spiritually, financially and numerically. The Congregation continues to increase in membership and diversity, continues to bring innovative service to the community, and establish programs for the children. The Boys to Men Work (BMW) Ministry has been created to address the needs of our young boys and men, and the Divine Daughters of Christ for women 35-49 to meet the need for fellowship among these women. The Seasoned Women (50+) Prayer Brunch convenes monthly to pray for the church, families, and community. Relay for Life and the Family Economic Empowerment Summit, as well as The Read to the Top Summer Reading program (sponsored by YMCA, TISD, Summer Feeding Program and church and local volunteers) address his vision to make a difference in the community and amongst families. In December 2010 formed Project 3000 Campaign to raise $20,000 toward the building of the new Sanctuary. Let us continue to pray for our Pastor and our church leaders, as we wait patiently for the vision to pass. 

 

Each Sunday, Pastor Sorrells encourages our hearts with powerful prayer, hand-clapping, foot-stomping, hand-waving praise, and anointed preaching. His belief in the power of prayer is unwavering and he continues to teach the church God’s unadulterated, Holy Word.

 

Sunday, May 21, 2012, 11:00 am Morning Service

Sermon: The Church Has a Bright Future. 

In this message, Pastor Sorrells taught from Matthew 16:13-19, Ephesians 5:25, 1 John 1:7. He told us that 1) God delights in weak people, so we need not worry if we have the strength to build the church; 2) God builds the church. God chooses His instruments but Jesus builds; and 3) Jesus promised that His people will prevail.

 

Sunday, May 21, 2012, 6:00 pm Night Service

Sermon: Three Things We Must Bring to the Church with Us

In this message, taken from Ezra 10:1, 11-12 Pastor Sorrells told us that we must bring 1) an open heart that can be taught; 2) a right attitude of surrender; and 3) a determination to serve.

 

Sunday, May 28, 2012, 11:00 am Morning Service

Sermon: Looking Ahead; Looking Back In this powerful teaching, Pastor Sorrells taught from Ephesians 5:15-20 and Proverbs 3:22. He told us that we must look ahead to a bright future and the yes, we must press forward toward the vision. We must not be afraid to look ahead, knowing that our future is glorious and prosperous. But as we look ahead, don’t ever forget to look back and remember where we have come from. Yes, look where the Lord has brought us, and look where the Lord is trying to take us. We have a bright future, New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Come and go with us.

 

August 3, 2014: God Is On Your Side (Romans 8:31). God is in you, for you and with you.

 

September 14, 2014:  How to Be Used by God. 

Service over self; God won’t be a blessing to those He cannot get through; Consecrate yourself: preparation, education, activation, and declaration.

 

January 11, 2015: The Importance of Membership (1 Thessalonians 1:2-7; 2:13)

We have a responsibility and expectation as members to be followers of Jesus Christ and witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 

January 2, 2015

Sermon: Building Up God’s People by Filling in the G.A.P. (Giving more, Attending more, and Praising more).

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