About
Calvary Baptist Brief History
Calvary Baptist Church is a growing and multi-cultural congregation with a history of diverse nationalities, cultures and ethnicities that have made Calvary their home. We are proud of the rich international heritage of Calvary and take the call of Revelation 7:9 seriously.
Where we began
In 1854, the First Baptist Church of South Providence and Fifth Baptist Church joined to form Friendship Baptist Church. In 1897, the church relocated to its present location on Broad Street and changed its name to Calvary Baptist Church. There was always a mission emphasis and a large membership in the early 1900’s. A distinguishing feature was the closeness of personal relationships among the people.
In the first quarter of the 20th century, there was an increased understanding among the Baptist churches that those outside of the church needed help beyond preaching. Many churches developed Institutes, which provided services to the community. This was before there were many libraries, recreation, craft programs, and other organized groups. Calvary did the most in this area and, as a result, people were drawn into the church building and eventually, into the church itself.
Our Calvary Mission
Our mission is simple: to love God, serve people, and live out the Gospel. Every Sunday at 10AM, we gather to worship through heartfelt music, meaningful prayer, and practical messages rooted in Scripture. Throughout the week, we stay connected through small groups, service opportunities, and community engagement — encouraging one another to live with purpose and compassion. We don’t just want to be a church people attend; we want to be a church family that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others.
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Growth of the church’s Outreach Program
In the 1960’s, the growth of the church’s Outreach Program evolved into a full-fledged independent agency, South Providence Neighborhood Ministries. It is a Neighborhood Action Program of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, and was supported by Calvary and many other churches. It was housed in the lower level of the church.
A new influx of members came in 1968 when the South Baptist Church burned, and the members joined with Calvary. Over the past few decades, African Americans and Burmese joined the church, followed by the welcoming of Hmong from Laos, West Africans, Haitians, Hispanics, and others, making Calvary today a truly multicultural and multiracial congregation. Iglesia Bautista Hispana El Calvario began in 1974 and continues to share the facilities.
Calvary Baptist Church is a member of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island, American Baptist Churches USA, the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, and the Rhode Island Organizing Project.
Since 1897, there have been nine pastors, one lay minister, and three interim pastors who have served. Our current pastor is Wesley McClure.