About Us
As years roll on and as time passes, a record of individuals, societies, states, and nations are kept in order that man may see whether the age in which he lives is progressive or non-progressive. Likewise, we have found it proper and fitting to keep records of this great church. In 1873, Reverend B. W. Wilson with a few baptized believers, organized this church in the home of Mr. Jim Holoman. The meeting that was held on July 4 of the same year seemed to be nothing less than a Pentecostal shower. Quite several converts were added to the church. At the expiration of two and one-half years, Reverend Anthony Brown of Thomasville, Georgia was called to be the first shepherd. At this period, the services were held under a bush arbor, the site where Southside Elementary School now stands. The church was moved to Broad Street. During this time, members were constantly added to the church. The pastorate of Reverend Brown was very successful. Reverend H. Davis of Albany, Georgia was named the second pastor. Reverend Spencer of Thomasville, Georgia was the third pastor. Reverend J. B. Irvin was the fifth pastor and the Reverend G. T. Taylor was the sixth pastor. The seventh pastor was Reverend E. D. Howard of Thomasville, Georgia. It was during his pastorate that the church was moved from Broad Street to the current location. Reverend I. C. Williams of Bainbridge, Georgia was the eighth pastor. During his administration, many improvements were added both spiritually and physically. His pastorate extended over a period of 11 years. Reverend T. A. Lomax of Valdosta, Georgia was the ninth pastor. It was under his administration that we began the custom of celebrating our church’s anniversary. Many of the loyal members were taken into the church and baptized by his hands. The tenth pastor came in 1920, the Reverend Couch of Moultrie, Georgia. Under his administration the church grew by leaps and bounds. He served the church for four years. During that time the membership of the church was almost doubled. More than $5,000 was raised for all purposes.
The church was remodeled and left free of debt. In 1925, Mother Julia Ann Evers, one of the founders, paid her assessment of $5.00 in gold. The eleventh pastor was E. C. Parrish of Valdosta, Georgia. After four years, history repeated itself and Reverend Crouch became pastor and served for 25 years. The church grew in membership, as well as financially. Reverend Crouch resigned. In 1949, Reverend Williams Westbrooks, Jr. of Macon, Georgia became our twelfth pastor. His assistant was Reverend H. J. Cutts. Under his pastorate the present structure was built. The wood structure became a brick structure. New furniture and carpet were purchase. Several deacons were ordained. Reverends Henry Flowers, Jr. and Will Cowart were ordained to preach the gospel. The Little Folks and Junior Choirs were added to the church. Reverend Westbrooks served for a period of 23 years. He resigned in 1971. Reverend Cutts carried on the services effectively. In January of 1972, Reverend Winfred Hope of Mobile, Alabama became the thirteenth pastor. Under his leadership, Mt. Calvary’s theme: “Mt. Calvary on the Move,” is becoming a reality. Several members were added to the church. Reverend Ronnie Cruel was called to preach the gospel. Mid-week services were instituted, and a unified financial system was begun. Reverend Hope was a man of vision and courage. Reverend Hope continued to study and earned a doctorate degree in theology. He resigned in 1979. Reverend Ronnie Cruel of Augusta, Georgia became the interim pastor. The fourteenth pastor was Reverend Eddie J. Davis of Toccoa, Georgia. Reverend Davis established an outreach program ministering to the sick and shut-in members. His services ended in 1981.
The fifteenth pastor was Reverend Emory C. Virgil of Thomasville, Georgia. He was called on December 17, 1981. During his pastorate, the church purchased the Robinson property across the street, purchased a church van, up-graded the sound system, and purchased a copier. A second usher board was formed. The gospel choir was re-organized. In 1987, over 100 less fortunate people were fed Thanksgiving dinners. A membership orientation manual was complied in 1996. The Aurie B. Flowers Scholarship Fund assisting college students was organized. Reverend Virgil resigned in April of 1996. The Reverend L. T. Overby became interim pastor for a short period of time. The Reverend Dr. Alfred T. Mott of Tifton, Georgia carried on the services while other ministers were being interviewed for pastorship. In April 1997, Reverend Alexander Mack of McCraeville, Georgia became the sixteenth pastor and currently serves as pastor. New members have been added and old members have returned. Reverend Mack has proven to be a dynamic and courageous leader, preacher and teacher. Under his leadership the upper unit of the church has been remodeled, new carpet installed, cushions in the pews, new lights and sound system, stained glass windows, a new handicapped ramp built, handicapped accessible restrooms, expansion of the pastor’s study, sump pumps installed in the lower unit, purchased computer, printer, church management software, new organ, drum set, installed security lighting and lights for the steeple. Replaced the roof, and repaired the steeple. Paved the parking lot, purchased the remainder of the Robinson property. Renovated the lower unit. Established Children’s Church, Youth Bible Study, New Horizons Choir, Voices of Calvary, VIP Fellowship, Food and Pantry Ministry. Several deacons have been ordained, the Education Committee was organized in 2003. Reverends Ernest Matthew Faulk, Henry L. Flowers, III, Naomi Janet StuartSimmons and Carlton Flowers were called to preach the gospel. Reverends Faulk, Flowers and Flowers were ordained for the pastoral ministry. Reverend Naomi Janet Simmons was ordained for ministry staff support.
