History of the Church
Calvary Baptist Church (then First Baptist Church) was founded on May 29, 1960. Below is a short history of the church.
May 29, 2010 — 50th Anniversary of the Church
MIFFLINBURG - Members, former pastors and special guests recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of Calvary Baptist Church, 332 E. Chestnut St., Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.
Pastor Ken Houtz, the first pastor called to the pulpit in 1960 by the charter members of Calvary, returned for the occasion. The Rev. Houtz shared his testimony along with those of several former pastors and special speakers.
The Rev. Shawn McLain, the current pastor, began serving Calvary in 2004, and under his leadership has initiated various community outreach programs.
The anniversary celebration was well attended as many former members, students of the former academy, interim pastors and families were welcomed by current members of the church.
The public is invited to attend any and all of Calvary's services, which include Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer Meetings at 7 p.m.; Sunday School at 9:30 and Sunday Church Services at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.
June 2004 - Present - Pastor Shawn McLain
Pastor Shawn McLain accepted the call of Pastor to Calvary Baptist Church.
June 1997 - May 2004 - Interim Pastor Marlin Bowes
After the resignation of Pastor Wilson, and a series of interim pastors, Marlin Bowes became the eighth pastor to serve at Calvary in June of 1997. After a ministry of 4 years, Pastor Bowes retired due to the health of his wife.
The next several years were characterized by “waiting on the Lord” as we sought a new pastor. During this time of transition, Calvary once again relied upon godly men to fill the pulpit as interim pastors.
1989-1997 - Pastor David Wilson
After the resignation of Pastor Taylor, the church called Pastor David Wilson (1989-1993). It was during his ministry that Calvary Baptist join the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC).
Through the years, there was an active youth ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, as well as ministries for children and seniors.
October 1979 - March 1983 - Pastor James Taylor
During the ministry of Jim Taylor, the church saw its greatest growth, both in membership and in location.
Between October of 1979 and March 6, 1983, both a parsonage and a new sanctuary were built, and the name of the church was changed to Calvary Baptist Church.
1970’s and 1980’s - Calvary Baptist Academy
- Paul Baker (1969-1973)
- Rex Stairs (1973-1977)
- James Taylor (1977-1988)
In 1975, a Christian school (Calvary Baptist Academy) was established. The school was open until 1990, when insufficient funds forced its closure.
1960’s - Founding of First Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church opened its doors on May 29, 1960 after a week of Evangelistic Meetings by C. William Sloat of Bellefonte, PA.
The church, known then as the First Baptist Church, began in a storefront in downtown Mifflinburg. They would continue at the same location for nine years. During that time, they were led by:
- Pastor(s) Kenneth Holtz (1960-1963)
- Robert Saltzgiver (1963-1966)
- Raymond Ackley (1966-1969)
