First Calvary to mark anniversaries next month
First Calvary Baptist Church, 401 N. Woodland Ave., is celebrating for the entire month of April as the church marks its 95th anniversary and Rev. Derwin L. Montgomery celebrates his first year as pastor.
The church will remember its past leaders. Rev. E.W. Posey was First Calvary Baptist Church’s first pastor. Rev. J.C. Phillips led the church in 1940 from its former location to its current one. Rev. W.L. Wilson was the next leader; he changed the name of the church from Mount Calvary No. 1 to First Calvary Baptist Church; Rev. Eddie Hightower, Rev. A.T. Griffey and the late Rev. Calvin Runnels also served as pastors.
Montgomery, who represents the East Ward on the Winston-Salem City Council, became pastor on Feb. 19, 2012. He has been affiliated with the church since the fall of 2006 and served as an associate pastor under the leadership of Pastor Runnels. He later served as youth pastor.
A number of special activities are planned. Community Day will take place on April 6 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at the church; the pastor’s anniversary celebration is Sunday, April 7. Rev. David Montgomery, the pastor’s father, of Sweet Home Baptist Church in Hopkins, S.C. will speak at 11 a.m. Dr. James Abram Jr. of St. James Baptist Church in Hopkins will speak during the 4 p.m. service. A banquet celebration will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 5–8 p.m. at the Winston-Salem State University’s Enterprise Conference and Banquet Center. A 95th church anniversary service will take place the next day at the church at 11 a.m.
To purchase tickets for the banquet, call the church office at 336-724-2611 or email firstcalvarybc@triad.twcbc.com.
