CBC: Church History

As we celebrate Calvary’s 56th year, it’s amazing to look back at how the Lord has worked through this church and its people. Whether
just a few charter members or a few hundred, Calvary’s people have never lost their passion for reaching others with the Good News of
Jesus Christ.
It is our hope that you will enjoy taking a moment to step back in time, reminisce about our rich history and share in the excitement of all
that stands ahead for Calvary Baptist Church.

Terry Larsen, pastor

Fifty-six years have passed at Calvary Baptist Church, and unquestionably much has changed, yet much has remained the same.
Begun in 1951 under the leadership of the Rev. Howell Brady, who along with 43 charter members sought to commit themselves to the
Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20), Calvary remains a church guided by the desire to reach people with the good news of Christ.
“Everything we do is wrapped around the Great Commission,’’ said the Rev. Terry Larsen, Calvary’s pastor since 1993.
The different winding pathways, roads and rutts taken through the years to remain a church unfaltered by this great task is what makes
her history so fascinating.

The Beginning

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Howell Brady, a young 25 years old at the time, envisioned a new ministry in the Bessemer
community of Greensboro. He and a group of dedicated Christians from Woodard Memorial Baptist Church met on March 11, 1951 to
discuss and make plans to organize and build a new church for the advancement of God’s word.
Later in March, new ground was claimed for the church, it was voted upon to name it Calvary Baptist, and Howell Brady was chosen as
pastor.
Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Brady, parents of Pastor Brady, donated land for a new church building on Heath Street in Greensboro. The
Piedmont Baptist Association loaned the church a tent, and the first service was held on March 25, 1951.
Construction of the new church was continued until October 1952, when services were held in the new sanctuary.
For 17 years Rev. Brady dedicated his life to building Calvary to the glory of God. From its charter membership of 44, the church grew
to approximately 650 members.
Calvary was a spiritual church, one that was reaching, teaching, winning new souls and helping people mature spiritually. Strong
preaching, testimony services, revivals (sometimes lasting two weeks) and a strong music program characterized those first years.
Rev. Brady has been described as a Godly man with a deep conviction that permeated his ministry. He was a pastor who loved
everyone he met.
Ernestine Myers, who joined Calvary in 1953 with her husband Jimmy, remembered Brady as a pastor who kept members excited and
focused on the church vision.
“He kept us going,’’ she said.
“I remember his great love of the Lord and abundant joy in the Lord,’’ said Pat Rudder, who joined Calvary in 1965 with her husband
Larry. “He loved everybody.”
Facing deteriorating health, Pastor Brady selected Donald Kimrey of Knoxville, Tenn., to assist him as associate pastor in February
1968. After Brady’s death in March of that year, the church voted to name Rev. Kimrey pastor.
“He helped our congregation heal,” said Pat Rudder.
“Pastor Kimrey had such a wonderful personality,’’ said longtime member Ernestine Myers, “and such an exciting vision for Calvary.”

The Church Moves to a New Location

During Pastor Kimrey’s service to Calvary, it was decided the church should move to a new location to move forward.
In 1975, 24 acres were purchased on Knox Road in McLeansville, where Calvary stands today. A recreation area and picnic shelter
were completed and used by the church prior to the construction of a new church building.
“It was such an excited time for Calvary,’’ said Ernestine Myers.
“We were all very excited about the move,” said Lucille Redding. Lucille and her husband, C.W., joined Calvary a few weeks after it was
founded in 1951.
After Rev. Kimrey’s resignation in January 1977, the Rev. Richard Kidd of Corpus Christi, Texas, was called as pastor, brining with him
new enthusiasm along with special architectural talents which would be used during the building of the new church.
Pastor Kidd, a former architect, drew up plans for the new church building, which were approved by the church in August 1978.
The old church building on Heath Street was sold to Gethsemane Baptist Church, and a loan was secured in September 1978 for
construction of the new church.
As mortar and bricks began to shape a new building, there was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
“We were a commuter church for a time,’’ said Pat Rudder. “It took a few years for people to understand who we were.”
Ernestine Myers, who was teaching the 4 and 5-year-old Sunday School class at the time, remembered how wonderful it was to have a
window in her classroom at the new church.
“We were teaching in the basement of the old church,’’ she said.
During this transition period, Pastor Kidd guided the church to claim its place in a new community. Sunday School campaigns and
increased awareness of the youth’s needs became a focus.

Moving Forward

The Rev. Ray Wise, from Strasburg, Pa., was called to become pastor of Calvary in January 1983. Under his leadership, the church
completed additional educational space, enlarged the fellowship hall and added seats in the sanctuary.
Rev. Wise also brought a love and conviction for missions. Having served in Home Missions prior to his pastorate at Calvary, he had
insight into outreach beyond the McLeansville community.
“He was a good preacher and a missions-minded pastor,’’ said Rudder.
Mission trips to West Virginia, Pennsylvania, as well as Antiga and Guadelope were made during Pastor Wise’s pastorship of Calvary.
Dr. Gary Byrd from Troutman, N.C. was called as pastor in February 1987, after the resignation of Pastor Wise.
Pat Rudder lovingly recalled Pastor Byrd’s humor, as well as his dedication to reaching out in the community and starting new ministries.
Under his leadership the church designated “Sacrifice Sundays,” with all receipts over the church’s basic budget amount going directly
to the main building debt.
Pastor Byrd served Calvary until his resignation in June 1992.

Looking to a New Century

In July 1993, the Rev. Terry Larsen was called to be pastor of Calvary. A native of Durham, N.C., he served as associate pastor of Gate
City Baptist Church in Greensboro before coming to Calvary.
Under Pastor Larsen’s leadership, the church has undergone consistent growth. New membership continues to increase as Calvary
taps into growing areas of the community, and younger couples with small children continue to join. Sunday School attendance has
grown to average 200 or more each week.
In 1996, Pastor Larsen led the church to raise $50,000 to embark on major renovations to the worship area. The result is a beautiful
sanctuary that glorifies the Lord.
“There’s never been a project with more unity,’’ praised Pastor Larsen.
Now, as we enter the 21st century, Calvary stands ready to build on this spirit of unification. As Calvary’s membership continues to
increase and the geographical area surrounding the church thrive with new communities popping up each day, Calvary sees
tremendous opportunity. With this in mind and in celebration of Calvary’s 53rd year, Pastor Larsen led the church on an exciting
venture this spring to raise $50,000 for projects including increasing educational space and drawing up architectural plans for a new
church sanctuary. Calvary embraced the project, raising more than $57,000.
A team of dedicated church members, called the Nehemiah Team, is working hard to map Calvary’s plans and vision for the future.
Goals for the future also include the establishment of a Christian school operated by Calvary.
“I’m more excited than ever before about what the Lord is going to do at Calvary,” said Pat Rudder. “We have a great opportunity to
impact the community for the Lord.”
“Pastor Terry has such enthusiasm about the growth of our church,’’ said Ernestine Myers. “He’s been such an encouragement to all of
us.’’
Brent and Angela Parnell, who joined Calvary in 1998, are just one of the many young families who have been drawn to Pastor Larsen’s
enthusiasm and the excitement taking place at Calvary.
“I think the Lord is going to take Calvary places,’’ said Brent Parnell, who serves as a deacon.
And Pastor Larsen couldn’t agree more.
“I hope that Calvary will be THE church in this community,’’ he said, “and have the greatest impact in an area that is really growing.’’

Calvary’s Work Continues

Through an emphasis on Membership, Maturity, Missions and Ministry, Calvary seeks to accomplish her vision of “Building Great People
for God.”

Membership

Calvary labors steadfastly to increase membership in the Family of God through evangelism, reaching those who do not know God and
helping them follow the Lord in church membership and baptism. In 1999 the church initiated the Faith Sunday School Evangelism
Strategy, which involves using Sunday School and evangelism together to reach people for Christ.

Maturity

In its quest to create mature Christians, Calvary offers discipleship training and Christian living and service seminars. Classes include:
•        Experiencing God
•        Discovering Church Membership
•        Discovering Church Maturity
•        Christian Money Management
•        Winter Bible Study

Missions

Missions also is an important part of Calvary’s ministry and vision. Through mission trips to places like Pennsylvania, West Virginia and
Ohio; lending a loving hand to a local mission church; and supporting missionaries across the state, U.S. and world, Calvary seeks to
share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a world that so desperately needs to hear of Him.

Ministry

Through its ministry, Calvary encourages each member to serve within the church. Each person is encouraged to discover their gifts
and talents and put these attributes to work for God in the church and community. Some of Calvary’s ministries include:
•        Sunday School for infants through senior adults
•        Worship service
•        Women on Missions and Brotherhood
•        Fully graded music program
•        Senior Adult ministry
•        College and Career ministry
•        Youth ministry
•        Children’s Church
•        AWANA
•        Cubby AWANA
•        Nursery
•        Recreation programs and much more.

Under the insightful direction of the Rev. Craig Saunders, associate pastor, members now have the opportunity to not only share their
vocal talent but instrumental and dramatic talent as well. Along with a growing, talented choir, services now include instrumental
accompaniment (i.e. drums, violin, trumpet).
Productions such as Calvary’s recent presentation of “Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames,” gave members a unique avenue to share their
faith and reach people from across our community.

Focusing on Children and Youth

Recognizing that today’s children are our future, Calvary has placed a special emphasis on ministering to its young people. Activities
for youth include monthly afterglows, summer camp, recreation trips, Disciple Now weekends and mission trips.
Filled with an excitement for reaching as many children as possible for God, Calvary has started ministries such as a summer Kid’s Club
and classes to prepare volunteers who help with Extended Session. Calvary plans to start a fifth and sixth-grade effort to reach out and
help people in the community.

Meet Our Pastor, the Rev. Terry Larsen

Originally from Durham, N.C., Pastor Larsen is married to Donna Larsen, a native of Middletown, Va. They have three children, Jacob,
age 18; Jeremy, age 17; and Julie, age 14. Pastor Larsen received a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries from Liberty University
and a master’s degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
A sports enthusiast, Larsen loves “anything with a ball,’’ including ACC basketball and professional football. He has been involved with a
fantasy football league for the past 12 years.
His philosophy of ministry is that, “God calls you to a place and you pour your life into that place.”
And, members of Calvary agree that is just what he’s done.
“He’s like a breath of fresh air,” said Gail Everhart. “He knows so much about the Bible and has such a sense of humor.”
“I just love him,” said Brent Parnell. “The Holy Spirit is working through Terry in his sermons and his overall ministry.”
“Terry, he’s the total preacher all in one package,” said Pat Rudder. “He has the humor to reach all kinds of people and a conviction
that will not stop and a love of the Lord. His vision for the total ministry of Calvary is awesome.”
“Pastor Larsen is just precious to both of us,” said longtime member Lucille Redding.
He can be heard on any given Sunday telling members, “You’ll never find another pastor who loves you as much as I do.”
Pastor Larsen also has high praise for Calvary’s people.
“A church is always her people, and I continue to be amazed at the attitude of Calvary’s people and their ability to accept and
understand change,” said Pastor Larsen.
“What makes Calvary Baptist Church special is her people,” he added. “It would not bother me if God left me here at Calvary for my
entire ministry.”

Pastors Who Have Served Calvary

The Rev. Howell V. Brady – 1951-1968
The Rev. Donald O. Kimrey – 1968-1977
The Rev. Richard Kidd – 1977-1982
The Rev. Ray R. Wise – 1983-1986
The Rev. Gary L. Byrd – 1987-1992
The Rev. Terry Larsen – 1993-present

A Special Invitation

At Calvary Baptist Church, the motto is “A People with a Passion for God and a Place with a Passion for People.” Come be an
honored guest at one of Calvary’s services, experience the passion that sets Calvary apart and make yourself and your family a part of
Calvary’s vision.