CBC: Testimonials

Whether members for almost 53 years or two years, Calvary’s people love to share what makes Calvary Baptist Church such a special
place.

The Reddings

C.W. and Lucille Redding joined Calvary shortly after the church was founded in 1951. C.W., who is 85, and Lucille, 82, raised two
children at Calvary – Steve and Judy, now Judy Newby. Both children were baptized at Calvary.
“I feel like Calvary Church is much of the reason they are such wonderful Christian people today,’’ said Lucille Redding.
Though the Reddings are unable to attend worship services any more because of C.W.’s health problems, they say they are excited to
see Calvary flourishing.
“It’s exciting to seen Calvary pressing forward,” said Lucille Redding. “I feel like Calvary really puts Jesus first.”

The Myers

Jimmy and Ernestine Myers, members of Calvary since 1953, have come to think of their church family as closely as their immediate
family.
“Most of our married life has been at Calvary, our children were brought up here, and we’ve had wonderful friends over the years at this
church,’’ said Ernestine. “Being a part of Calvary has made us stronger as a family.”
All three of the Myers’ daughters -- Susan Cotton, Lynn Norris and Tracey Norton -- accepted the Lord as their Savior at Calvary, and
all three were married at Calvary (Susan and Lynn at the original church on Heath Street and Tracey at the current location).
“I thank the Lord each day for my church,” said Ernestine.

The Rudders

Members since 1965, Larry and Pat Rudder joined Calvary shortly after moving to the McLeansville area. The young couple found
Calvary after searching for a church much like their home churches in Caswell and Person Counties.
“We were green apples as far as Christian maturity,” said Pat Rudder. “I can look back at how the church has helped us grow into
usable adults.”
Larry and Pat have been involved in numerous capacities at Calvary, including singing in the choir and serving as teachers of the youth
for several years.
Both of their children, Jeff and Melissa, were active members of Calvary and came to know the Lord through Calvary, said Pat.
“Oh, how the Lord has blessed our family while we’ve been members here,” she added. “It’s like putting together a tapestry.”
The Rudders look to Calvary’s future with great excitement.
“We wonder what Calvary will be like in 10 years, and we look forward to being a part of it,” said Pat. “It’s a great time at Calvary.”

The Everharts

Jim and Gail Everhart joined Calvary in the spring of 1999. They have three children, Katherine, age 10; Christopher, age 6; and Abby,
age 3.
Gail said that one of the things that attracted her to Calvary was the way the nursery is organized.
“I felt like my child would be safe and clean,’’ she said. “There’s not a better run nursery around.”
“The warmth of the people also attracted us,” said Gail. “Everyone made us feel so welcome.”
She recalled how Katherine’s Sunday School teacher at the time, Anne Harrelson, sent letters each week to Katherine reminding her
that Jesus and she loved her.
The Everharts said they are excited at how they have been able to fit in at Calvary.
“I hate that I didn’t grow up in this church,” Gail said with a laugh. “I’m glad my children will have that.”
Gail Everhart also said she loves the way Pastor Larsen preaches the Word.
“I know what he’s saying is what he tells his kids when he gets in the car with them, and I appreciate that so much of him,” she said.

The Parnells

Brent and Angela Parnell, members since 1998, joined Calvary shortly after moving to the area from Florida. They have two young
children – T.J., age 3, and Savanna, almost 2.
“We wanted a place with young children, and the Lord brought us to Calvary,” said Brent Parnell.
“The warmth of the church is amazing,” said Angela.
Members only for a short time, they say they already have wonderful memories to look back upon, such as seeing both of their children
dedicated, participating in a church-wide marriage renewal service, attending the church’s “Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames” production
and Brent’s ordination as a deacon.
“Since joining Calvary we’ve become more spiritually mature, and we’ve really been given the opportunity to serve,” said Brent. “Calvary
is giving us a strong basis to develop our love for Christ.”