HISTORY

October 1976 Calvary Baptist church of New Haven Michigan was organized under the leadership of Pastor Gene Zorbas, a teacher at Faithway Baptist College of Memphis Michigan; the membership standing in agreement for the naming of the church. At that time the membership consisted of two families and after prayer the Lord blessed us to hold meetings in the local 429 Union Hall in New Haven.

In December 1976, Faithway Baptist College closed and moved to Ypsilanti Michigan and the pastor also relocated because they employed him. Brother Buck Jones was determined to continue on and requested help from Midwestern Baptist College. 

On July 10, 1977 Audie Brockel, a student at Midwestern College was voted in as pastor. Under his leadership the Lord enabled us to purchase land on New Haven road in March 1978. The Lord also began to strengthen us in his word through the ministry of Pastor Brockel and his wife. From December 1978 through July 1979 we worshipped in several members homes.

In July 1979, the Lord moved us into a mobile trailer unit located behind the Frank Lemmon Elementary School. Soon after we purchased the mobile trailer from the New Haven Community Schools.

In January 1980, Pastor Brockel was called back to his home state of South Dakota and he left the church in the hands of Jesus and Brother John Mack. In February 1980 the mobile trailer was condemned and subsequently the Lord opened up a door for us to hold services in the band room of the New Haven Middle School.  We began to pray, seek and believe the Lord to send a pastor and on April 26, 1980 Elder Walter Davis was voted in as pastor.  Under Pastor Davis’ leadership the Lord increased the membership and also blessed us to purchase 4.5 acres of land on Victoria st in New Haven “that we may build a soul winning station for his honor and glory.” During this time the membership was nearing 50 and growing and the Lord was using all these experiences to develop strength and character in the church to fulfill the desire and vision of capturing New Haven with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1986 through October 1987 the enemy came against the church with a strong hand but God, who is rich in mercy through his wisdom and direction kept us and made us victorious!  During that time we continued the work in the community and on the building for they believed God had strengthened their hands for this good work, for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 2:18-4:6) As the years passed the faith of Pastor and Sister Davis was continually tested.

On July 22, 2008 Pastor Walter Davis answered the call of his creator and was summoned to rest. On 15 November 2008 Franscile Davis was called to her rest as well and Calvary ended 2008 with hearts that were hurting but not broken! 

On October 19, 2008 the Lord the spirit of Pastor Alan Stayton who relocated from Hampton VA to heed the direction of the Lord. He did not come to continue the work for Walter and Franscile Davis but to complete the work the Lord has designed to do through Calvary. 

We here at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church celebrate the light of the word in those who have gone on before us, and we walk in that light right now!! That light shines through darkness bright enough never to be extinguished.  Keep shining the light on Calvary Lord! Calvary keep letting the Light shine!!!