Our History
It started with sixteen people in a rented hall.
On Sunday, February 2, 1969, Pastors Ray Thompson and Wally Metts decided to hold revival meetings in the small town of Englewood. Those meetings were held at the Lemon Bay Women's Club, and sixteen people showed up for the first one. Out of them sprang the church that meets on Pine Street today.
1969 – today
Fifty-plus years on Pine Street.
1969
Sixteen people at the Lemon Bay Women's Club
Revival meetings led by Ray Thompson and Wally Metts gave rise to First Independent Baptist Church. Wally Metts moved on to continue church planting, and Ray Thompson became the first pastor.
1970
The church moves to 75 Pine Street
The congregation settled at the address it still calls home. The first building went up as the Thompson building, and the first service was held in it on February 7, 1971.
1971
Ernest Humphries becomes pastor
Under his ministry the church was renamed Community Baptist Church.
1974
The name Calvary Baptist Church
Roy Perry was voted in as pastor, and it was during his ministry that the church came to be known by the name it carries today.
1981
God calls Wally Metts back to Englewood
The founding evangelist returned in November as pastor, and a season of building followed.
1987 – 2002
The campus takes its present shape
The current auditorium was built in 1987, radio station WSEB signed on in 1989, the production of “The Lamb” began in 1992, a playground was added in 2001, and the Calvary Family Life Center opened in 2002.
2025
Daniel Cox is voted in as pastor
The church continues in the principles it was founded on back in 1969 — reaching people with the gospel, missions, and Bible preaching.
The next chapter has room in it for you.
Whatever brought you to this page, there is a seat on Pine Street this Sunday with your name on it.