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February 20, 1938, is the official birthday of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. There were only nine people present, including the Reverend Collins N. Polite, who as present at this momentous event. Reverend Polite pastored Mount Calvary Baptist Church until June 1938, when he was called to pastor a church in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
On September 18, 1938, the Reverend Peter W. Trammell was installed as the new Shepherd of the Mount Calvary flock and it soon became evident that Reverend Trammell possessed an innate quality of leadership, which influenced his successful pastorship. For 24 years, 10 months and 6 days, Reverend Trammell’s leadership housed a long, rigorous, and productive struggle. Including the guiding and vanquishing of vital paths for his followers, the purchasing of a vacant lot at 539 William Street and the ground-breaking ceremony, on April 13, 1947.
Excavation of the new site began on June 1st, 1948 and various additions continued to be made to the building until 1960.
Although a strong man, Reverend Trammell’s health deteriorated and on July 24, 1962, God called Rev. Peter W. Trammell home. According to the Courier Express and Buffalo News, over 5,000 people viewed the remains of the late Reverend Peter W. Trammell as he lay in state.
On September 22, 1963, Reverend L.T. Boyce, of Memphis, Tennessee, was installed as the new pastor. He successfully took the reins and continued to guide the church in its christian growth and membership. He always displayed courage and a steadfast faith in God. These, combined with a delightful sense of humor and a background of thorough training in Baptist doctrine, were his sources of strength.
Rev. Boyce’s leadership enabled Calvary to reactivate her role in the Great Lakes Association, the Empire State Missionary Convention and the National Baptist Convention, and USA Inc. Several ministers were ordained and new deacons and trustees were added as Rev. Boyce shared with the community for many years via radio the Sunday School review. The purchase of a new piano, sound system, parsonage, the creation of a Long Range Building Fund program and the purchase of the present property at 1184 Genesee Street in 1972 were all during his watch. Pastor Boyce dedicated the Fellowship Hall to the work and service rendered by the founder, Rev. Peter W. Trammell.
After 27 years, 10 months and 9 days of untiring, dedicated service, God called Rev. L.T. Boyce home on July 13, 1991, thus ending another chapter in the life of Calvary Baptist Church.
On October 25, 1992, Reverend Troy Anthony Bronner, of North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was installed as the new Pastor. Under Pastor Bronner’s very capable leadership, 15 new ministries were added, and Pastor Bronner dedicated the Chapel to the work and service rendered by the Rev. L.T. Boyce.
On October 24th, 1999, Reverend Troy A. Bronner, moved to establish the Elim Christian Fellowship, thus closing another chapter in the life of Calvary Baptist Church.
On August 12, 2001, Reverend David A. Keaton of Roanoke, Virginia was installed as the new Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. As pastor he developed a series of Bible Institute on Tuesdays using such themes as: “Jesus, the Bible, Fasting and Evangelism”. In addition, services were broadcasted live on the radio, a website was developed and a mid-week service, with lunch was added.
To increase participation in Christian education, Rev. Keaton and the Christian Board of Education renamed the Sunday School “Breakin’ Bread Ministry”. The Youth Ministry, “Teen Discipleship” & “Children’s School” and the Wednesday evening Bible study was renamed “Perfecting Saints”.
In April 2009 Reverend Keaton resigned as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. He is presently the founder of Kingdom Life Church, thus closing another chapter in the life of the Calvary Baptist Church.
Reverend Quinton Chad Foster of Houston, Texas was then selected and installed as the new Pastor on November 7, 2010. Under his leadership, the Sunday School Ministry was renamed the “Otis Hayes Sunday Church School”.
He was also instrumental in the purchasing of a new sign and a new church bus, in addition to other accomplishments during his tenure.
Reverend Foster resigned as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in October 2016, and currently serves as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Harlem NY.
In December of 2018, Reverend Corey Gibson was extended the call to serve as the 7th Pastor of Calvary; becoming the first “son of the church” to lead our historic congregation. Shortly after Reverend Gibson began his pastoral responsibilities, on February 1, 2019, he found himself in a unique position. The pandemic began and he had the monumental task of pastoring and leading his members through a difficult and scary period.
Although this pandemic impacted his ability to lead in-person Sunday Morning Worship Service, he did not let it stop his mission to serve God or the people. Not to be outdone, Pastor Gibson soldiered on by holding Sunday Morning Worship virtually. He increased our digital footprint via social media Facebook, Instagram and YouTube; as well as spearheaded the upgrade of our audio and visual resources (within the sanctuary) through “Project Vision & Vitality”. In addition, Pastor Gibson created a Covid Taskforce to oversee re-opening protocols and implemented outreach opportunities to feed seniors and those who were sick during the pandemic.
Pastor Gibson has also increased the church’s communication of events and announcements through OneCall Now, formed several new ministries, including Grief Support Ministry, Pastors Encouragement, Welcome Ministry, and Financial Literacy. Implemented the church’s first College & Career Readiness Sunday and Caregivers Sunday, extended scholarship opportunities to East High School and formed partnership with Dr. Charles Drew Magnet School.
In 2022, he created safe space for individuals to grieve and heal after the 5/14 massacre and partnered with the University Presbyterian Church to feed over 1,000 people for Thanksgiving 2022.
So, as we continue moving into the future, remember that: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:7
Be blessed.
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“Have Faith” Hebrew 11:1
On Sunday, September 18, 1938, Reverend Peter W. Trammell was installed as the Under Shepherd of Mount Calvary Baptist Church’s congregation. Under the divinely inspired leadership of Pastor Trammell the church grew rapidly as well as many ministries (still in existence today) were formed. Some which are; Deacon Ministry, Trustee Ministry, Sunday School, Ushers Ministry, Choir Ministry, Missionary Ministry, Nurses Ministry, and Christian Education Ministry.
Mount Calvary remained at its first location until April 1, 1939 when the church relocated to 476 William Street. Since the church had begun a gradual growth on June 22, 1940 Mount Calvary Baptist Chruch relocated to 245 Spring Street. On August 29, 1940, the church was incorporated but due to a typographical error “Mount” was omitted and the church officially became known as “Calvary Baptist Church, Inc.”. On September 14, 1940 245 Spring Street was purchased. The first mortgage burning ceremony took place on November 7, 1943. In February, 1947 another giant step for the church was taken by purchasing the vacant lot at 539 Williams Street, Buffalo, New York 14206 and the ground breaking ceremony for the new church was held on April 13th of the same year. The first service was held in the newly completed basement on October 3, 1948. Construction on the new sanctuary was completed September 23, 1951. The church’s physical footprint expanded in 1952, 1958 (also year the mortgage was burned), and 1960 as the congregation grew.
Clergy assistance provided by pulpit associate Reverend Samuel Bridgefourth under Reverend Trammell’s tutelage.
After 24 years of faithful and dedicated leadership, Reverend Peter W. Trammell passed away to glory on July 24, 1962.
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“Going Up Together Acts 3:1 … The Little Church with the Big Heart”
On Sunday, September 22, 1963, Reverend L.T. Boyce of Memphis, Tennessee was installed as the Under Shepherd of Calvary Baptist Church’s congregation. Under Pastor Boyce’s administration, the church’s membership grew tremendously. Pastor Boyce always displayed courage and a steadfast faith in God.
Under his leadership, Calvary reactivated their role in the Great Lakes Baptist Association, the Empire State Missionary Convention, and the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. For many years Reverend Boyce shared his teachings with the community via the radio, and the weekly Sunday School Review. He was a great leader who established a long range building fund program, purchased a new piano, in 1972 purchased Church property at 1184 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14211, the parsonage, formation of Discipleship classes and development of Youth Encampment weekend; a celebration of youth, held the 2nd weekend of June each year.
Clergy assistance provided by pulpit associates Gover C. Moon, William Callahan, John Dobson, Gentry Garmon, Larry Harris, Johnnie Ray Youngblood, Reverend Samuel Bridgefourth, Kinzer Pointer, Earnest Williams, Garry Hemphill, Bart Little, Timothy Caruthers, Robert Baines, James Williams, and Jackie Roberson under Reverend Boyce’s tutelage.
After 27 years of untiring, dedicated service, on July 13, 1991, God called Reverend L. T. Boyce home, thus ending another chapter in the life of Calvary Baptist Church.
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“Turning the World Upside Down” Acts 17:6
On Monday, October 26, 1992, Reverend Troy A. Bronner of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania fresh out of seminary, was Called to pastor Calvary Baptist Church. Later in 1992, on Sunday, December 6, 1992 Reverened Bronner was officially installed as the Under Shepherd of Calvary Baptist Church’s congregation. Under Pastor Bronner’s very capable leadership, 16 new ministries were added, as well as an additional Sunday Service and a daily prayer service.
The church also continued to support an active Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts programs, after School Tutorial, Adult Education, Effective Parenting Classes, along with a formal discipleship training program. A significant increase in membership led to an eight o’clock morning service along with the regular eleven o’clock service. The Elim Ministry of Prayer and Praise was established and met daily in the morning from 6:00 to 7:30 AM an in the evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM where people of all races, ages, and denominational affiliations, from all over the city gathered to seek GOD’s face for revival.
Clergy assistance provided by pulpit associates John Dobson, Betty Pierce-Williams, Marcellus Martin, Reverend Samuel Bridgefourth, Clarence Brown, James Clark, Aaron Hudson, Ronald Jennings, Gloria Wilson, Veda Pierce, Arthur Boyd, Terry Warr, Michael Robinson, Marcia Fonville, Bobby Fonville, Ted Howard, Marcia Storey, Monica Blackford, Carlson Thompson, Ted Turpin, and Eric Gladney under Reverend Bronner’s tutelage.
On October 24, 1999, Reverend Troy A. Bronner was Called to establish the Elim Christian Fellowship, closing another chapter in the life of Calvary Baptist Church.
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“Going Back to the Old Landmark”
On Sunday, August 12, 2001, Reverend David A. Keaton of Roanoke, Virginia was installed as the Under Shepherd of Calvary Baptist Church’s congregation. Pastor Keaton reorganized Bible Study as the Bible Institute held on Tuesday evenings. Under his administration, Sunday morning worship service was broadcast live on radio station WUFO, televised on Time Warner cable, channel 20, streamed over the internet, and developed a website.
Pastor Keaton developed a functional Directors’ Council, an annual Leadership Institution, annual Family Weekend Celebration, a Book Club for young adults, and Teen Discipleship. Pastor Keaton also merged two scholarship programs to form the Norman Fuller / L. T. Boyce Scholarship Ministry.
Clergy assistance provided by pulpit associates Gloria A. Bryant, Michael Robinson, Ray Mitchell, Carlson Thompson, Sylvester Harold, Carolyn Peeler, John Peeler, and David Wimbley under Reverend Keaton’s tutelage.
In 2009, Reverend Keaton resigned as Pastor and formed Redeeming Fire Fellowship Church, thus closing another chapter in the life of Calvary Baptist Church.
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“It’s Always Good to Go to Calvary”
On Sunday, November 7, 2010, Reverend Quinton Chad Foster of Houston, Texas was installed as the Under Shepherd of Calvary Baptist Church’s congregation. Pastor Foster renamed the Sunday School Ministry to Otis Hayes Sunday Church Institute. Under his administration, the Calvary Angelic Ensemble was reorganized, along with hosting a Praise and Worship Workshop, holding the Lord’s Last Supper Service every first Sunday where our congregation fellowship with other churches in the community. Pastor Foster reestablished Men’s Day and Women’s Day programs as well as combined Easter and Christmas programs with Sunday morning worship service. Pastor Foster was instrumental in replacing and upgrading the Church sign as well as purchasing a new Church Bus.
Pastor Foster was committed to teaching and to the expository preaching the Word of God on Sundays and through the noon and evening Bible Study classes. In addition to, strengthening the church’s community connection through the Missionary’s Food Pantry and other related services. Pastor Foster initiated other community activities and events, like Calvary Community Outreach Day, Youth Encampment Weekend, and meal distribution during holidays.
Clergy assistance provided by pulpit associates Minister Gloria A. Bryant, and Elder Frank Thomas under Reverend Foster’s tutelage.
In November, 2016, Reverend Foster was Called to pastor a church in Brooklyn, New York, thus ending another chapter in the life of Calvary Baptist Church.
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“For God hath not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)
In December of 2018, Reverend Corey B. Gibson, a native of Buffalo, New York, was extended the call to return home, from Virginia, and serve as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. On Sunday, May 26, 2019, Reverend Gibson was installed as the 7th Under Shepherd of Calvary Baptist Church; becoming the first “Son of the Church” to lead this historic congregation. Shortly after beginning his pastoral responsibilities, the pandemic began and Pastor Gibson had the monumental task of pastoring and leading his congregation through a difficult period. Although he could not deliver God’s Word in person, this did not deter his mission to serve God and His people. Pastor Gibson led Sunday Morning Worship and Bible Study, virtually, via Facebook and YouTube, and he upgraded the audio/visual resources, through “Project Vision & Vitality”, as well as increased communication to the congregation through the OneCall Now system.
Pastor Gibson oversaw the creation of several New Ministries and Outreach Efforts, including: Grief Support, Welcome Ministry, Life Events, College & Career Readiness Sunday (awarding scholarship opportunities annually) and formed a partnership with Dr, Charles Drew Magnet School as well as the University Presbyterian Church (which has evolved into an Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Effort, which allows the feeding of over 1200 people yearly)
In addition, Pastor Gibson spearheaded the successful renovation of the Fellowship Hall, the (in conjunction with Roswell) Lower Level, which included a brand-new ADA Compliant Women’s Restroom facility and most recently, the expansion of the Sanctuary Music Pit.
These are just a few examples of the vision that Pastor Gibson has seen and been able to fulfill for the benefit of Calvary’s members and surrounding community.