Calvary Baptist Church (1879) Paterson, NJ

In 1879, Reverend Owens L. Simmons, a licensed minister from Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, came to Paterson for the purpose of organizing a “Colored Baptist Church.” A meeting place was sought and secured on Main and Fair streets on the property of Mr. Daniel McGloven at a rental fee of $6.00 per month. The facility was prepared for the first meeting of the Negro Baptist Congregation.  Reverend Simmons invited many scattered Baptists to attend meetings. The group met for one year. In 1880, the Baptist congregation moved to the Grand Army Hall on West Street where they remained until 1889. Rev. Simmons was ordained in 1887.

In 1889-1906, the first church edifice was constructed on Lawrence Street at a cost of $1,740.  Among the first officers were Charles Berry, J. W. Brown, Harvey O’Blenis, and J.R. Randolph.  Early members included Jane Thompson, Katie Thompson, Roberta Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Scott, Betty Frazier, Berry Lively, Hattie Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, a Mr. Zabriske and J.G. Smith. When Calvary was in its 10th year of organization, the church helped to sponsor a band of Christians that became the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack. Following the death of Rev. Simmons in 1906, the church leadership carried on until Reverend Willis Young came to lead the young congregation.

Calvary Baptist Church has become one of the largest and most influential churches in the City of Paterson and the State of New Jersey.

(SOURCE: CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH)