~Our Church History~
The Greater Calvary Baptist Church was organized on July 8, 1928, at the home of Bro. Gary Palmer, a licensed preacher, who was later ordained in October 1928 as pastor. Kachiem, President of the Homestead Development Company of Philadelphia, and the members were able to construct a church building. In July 1932, they moved into their new edifice. Palmer served the Calvary B
aptist Church for 27 faithful years. When he retired, Rev. Myers became Pastor and served from 1955-1956. Henderson then served as acting Pastor until July, 1957 when the Rev. Kelley was called. Under his leadership on August 23, 1959, the ground breaking ceremony was held for the current edifice. The foundation poured in October, 1959. The name was later changed from Calvary Baptist Church to the Greater Calvary Baptist Church on or about September, 1973. Kelley resigned the pastor-ship in 1976 due to failing health. On August 20, 1977, The Rev. Ernest Mitchell, Jr. was called to pastor until 1982. On October 2, 1983, Rev. Wesley was called to pastor and served until 1987. May of 1988, Rev. Dr. Rudolph Johnson assumed the pastor-ship. On February 3, 2018, Pastor Johnson announced that his retirement date would begin on May 30, 2018 due to his failing health issues. However, God saw it differently and took Pastor Johnson home on Monday, March 12, 2018. The Church flourished under Rev. Johnson’s leadership for over 30 faithful years. On Friday, April 5, 2019, Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Sr., one of the Sons of Greater Calvary, was chosen as the best to carry on the work of Our Lord, Our church and serve Our West Atco Community. On Sunday, April 14, 2019, Dr. Bryant Sr. gave his first sermon as pastor of Greater Calvary Baptist Church with installation service on May 18, 2019. Dr. Bryant has served in many ministries in Greater Calvary; Chairmen of Deacons Ministry, Chairmen of Trustee Ministry, Pastor’s Aide, Sunday School Superintendent, Men’s Choir and Bus driver. On September 3, 1989, Dr. Bryant preached his initial sermon at Greater Calvary Baptist Church, becoming the first son of the church under Dr. Rudolph Johnson. God has continued to bless Dr. Bryant and has brought him full circle in ministry by bringing him home as the Pastor. After much Seminary and Ministry Training, Dr. Bryant has served as the Superintendent of Camden County Church School and Bible Training Unit Congress (“BTU”); President of the Bethany Congress of Christian Education; President of the Congress of Christian Education General Baptist Convention of New Jersey; President of the Deans and Presidents Alumni National Baptist Convention USA Inc. With advanced training in leadership classes, he then became a Certified Dean of Christian Education. Dr. Bryant has many positive plans for Greater Calvary and Our West Atco Community. To God Be The Glory For The Great Things He Has Done!
