Calvary Baptist Church is one of Paterson’s most historically significant African-American congregations. Founded in 1879, it is recognized as the oldest African-American Baptist church in Paterson and has been a center of worship, education, and community service for nearly 150 years.
Early History
The church was organized in 1879 by Rev. Owens L. Simmons, who came to Paterson specifically to establish a Baptist congregation for the city’s African-American residents during the post-Reconstruction era. The first members met in private homes before renting worship space for $6 per month.
In 1886, Calvary constructed its first church building on Lawrence Street, giving the growing congregation its first permanent home.
The Present Church
Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Christian, the congregation purchased property at East 18th Street and 12th Avenue in 1919. The church has remained at this location ever since.
Current address:
- 575 East 18th Street
- Paterson, New Jersey 07514 Calvary Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe
Perhaps the church’s best-known pastor was Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe, who served for 44 years. During his pastorate, Calvary became one of Paterson’s leading religious and civic institutions, expanding both its membership and community influence.
Community Service
Calvary has long emphasized serving the wider community in addition to worship. Its ministries have included:
- Preschool education
- Community health programs
- Foster care services
- Youth mentoring
- Day care
- Vacation Bible School
- Entrepreneurship programs
- International relief efforts
Since 1972, the affiliated Calvary Baptist Community Center has provided educational and social-service programs for Paterson and Passaic County residents.
Today
The church continues to worship under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Randall M. Lassiter and remains active in worship, education, outreach, and community development. In 2026, the congregation celebrated its 147th anniversary, marking nearly a century and a half of continuous ministry in Paterson.
s one of Paterson’s most historically significant African-American congregations. Founded in 1879, it is recognized as the oldest African-American Baptist church in Paterson and has been a center of worship, education, and community service for nearly 150 years.
Early History
The church was organized in 1879 by Rev. Owens L. Simmons, who came to Paterson specifically to establish a Baptist congregation for the city’s African-American residents during the post-Reconstruction era. The first members met in private homes before renting worship space for $6 per month.
In 1886, Calvary constructed its first church building on Lawrence Street, giving the growing congregation its first permanent home.
The Present Church
Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Christian, the congregation purchased property at East 18th Street and 12th Avenue in 1919. The church has remained at this location ever since.
Current address:
- 575 East 18th Street
- Paterson, New Jersey 07514 Calvary Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe
Perhaps the church’s best-known pastor was Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe, who served for 44 years. During his pastorate, Calvary became one of Paterson’s leading religious and civic institutions, expanding both its membership and community influence.
Community Service
Calvary has long emphasized serving the wider community in addition to worship. Its ministries have included:
- Preschool education
- Community health programs
- Foster care services
- Youth mentoring
- Day care
- Vacation Bible School
- Entrepreneurship programs
- International relief efforts
Since 1972, the affiliated Calvary Baptist Community Center has provided educational and social-service programs for Paterson and Passaic County residents.
Today
The church continues to worship under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Randall M. Lassiter and remains active in worship, education, outreach, and community development. In 2026, the congregation celebrated its 147th anniversary, marking nearly a century and a half of continuous ministry in Paterson.
is one of Paterson’s most historically significant African-American congregations. Founded in 1879, it is recognized as the oldest African-American Baptist church in Paterson and has been a center of worship, education, and community service for nearly 150 years.
Early History
The church was organized in 1879 by Rev. Owens L. Simmons, who came to Paterson specifically to establish a Baptist congregation for the city’s African-American residents during the post-Reconstruction era. The first members met in private homes before renting worship space for $6 per month.
In 1886, Calvary constructed its first church building on Lawrence Street, giving the growing congregation its first permanent home.
The Present Church
Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Christian, the congregation purchased property at East 18th Street and 12th Avenue in 1919. The church has remained at this location ever since.
Current address:
- 575 East 18th Street
- Paterson, New Jersey 07514 Calvary Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe
Perhaps the church’s best-known pastor was Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe, who served for 44 years. During his pastorate, Calvary became one of Paterson’s leading religious and civic institutions, expanding both its membership and community influence.
Community Service
Calvary has long emphasized serving the wider community in addition to worship. Its ministries have included:
- Preschool education
- Community health programs
- Foster care services
- Youth mentoring
- Day care
- Vacation Bible School
- Entrepreneurship programs
- International relief efforts
Since 1972, the affiliated Calvary Baptist Community Center has provided educational and social-service programs for Paterson and Passaic County residents.
Today
The church continues to worship under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Randall M. Lassiter and remains active in worship, education, outreach, and community development. In 2026, the congregation celebrated its 147th anniversary, marking nearly a century and a half of continuous ministry in Paterson.