{"id":3313,"date":"2026-07-29T15:33:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T19:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patersonhistory.com\/?page_id=3313"},"modified":"2026-07-29T15:35:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T19:35:15","slug":"calvary-baptist-church","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patersonhistory.com\/index.php\/calvary-baptist-church\/","title":{"rendered":"Calvary Baptist Church"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

575 E 18th St, Paterson<\/a><\/p>\n

Calvary Baptist Church is one of Paterson’s most historically significant African-American congregations. Founded in 1879<\/strong>, it is recognized as the oldest African-American Baptist church in Paterson<\/strong> and has been a center of worship, education, and community service for nearly 150 years.<\/p>\n

Early History<\/h3>\n

The church was organized in 1879<\/strong> by Rev. Owens L. Simmons<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In 1886<\/strong>, Calvary constructed its first church building on Lawrence Street<\/strong>, giving the growing congregation its first permanent home.<\/p>\n

The Present Church<\/h3>\n

Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Christian<\/strong>, the congregation purchased property at East 18th Street and 12th Avenue<\/strong> in 1919<\/strong>. The church has remained at this location ever since.<\/p>\n

Current address:<\/strong><\/p>\n