How it all started...
Calvary Way Full Gospel Church History
It is important to recognize history. The best way to understand how much God has blessed is to look into the past. It clarifies where the church started and memorializes how much progress has been made through the years.
Calvary Way was founded by JG & Hazel Whitfield in 1983. The first service was in the Whitfield’s home. After a few weeks - services were moved to an old shoe store building in Brownsville. A few months later, the church would move to a space in the Singing News office building on Cervantes Street.
Initially, Calvary Way did not have a full-time pastor. The church would invite visiting speakers to preach on Sunday. Jim Diamond, longtime associate pastor at Calvary Way, spoke in one of those early services. God continued to bless, and the young church began to grow. Clyde Bowers became the first pastor.
In 1984 the church moved to a building on Johnson Ave. Everette Kelly served as the pastor. The church was growing and needed additional space. In 1986, the church’s current location was previously a Freewill Baptist church. The deacons of that church went to the Board of Calvary Way and offered to sell the property on Jones Street for $1. The Board of Calvary Way accepted the offer and the first services on Jones Street were held in November 1986.
In 1988, Sydney Paul Jones became the pastor. From 1983 – 1990 there were three (3) pastors: Clyde Bowers, Everette Kelly and Sydney Paul Jones. In 1990, Carl Shiver became pastor and served until 2020 – 30 years.
At the start there was only the core of the sanctuary and several small, detached buildings. The core of the sanctuary and the youth building are all that remain. Over the time of Brother Shiver’s service, three (3) major remodeling / construction projects were initiated. The fellowship hall was added; the front porch of the sanctuary was enclosed, and the Whitfield Center was constructed. Additional property was purchased – church property now extends down to Old Palafox and property across the street from the church.
Carl Shiver became Pastor Emeritus in 2020 and Malcolm Thomas became the 5th pastor in Calvary Way’s history.
Through all the years, God has been sufficient and has supplied every need.
The past is acknowledged but all remain confident that the best is yet to come!
Calvary Way was founded by JG & Hazel Whitfield in 1983. The first service was in the Whitfield’s home. After a few weeks - services were moved to an old shoe store building in Brownsville. A few months later, the church would move to a space in the Singing News office building on Cervantes Street.
Initially, Calvary Way did not have a full-time pastor. The church would invite visiting speakers to preach on Sunday. Jim Diamond, longtime associate pastor at Calvary Way, spoke in one of those early services. God continued to bless, and the young church began to grow. Clyde Bowers became the first pastor.
In 1984 the church moved to a building on Johnson Ave. Everette Kelly served as the pastor. The church was growing and needed additional space. In 1986, the church’s current location was previously a Freewill Baptist church. The deacons of that church went to the Board of Calvary Way and offered to sell the property on Jones Street for $1. The Board of Calvary Way accepted the offer and the first services on Jones Street were held in November 1986.
In 1988, Sydney Paul Jones became the pastor. From 1983 – 1990 there were three (3) pastors: Clyde Bowers, Everette Kelly and Sydney Paul Jones. In 1990, Carl Shiver became pastor and served until 2020 – 30 years.
At the start there was only the core of the sanctuary and several small, detached buildings. The core of the sanctuary and the youth building are all that remain. Over the time of Brother Shiver’s service, three (3) major remodeling / construction projects were initiated. The fellowship hall was added; the front porch of the sanctuary was enclosed, and the Whitfield Center was constructed. Additional property was purchased – church property now extends down to Old Palafox and property across the street from the church.
Carl Shiver became Pastor Emeritus in 2020 and Malcolm Thomas became the 5th pastor in Calvary Way’s history.
Through all the years, God has been sufficient and has supplied every need.
The past is acknowledged but all remain confident that the best is yet to come!
Expanding the vision...
Jesus declared that His house should be called a house of prayer. The 1st Wednesday night of each month the congregation gathers for a time of prayer. Prayers are offered for our community, our church and the world.
Where we are headed...
Calvary Way is prepared to answer the call of this hour. Teaching, baptizing, leading the way for the Kingdom of God.
