Our History

Calvary Baptist Church has been faithfully serving the Norwalk, Ohio community since 1935. What began as a small group of believers meeting in a home has grown into a vibrant, multi-generational church family committed to God's Word.

Key Milestones in Our Journey

December 8, 1935

A Church Is Born

Approximately 20 people gathered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Hankins for the very first meeting, laying the foundation for what would become Calvary Baptist Church.

March 11, 1936

Officially Organized

The church was formally organized with 18 charter members under the name "Bible Truth Temple."

March 1, 1937

First Pastor Called

Rev. Homer K. Clouser was called as the first pastor of the church, providing pastoral leadership during these formative years.

March 31, 1937

A New Name

The congregation voted to rename the church from "Bible Truth Temple" to "Calvary Baptist Church," a name it has carried ever since.

October 11, 1939

A Permanent Home

The church purchased the property at 250 Benedict Avenue, the site of an old German Lutheran church, establishing a permanent home for the growing congregation.

January 21, 1940

Building Dedicated

The congregation dedicated the newly acquired building to the glory of God and the ministry of His Word.

October 1948

OARBC Membership

Calvary Baptist Church joined the Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches, connecting with like-minded churches across the state.

May 1949

GARBC Membership

The church joined the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC), affiliating with a national fellowship of independent Baptist churches.

November 17, 1963

Main Building Dedicated

A new main building was dedicated, providing expanded facilities to serve the growing congregation and community.

1972

South Wing Added

A south wing was added to the building, providing additional classroom and ministry space for the church's expanding programs.

1979

Pastor James McClain Begins Ministry

Pastor James McClain began his remarkable 42-year ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, faithfully shepherding the congregation through decades of growth and service.

2002

West Wing Added

The west wing was added to the church campus, further expanding the facilities to accommodate the church's ministries and fellowship needs.

2022

Pastor Andrew B. Johnston Begins Ministry

Pastor Andrew B. Johnston was called as the Lead Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, beginning a new chapter in the church's ongoing mission to glorify God and make disciples.

Pastors

Rev. Homer K. Clouse: 1937

Rev. Price A. Allen: 1938–1942

Rev Raymond Poludniak: 1943–1945

Rev E. F. Davidson: 1946–1947

Guest ministers: 1947–1949

Donald Beightol: 1949–1958

John Millheim: 1959–1963

David Lunny: 1964–1973

Norman McVeigh: 1974–1978

James McClain: 1979–2021

Andrew B. Johnston: 2022 to present

It is of note, that three of the children of the founding members grew up and went into missions: John Barre to Navajo Indians in New Mexico, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Wilkinson to Korea with Far East Broadcast, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Long (Betty Hankins) to Australia in church planting.