Just before the turn of the century, Black citizens of San Diego were said to number 289. There were several business proprietors among them, and one name we know even today was that of Edward Anderson, who operated a laundry service, a hog farm in Coronado, a garbage collection service and the mortuary we know today as Ragsdale's which was originally Anderson-Ragsdale.

By 1900, 24 Black families within the city, and seven in outlying areas actually owned their own homes, mostly of their own construction.

In San Diego, as in many other areas of the United States, the church was the basic social institution of the Black community. Very few Blacks attended white churches, so Black churches sprang up at an early stage in the development of the community.

The earliest church meetings were held in private residences, and two churches formally constituted themselves on this basis, just before 1900. They were the Bethel A.M.E. church and our church, which was customarily listed in the local directories of that day as the "Second Baptist Church (colored)". The term "Second" Baptist was used because another Baptist church has preceded us - the First Baptist Church which we know at 10th and E Streets. Our church settled at a permanent location at First and B Streets, on what was then the north edge of the business district, shortly after 1900.

Of course, "permanent" is not forever. There were to be other locations for this church, and they will be covered in history segments as we continue our anniversary celebrations. Name changes will also occur.

Information from the San Diego Historical Society indicates that the average Sunday School attendance at the Second Baptist Church was 53, and that the usual organizational pattern was followed - that is, a visiting minister would organize the church, then the duties of the preacher were handled either by a succession of itinerant pastors of the leading male members of the congregation.

Listed as one of the earliest permanent pastors is a Rev. G. W. Brown. It is interesting to note that, as an example of the role the Black citizenry played in the life of the city of San Diego at that time, this Rev. Brown presented the visiting U.S. President Benjamin Harrison with an artistically designed red, blue and gold printed folio as a souvenir on behalf of the city's Black community.  [back to top]

Years: 1910 - 1919

During this decade, San Diego was considered a "growing" city, and we are proud to say that Calvary was already established as a strong witness for Christ, and was about the Master's business, ministering to the spiritual needs of the community.

To offer a point of comparison with today, a five-room house could be purchased, at that time, for the sum of $1,500.00. That was with a down payment of $26.00 and mortgage payments of $26.00 per month.

Some of our city's landmarks were erected during this time. The U.S. Grant Hotel, on the corner of Third and Broadway, and the memorable fountain in Horton Plaza were built in 1910. What we now call the "old post office" and the Customs Building on lower "F" Street were built in 1913.

The Panama-California Exposition was planned to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held on July 19, 1915. A fact that was worthy of note in the Historical Society's records was that one of the dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony nearly stole the show with his Flanders Touring car (that was yesterday's convertible) - for which he had paid the unbelievable sum of $1,000.00!

Calvary's small membership was struggling for survival during these days. With only a limited number of Black citizens in the entire city; with most of those citizens able to command only low-paying, menial employment; with acceptance into the mainstream of society just about as distant a dream in San Diego as it was in the very heart of the Southland - still these stalwart pioneers found the strength to hold on, to keep their church family together, and, little by little, to watch it grow and form the foundation on which we have built.

Much of the history of our church is lost to us in detail, for records either simply were not kept, or they have been lost to us. We have only a list of pastors' names to mark the leadership that was responsible for the church in those days - names such as the Revs. Smith, Langley, Sykes, Brown, Klesby, Cable, Mitchell and Jackson.

While we cannot point to specific dates and activities, we know that we are the heirs of all that was done then, and we do thank God for every struggle, every prayer, every offering that was given to bring us through the years to this very day. [back to top]

Years: 1920 - 1929

Thus far in our brief historical reviews, we have covered the years 1900 through 1919. In attempting to relate to life in general in San Diego, during those years, we have used real estate values as a yardstick. In 1919, we reported that a 5-room house could be purchased for $1,500.00. By the 1920's, the economy had changed considerably. A slightly larger house - 7 rooms - would now cost $5,800.00. San Diego was growing up!

Riding the rollercoaster at Mission Beach cost 5 cent per ride! Belmont Park had it's opening during this decade, in 1925.

In 1926, John D. Spreckels, of the Spreckels Theatre at Second and Broadway, proposed building a bridge to connect San Diego to Coronado, but the voters rejected the idea. 43 years later, that bridge would be built, and right in the Calvary backyard!

In our first anniversary service in February, we honored members who had reached 80 years of age or more. Among them were Sisters Sylura Barron and Luella Roberts Sims. Both of these ladies united with this church in this period between 1920 and 1929.

In 1926, an absolutely amazing thing occurred! A small Black congregation housed in the heart of downtown San Diego where Golden Hall is now located, decided to move, and dared to think that they could build a most adequate church plant, all on their own. The result of this kind of thinking was the erection of a beautiful, modern, conveniently-appointed building on the corner of Crosby and Julian Streets. This was done under the leadership of Rev. J.H. Thomas.

Can you imagine the courage and sacrifice it took - the pride it instilled - and the asset to the community this building represented, 'way back in 1926!

With the change in location came the need for a change of name. The name that means so much to us today - "CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH" - was proposed by Bro. Clay Robinson and accepted by the membership. His wife, Bertha Robinson, and her sister, Mrs. A.T. Brown, lived to see the erection of our current auditorium, and worshipped here with us until their Homegoing. We will forever be indebted to Bro. Clay Robinson. Seventy-one years later, the original building still stands and serves. It was our "main auditorium" for 33 years. Now it is called our "Chapel", and we continue to use its facilities on a regular basis. It was the foundation for everything that has been built and added to Calvary. We would not be what we are, nor have what we have, had it not been for this monumental undertaking, so long ago.  [back to top]

Years: 1930 - 1939

During this decade, San Diego was like a sleeping giant just beginning to stir a bit, in this comfortable little retirement environment. Although San Diego was a Navy town, the political events that were heating up in Europe had not really had an effect here, as yet.

One of the highlights that occurred mid-decade has lasted, in part, until today. Many of the beautiful buildings being used in Balboa Park now were built specifically for the 1935 California-Pan Pacific Exposition. Among the many exciting exhibits and performances during the run of the Exposition, you will find the names of some Calvary-ites listed as part of the choral group that gave regular performances. The group was called the San Diego Booster Club, and included such names as Bruce and Mayola Curl, and Clay Robinson (the originator of the name "Calvary Baptist Church").

In churches, major changes were underway. A new sound was being heard. A Black composer Thomas A. Dorsey, had written a song called "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", and stated a trend called "gospel music". There were very strong reactions to this new type of music in churches all over the country. Some thought it was about time we had something new, while others felt it was entirely too jazzy. Fortunately, by now, the issue has been somewhat resolved, and gospel songs are now considered a regular part of worship in most churches.

Calvary, in particular, was also undergoing some changes. Rev. J. Harrold Brown, after serving as our pastor for approximately ten years, organized the Trinity Baptist Church, which is still located in the 3100 block of Ocean View Boulevard.

In 1938, a young minister from Chicago was visiting in San Diego, and agreed to fill our pulpit for 60 days. At the end of those two months, the Rev. John L. Branham accepted his first ministerial assignment and became the pastor of Calvary on the fourth Sunday in October, 1938.

Rev. Branham served until 1941, when he was called to the St. Paul Baptist Church in Los Angeles. He went on to become nationally known when he and what was billed as "his great big family" broadcast their "Echoes of Eden" radio program on Sunday nights.

Neither Calvary nor Rev. Branham ever forgot the original ties that bound them together. [back to top]

Years: 1940 - 1949

We use real estate and automobile values as a gauge of San Diego's changing economy. Had you needed transportation in the 40s, a brand new four-door Chevrolet could be had for just under $1,000.00. At the same time, there was a house in the Mission Hills area, listed as "three bedrooms, two baths", that sold for $5,250.00, with a down payment of $750.00. In the 80's, that same house would command $252,000.00!

San Diego may have seemed quiet, and even a little slow, during the 30s, but the 40s would usher in dramatic events that would have lifelong effects on the city and its inhabitants. World history was changed on December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The distressing news came by word-of-mouth to Calvary just at the close of the Sunday School hour, and hearts were immediately made heavy, for there were Calvary-ites in the military, stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Calvary served through the year 1941 with the Rev. W. L. Harris as pastor. It was under his leadership that our first Deaconess Board was formed.

Rev. N. E. "Son" Taylor, of Beaumont, Texas, was called as Pastor in 1942. A stroll down the Memory Lane of the administration of this singing preacher recalls:

As the war effort grew, Calvary witnessed a tremendous surge in membership, as people from many states came to make San Diego their home, and chose Calvary as their place of worship.

All the existing church auxiliaries grew, and a Gospel Chorus was formed, under the direction of Bro. E. W. Brooks, with Mrs. Juanita Pryor at the piano and Miss Jean Wesson on the organ.

Calvary reached new heights - spiritually, financially and physically, and would continue to prosper and to serve, through the remainder of this decade. [back to top]

Years: 1950 - 1959

This decade began the greatest continuous upward movement in the entire history of our church.

The primary, outstanding reason for this progress is that in August, 1952, the Rev. S. M. Lockridge, then pastoring in Dallas, Texas, accepted our call.

He brought controlled friendliness, firm leadership and dignity to the pulpit. In his quiet, deliberate way, he began to effect changes - small, at first, and then greater and greater in scope.

Inasmuch as the President of the California Baptist State Convention, Dr. B. O. Byrd, was Rev. Lockridge's former pastor in Texas, an immediate tie was formed with Dr. Byrd's current church, New Hope Baptist, in Los Angeles. Dr. Byrd and New Hope were the invited guests for the pastor's installation services, which were held in November, 1952.

In a short time, a choir of young adults, called the Vesper Choir, was formed. This choir and the already-functioning Gospel Chorus and Senior Choir began singing together on special occasions, and formed the nucleus of what would later become the Sanctuary Choir.

On March 24, 1956, ground was broken for the erection of a new sanctuary - a plan that had been on the drawing board for some time. It was a history-making undertaking, for it was done on a "pay-as-you-go" plan, which was unheard of among most church congregations. For three years, the men of Calvary, and their multi-racial friends in the construction business, donated their labor, with a minimum of paid supervision. Saturdays became occasions of great fellowship, when the ladies of the various auxiliaries provided hot meals for whomever was working on the grounds that day.

Corner-stone laying services were held on January 25, 1959, with Dr. B. O. Byrd, of Los Angeles, in charge.

"Through many dangers, toils and snares," the work continued to its ultimate conclusion in March, 1959, when the completed Sanctuary was formally dedicated. At that point, the costs of construction were totally paid, and the building itself was debt-free. Because of this, as well as its attractive physical appointments, Calvary became a model for other churches. Dr. C. D. Pettaway, President of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., was our special guest on Dedication Day.

In keeping with the Great Commission to "Go!", Rev. Lockridge was becoming well known as an evangelist. In 1955, he accepted his first invitation from the Southern Baptist denomination, to be the guest speaker at their conference in Glorietta, New Mexico. While Calvary was appropriately proud of this honor, no one, including Rev. Lockridge, had the least vision of where this association with the Southern Baptist would lead. As things turned out, it lead, quite literally, around the world.

In addition to being recognized as a pastor / preacher / evangelist, Rev. Lockridge's administrative abilities were also noted. The 50s made his election to the following positions:

While election to these positions was a personal achievement for Rev. Lockridge, it was also an indication of the kind of leadership God had sent the Calvary Baptist Church.

Basking in the reflected glow of our leader, Calvary worked, and grew, and flourished - as a local church, as well as in its denominational work on the District, State and National levels. Workers in Calvary held responsible positions on all levels of convention work.

There was also much physical growth and activity during the 50's.

In 1953, we purchased a parsonage, located on San Miguel Avenue in Southeast San Diego. We also began to acquire property adjoining me church, for future parking lots. In 1954, we remodeled and renovated the current church auditorium. We purchased more than 100 choir robes for our various choirs. We remodeled the parsonage, including the addition of a patio.

In 1956, we purchased the property east of the Sanctuary, on the corner of Dewey and Julian. As mentioned earlier, tire three separate choirs were combined into the "Sanctuary" choir. They began receiving invitations from a cross-section of religious life. One of the earliest was to sing for the noted author-lecturer, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. When the Council of Churches convened in Balboa Park, they requested the music of the Sanctuary Choir. One of the most memorable invitations was to provide the music when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at the United States International University. [back to top]

Years: 1960 - 1969

The 60s found us worshipping in our newly completed sanctuary and ready to move forward.

However, in the nation around us, things were being shaken up. We saw John F. Kennedy elected as President of the United States, and, as frequently happens, he promised us the moon. In this case, it seemed to come true, although we would have to wait ten years before we actually put a "Man On the Moon".

We began to hear Black voices raised as never before. New faces and names became familiar - Shirley Chisholm, Carl Rowan, and Julian Bond, the first Black to ever have his name placed in nomination for the presidency - even though he was too young to be elected, at the time!

Cities like Detroit, Newark and Watts, unfortunately, and destructively, became news headlines. Phrases like "Keep the Faith,", "Black is Beautiful, " and "We Shall Overcome" were on everyone's lips. Perhaps some of the saddest news ever published occurred in the 60s, with the assassinations that followed each other in such unbelievably rapid succession - John Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.

In San Diego, however, growth was evident. New high rise buildings changed our skyline. While we had enjoyed the Plaza Shopping Center in National City during the 50s, we now had College Grove, Mission Valley and Grossmont Center as newer, more modern places to spend our hard-earned money. Harbor Island was created. Lindbergh Field was replaced by a new airport terminal. The city was on the move!

And so was Calvary! Erecting a beautiful auditorium, with its office and classroom wing, was an end unto itself. The very fact that we could now accommodate more worshipers meant that we would have to provide some place for them to park. The 60s saw the acquisition of several small courts, just Fast of the new sanctuary. That property is now one of our parking lots. The property on the Southwest corner of Crosby and Julian was also purchased, and today it is another of our eight parking lots.

The three musical groups - the Senior Choir, the Gospel Chorus and the Vesper Choir - were combined into one, called the Sanctuary Choir, and began to function as they do until this very day, offering music for the worship service every Sunday morning. A new Youth Choir was formed, and Jeanette Rogers, Olga Sharp and Jean Wesson all worked in that area, until they were succeeded by Wendell and Cassie Hall. The names of those who worked with the Sanctuary Choir in the 60s include some who are no longer with us, but who will never be forgotten - Betty Jo Burnett Ford, Juanita Pryor and E. W. Brooks! Also, working in the 60s were Jean Wesson, Olga Shaw and DeVonne Morris. This choir's music was heard on each of the three occasions when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared at Calvary. Within the church, two smaller musical groups were originated. The "Cavaliers" featured Gloria Hullaby, Gwen Johnson Allen, Beverly Johnson Lathan, Estella Flakes Snowden and Charles Ray Warren. Then there were the "Cavalettes", who names were Diana Beene Jones, Tyrone Beene, Barbara Hardy Diamond, Norma Rowson, DeLois Kilpatrick, and Irma Spikes. Music was simply pouring out of Calvary.

We watched, with great pride, as our Pastor, Rev. S. M. Lockridge, became more and more in demand. This increasing demand brought about his first trip overseas - to Rhodesia - sponsored by the Southern Baptists, and more invitations than he could accept for speaking engagements and revivals from the National Baptists.

This was a proud decade for Calvary. [back to top]

Years: 1970 - 1993

During 1970 through 1993, there was much physical growth at Calvary. The house on the Northwest corner of Crosby and Julian, and the small store beside it, became our Nursery and Primary departments, so that our children could be more comfortably taught during the Sunday School hours, and in close vicinity of the main sanctuary.

Calvary's facilities have afforded us the opportunity to host many local, state, and National meetings, and to totally contain many of then right on our premises.

During the 1970's and 1980's, the recognition of Rev. Lockridge grew to world-wide proportions. He first visited Vietnam in 1970, the Holy Land and Germany in 1971, and such countries as Saigon, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Malaysia, Switzerland and others for a total of 44 foreign countries. The very fact that the list of invitations kept growing was an indication of the effectiveness of Rev. Lockridge's evangelistic efforts.

The Calvary family was saddened when Rev. Lockridge suffered a severe illness and later retired as the Pastor of Calvary. But, in 1994, God brought to the Calvary family a young, dynamic Man of God, the Rev. W. James Smith, who picked up the torch and carries it still. [back to top]

Years: 1994 - Present

The installation of Rev. W. James Smith as the fifteenth pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church has brought many innovative, pioneering and visionary changes to the spiritual and physical life of this church.

A welcomed addition to the General Worship Ministry is the implementation of the Early Morning Worship Service held at 7:45 a.m. each Sunday where there is powerful preaching, praiseful singing, praying hearts and the implementation of the Fall and Spring Revivals.

The Bible Study and Educational Ministries have been blessed with the origination of the annual Winter Bible Study held in January, the issuance of training awards, the initiation of Leadership Training classes with many Leadership Training awards issued to date, the institution of the weekly Wednesday night bible study, and the participation of the membership at the annual "Black Leadership" Conference in Glorietta, NM and Ridgecrest, NC.

To complement the Bible Study and Educational Ministries, the Music Ministry has been enhanced by the appointment of a new Minister of Music, Sister Rose Buchanan, the addition of several musical elements including the introduction of a synthesizer into the worship service, the founding of the 7:45 a.m. choir –The Inspirational Voices of Calvary, the W.J.S. Communion Ensemble, Men After Christ (Male Chorus) and the Calvary Women’s Chorus, the founding of the Calvary Dance Commission and the implementation of quarterly Praise and Worship seminars.

Highlights of the Multimedia Ministry include the construction of a new sound room in the Sanctuary, the funding of new recording and duplication equipment by the church and the integration of computers into this ministry.

Camaraderie and Christian brotherhood have escalated through the sponsoring of Fellowship and Worship Ministry activities such as the institution of African Attire Day in February, the implementation of African American Heritage Day and the initiation of an annual Men’s Retreat.

The Outreach Ministries have flourished through the initiation of a formal Sunday School outreach program, the introduction of a semi-annual Sunday School workers weekend through fellowship with other churches with growing Sunday School Ministries, the founding of the New Member Follow-up Committee, the announcement and licensing of five new ministers who have been called to preach the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, the ordination of 11 new deacons, the addition of hundreds of members to the Calvary membership with many having been saved and baptized.

Evidence of his vision for the Administration Ministry can be seen in the establishment of a Church Council, the introduction of computers for the office and counting staff, the initiation of quarterly financial statements for each member as a result of the implementation of the computers, the addition of a monthly newsletter - The Communicator, the production of a church calendar, the establishment of the Community Preparatory School on campus with the vision for a Calvary secondary school in 1998, the organization of the Sons of Calvary and the Prayer Band, the appointment of women on the Trustee Board and the Finance Committee and the founding of the Stewardship Committee which places a renewed emphasis on stewardship with the goal of Calvary becoming a fully tithing church.

The physical plant has also undergone improvements with the installation of a new church marquee, the purchase of new church office furniture, the application of fresh paint for the front doors and Sanctuary, dedication of the Fellowship Hall in the name of Brother Paul McKee and the implementation of semi-annual Church Beautification Days. [back to top]