Calvary Celebrates 100 year Anniversary of Church Building

Original Design of the church

PROVIDENCE, RI – Calvary Baptist Church will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of its historic building on Sunday, February 11 at 10:00 a.m.  The guest preacher will be the Rev. John E. Holt, executive director of the Rhode Island Red Cross.  Special Music will be provided by the musical group, Ekklesia.  A member of the group, Cheryl Albright, will be singing a solo.  Following the service, there will be a pot luck luncheon in the Dining Room.  Everyone is invited. 

Postcard of the church -- 1907

The church is on the National Register of Historic Places as the finest auditorium style church in Rhode Island.  It was built from 1905-1907 to house an Institute to serve the community with a gymnasium, drill room, library and classrooms.  The building continues to be a center for the community through South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, which occupies the lower level, and provides food, fuel, youth programs, ESL classes, health education and fitness classes. A sister church, Iglesia Bautista Hispana also shares the building.

The congregation is in the midst of restoring the church.  Last year over $700,000 was expended on a new slate roof, other outside repairs and the restoration of three stained glass windows. Additional funds are being sought to continue restoring this beautiful building to its former glory.