Calvary Baptist Church had its beginning in 1969. Rev. W. Kenneth Hamann and a small group of people met for worship in the Hamman's home in Center Junction. After a few meetings they rented the community room in Onslow for their services. The first service in Onslow was held June 8, 1969.
On July 23, 1970 two lots were purchased for construction of a future church facility. The site is directly across Third Street from the Onslow school. On Sunday, October 31, 1971, a ground breaking ceremony was held with the Rev. Hamann turning the first shovel of earth. It was not until June of the following year that digging of the basement began.
Contractors dug the basement and put up the shell of the building. Families of the church finished the inside of the building with the exception of the utility work.
Solid oak pews and a new piano were purchased in preparation for the first service in the new church, September 3, 1972, the Rev. Hamann serving as pastor.
In the fall of 1976 an addition to the front of the church was completed. This included a foyer and a second stairway leading to the basement area.
Through the years a number of furnishings have been added to the sanctuary and exterior of the church in memory of loved ones. These include a solid oak communion table (1975), a matching pulpit (1980), a Thomas electric organ (1982), a matching two-seat sedilia or clergy pew with cherry upholstered seat and back (1998), and a cross which was mounted on the front of the church (1998). The sanctuary and foyer were carpeted in a red wine carpet (1983). The men of the church sided the building with vinyl siding in 1985.
In 1973, a home was purchased by the church and remodeled for use as the first parsonage. It was remodeled again in 1997 and sold shortly thereafter. On March 11, 1997 a home at 106 Second Street was purchased for a new parsonage.
"To God Be The Glory" was the theme that rang throughout the Calvary Baptist Church as the 25th anniversary of the church was celebrated, June 25, 1995. Both former and present members of the congregation, friends, family members, and former pastors, wives and families came together for a time of praise, worship, celebration and challenge. All former pastors and the current one were present excepts for the Rev. Maurice Gamble who went to be with the Lord, September 11, 1978.
Among those present were the church"s organizer and first pastor, Rev. W. Kenneth Hamann and his wife, Jan. Also in attendance were pastors Rev. Frank Heubner and wife, Kris, Rev. Frederick C. W. Kieland and wife, Hazel. Each of these ministers, as did Rev. Hamann, spoke to the group of guests that day. Their wives entertained with moments of reminiscing. One sang a beautiful solo. A noon meal was served to accommodate each one. This was served between the morning and afternoon services.
The Pastor at this time, Rev. Frederick Kramer and his wife, Doris, were host and hostess for this special event.
Worship and prayer services as well as the Sunday School for all ages have always been a vital part of Calvary Baptist Church. One out growth of the Sunday School has been a very effective Vacation Bible School each summer. The past three years we have been privileged to have our school coordinated by Rev. Fred and Donna Aljets, Missionaries to Children. Our church also sponsors a Kids Klub which meets weekly as does an inspirational Ladies Bible Study.
We are a church that believes in missions and missionaries. Partial support is cheerfully and systematically given to current and retired missionaries.
The business of the church is managed wisely with annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and called meetings with the membership. Also, boards and committees are meeting regularly.
In the words of Rev. Chas. Heckert (a former pastor), "We want to reach out the gospel of Christ and teach and preach the word of God, so all feel welcome to come to know the Word of God and grow in the Lord."
Pastors that have served the church include the Reverends:
W. Kenneth Hamann, 1972-1973
Frederick C. W. Keil, 1974-1975
Maurice Gamble, 1975-1978
Frederick C. W. Keil, 1978-1980
Frank Heubner, 1980-1982
Frederick C. W. Keil, 1982-1983
Frederick Kramer, 1983-1996
Dean Hiner, 1996-1997
Charles Heckert, 1999-2000
Fred Aljets, 2001-2001
John McIntosh, 2001-
