Calvary Baptist Church (Spokane, Wash.)

Calvary Baptist Church in Spokane, founded on February 16, 1890, is the oldest black church in the state of Washington. The first edifice was located on the corner of Pines Street and Fourth Avenue, moved to 168 S. Howard St. in 1895, then to 426 E. Third Avenue in 1897, and finally to 213 E. Third Avenue in 1912. In 1948 a new parsonage was finished and dedicated. From 1890 to 1919 several pastors served Calvary. Then came a “dark” period when the church went for several years without a pastor. It was rejuvenated with the arrival of the Rev. Emmett B. Reed from Butte, Montana. He spearheaded a drive to build a new sanctuary for which ground was broken in 1927. Enduring the Great Depression, the church members managed to pay off a heavy debt. They celebrated by buying new pews for their church. The current pastor, the Rev. C. W. Andrews, first came to Calvary Baptist Church as its interim pastor in 1974. His 23rd anniversary as pastor was celebrated May 2-3, 1998.

From the guide to the Calvary Baptist Church (Spokane, Wash.) Records, 1898-2003, (Whitworth University Archives)

Calvary Baptist Church in Spokane, founded on February 16, 1890, is the oldest black church in the state of Washington. The first edifice was located on the corner of Pines Street and Fourth Avenue, moved to 168 S. Howard St. in 1895, then to 426 E. Third Avenue in 1897, and finally to 213 E. Third Avenue in 1912. In 1948 a new parsonage was finished and dedicated. From 1890 to 1919 several pastors served Calvary. Then cam a "dark" period when the church went for several years without a pastor. It was rejuvenated with the arrival of the Rev. Emmett B. Reed from Butte, Montana. He spearheaded a drive to build a new sanctuary for which ground was broken in 1927. Enduring the Great Depression, the church members managed to pay off a heavy debt. They celebrated by buying new pews for their church. The current pastor, the Rev. C. W. Andrews, first came to Calvary Baptist Church as its interim pastor in 1974. His 23rd anniversary as pastor was celebrated May 2-3, 1998.

From the description of Calvary Baptist Church (Spokane, Wash.) Records, 1898-2003. (Whitworth University). WorldCat record id: 70191171