The History of Calvary Baptist Church

McMinnville, Tennessee

The history of Calvary Baptist Church started 50 years ago this year, 2022.

Pastor John Clontz began the church in 1972

Pastor and Mrs. Fittis with the congregation at the old church building on West End Avenue - Easter Sunday 2019

Pastor John Clontz

1972-2012

Calvary Baptist was organized by Pastor John Clontz and his family in 1972, and for 40 years he was faithful to his calling. He was still preaching and pastoring up into his nineties, even cutting the church grass at age 92. Many people were reached under Bro. John's ministry over the years. God led him to begin the Calvary Christian Academy at the church, which was instrumental in giving a Christian Education to scores of McMinnville children through the years. In 2015, pastor Clontz entered the Lord's presence at the age of 95.

Pastor Tom Fittis

2012-the present

In 2012, the congregation called Pastor Tom Fittis to be it's new pastor. Bro. Tom had been saved in Northern Ireland as a young man and came to Tennessee to study the Bible at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. After his bible training he, with his wife Leslie, returned to Northern Ireland as missionaries. After returning to the United States in 2005, Tom ministered at B.I.M.I. as director of enrichment, and also was pastor at Temple Baptist Church in McMinnville for six years. Both pastor and church are excited about what the future holds for Calvary as they embark on a new building program for the church on the new 19 acre property on Hwy 55.

Our New Property at 610 Myers Lane, McMinnville, Tennessee

In 2017, God provided 19 acres of beautiful wooded pasture land adjacent to Hwy 55 in McMinnville. Since then, we have prepared the site for the new buildings that are planned. Beginning with a workshop and large Pavilion. We are are excited to see what God will do in this place in the years to come.

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