Calvary Baptist ChurchA church family in Statham, Georgia
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Our history

Generations of faithfulness.

We’re grateful for the heritage the Lord has given Calvary and look forward to serving Him in the years ahead.

The historic Calvary church building

  1. 1889–1914

    Our beginnings

    The church began as Philadelphia Christian Church in 1889. In 1914, it became Mt. Tabor Baptist Church and moved to the location that became Calvary’s home.

  2. 1942

    Calvary is organized

    After Rev. Ralph J. Bowles led a summer revival in the empty church building, Calvary Baptist Church was organized on August 16, 1942. Rev. Bowles became its first pastor, serving until 1944.

    Pastors who served in the early years

    Rev. P. B. Cash served from 1944–1952; Rev. Paul Freeman, 1952–1963; Rev. Bunyan Taylor, 1963–1965; and Rev. Paul Freeman again, 1965–1968. Rev. Carl Ferguson followed, then Rev. David Ash served from 1969–1973.

  3. 1973–2021

    A season of growth

    Rev. Ronald Healan was called as pastor on May 30, 1973. Under his ministry, Calvary became an Independent Baptist church and grew in body and spirit.

    The congregation moved into its new facility on September 21, 2008. Dr. Healan served faithfully until his death in February 2021.

  4. 2021 onward

    Continuing the ministry

    On April 11, 2021, longtime Minister of Music Matt Dibler became Calvary’s pastor. He guided the congregation through the loss of Dr. Healan and the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing the church’s ministry in Statham.