The History of Mount Calvary AME Church

THE HISTORY OF MOUNT CALVARY AME CHURCH

Our Beginning

The founders of Mount Calvary AME Church in Hartsville, South Carolina, were formerly members of Centerville AME Church. After moving into the city, they found it difficult to continue attending Centerville because of limited transportation.

During the late 1890s, these dedicated members began holding worship services in their homes. Among the founders were George and Hattie Russell, Clara Ambrose, Alma Wingate, Eugenia Swinton, Edgar Sams, Aaron Wright, Mary Powell, and Delphia Chapman.

The founders attempted to purchase land in 1901 and again in 1907, but those efforts were unsuccessful. According to records from the Darlington County Courthouse, land was finally purchased in 1909.

After worshiping in different homes—and sometimes walking to Centerville—the members constructed a brush arbor on their newly purchased property. The arbor served as their place of worship for a time, with the Reverend T. C. McCray serving as pastor.

In 1911, the congregation built a church on Sixth Street between Jasper Avenue and Sumter Avenue. The Reverend Joshua Coe served as pastor.

Other pastors who served after Reverend Coe included Reverend Brown, Reverend James Davis, Reverend Ranson, Reverend Elisha Shuler, Reverend J. W. Lancretter, Reverend Walter, two Reverend Butlers—a father and son—Reverend John Judges, Reverend Robert McBride, Reverend Chislom, Reverend W. F. Gainey, Reverend James Alford, and Reverend Moses Simmons.

During the late 1950s, the congregation began discussing the construction of a new church. Bell Store contributed $25 during the Christmas season Reverend Moses Simmons called for a sacrificial rally during the Christmas Day service, which raised $68 and established the church’s building fund.

The members continued working and saving until they were able to purchase land for a new church. A different location was necessary because city building codes would not permit construction at the existing site.

In June 1966, the church purchased land in the 1100 block of South Sixth Street. Construction was completed in February 1968, and the first worship service was held on the fourth Sunday of that month. Reverend W. F. Gainey was serving his second term as pastor.

The dedication and cornerstone-laying services were held in May 1968, with Bishop William F. Bell presiding. Reverend J. E. Thomas served as Presiding Elder.

Additional land was purchased in April 1970, expanding the church’s parking area. Reverend Charles J. Graves was serving as pastor at the time.

On Sunday, February 26, 1978, Mount Calvary celebrated the tenth anniversary of its new church and held a mortgage-burning ceremony. Bishop Frank Madison Reid Jr. delivered the message. Reverend Graves encouraged the congregation to continue moving forward by constructing an educational annex.

Construction of the Educational Annex began in 1982 while Reverend Frank Alston Jr. was pastor. Bishop F. C. James dedicated the annex on Sunday, February 17, 1985. Reverend W. D. C. McClary served as Presiding Elder.

Upon the recommendation of Presiding Elder W. D. C. McClary and Bishop F. C. James, Mount Calvary became a station church on October 13, 1985. Reverend C. C. Moore became the church’s pastor.

The mortgage-burning celebration for the Educational Annex was held on Sunday, July 21, 1991. Bishop F. C. James was the presiding bishop, Reverend Levern Harry was Presiding Elder, and Reverend C. C. Moore was pastor.

Project 2000 and Church Improvements

Reverend William J. McNeil was appointed pastor in September 1991. Under his leadership, the congregation became deeply involved in community service and outreach.

Reverend McNeil also launched Project 2000 to support physical improvements to the church. New lighting fixtures were installed, and carpeting and padded seating were added to beautify the sanctuary.

In September 1997, Reverend William T. Peterson was appointed pastor. He remained committed to the church’s spiritual and physical growth, while encouraging greater involvement and participation among the youth.

Reverend Peterson continued Project 2000, with the paving of the parking lot as one of its major goals. The church’s Central Fund was also established during his time of service. Due to declining health, Reverend Peterson retired in 1999.

Reverend Willie Graves became pastor in September 1999. During his tenure, the parking lot was paved, a copier and computer/fax machine were purchased, and the church’s heating system was upgraded.

Reverend Graves also organized the Class Leaders Council, which contributed to the church’s spiritual development. During his tenure, Mount Calvary celebrated its 105th anniversary on Sunday, August 17, 2003.

In July 2004, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II became the newly appointed Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bishop Williams introduced his ministry motto: “Christian education is that ministry which undergirds all other ministries of the church.” He set out to visit most of the churches within the district and visited Mount Calvary during Vacation Bible School in June 2005.

In September 2005, Reverend E. Robert Thomas became pastor of Mount Calvary AME Church. He concentrated on building relationships with church members and the greater Hartsville community.

Under Reverend Thomas’s leadership, the church continued strengthening its spiritual growth, intergenerational ministry, and community outreach through ecumenical activities, educational events, and community-awareness programs. As Mount Calvary entered a new season of spiritual growth, Reverend Thomas continually reminded the congregation that “Ministry Matters.”

In September 2011, Reverend John C. Smalls became pastor of Mount Calvary AME Church. Reverend Smalls continued encouraging spiritual development and building relationships with church members and the Hartsville community.

In March 2012, Reverend Dr. Sherry Highbaugh became the first female pastor in the history of Mount Calvary AME Church.

Dr. Highbaugh’s mission was to embrace and strengthen a spiritual community united in serving the Sovereign Lord through worship, fellowship, evangelism, education, and mission service—all while leading with a servant’s heart.

In September 2012, Bishop Richard Franklin Norris became the newly appointed Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

God has certainly brought Mount Calvary AME Church a mighty long way. We give God all the praise for the great things He has done and look forward with faith to all that He will continue to do through this historic congregation.