Abbreviated History of Mt Calvary MB Church Tougaloo
In 1864, after prayerful consideration, a group of Mt. Helm Baptist Church members residing in North Jackson, wearied by walking and riding horses to attend worship, broke away to form a new church, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, whose initial location was a Brush Arbor on Ridgewood Road on the estate of the late Myles Homes, Sr, that was purchased for twenty five dollars an acre.
Later, another acre of land was purchased on Briarwood Drive, where a small wood framed church was built. Instructors from Tougaloo College attended church services and taught Sunday School, recognizing the need to teach our children reading and writing. As a result, grades 1-8 school was started in 1876. However, after complaints from white residents, an acre of land was purchased from Rev. Alexander Holmes, Sr and the church relocated closer to black residents in 1942.
In 1951, because of the expansion of the new Highway 55, the church was not able to remain on Briarwood, and the structure, not able to tolerate movement again, was torn down. A new white stone structure was built on two lots at the current site of Hillcrest and Bonita Streets under the chairmanship of Deacon Walter Blue, Sr. with Rev. Georgia Hines, Sr serving as the leader of Mt. Calvary during this transitional period.
A debt of eternal gratitude is due to New Hope AME Church on Vine Street in the Tougaloo Community, where worship services were conducted while the new structure was being built down the street.
In 1955, after many years of hard work and devoted services, the new structure on Hillcrest Street was completed and dedicated under the leadership of Rev.
E.C. Stinson, noted for his spiritual preaching and informal style of communicating with members. Under Rev. R.E. Willis, the role of the youth expanded. As Chaplain of the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield, Rev. Willis involved Mt. Calvary’s youth in the ministry and religious training there. As a teacher at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary, Rev. Jessie Redmond expanded the church’s Christian Education Ministry by improving Bible Study and utilizing deans from the Seminary to teach classes.
In 1989, under the leadership, committed service, and labor of Rev. Alexander Kirkwood, Sr., Mt. Calvary’s longest serving pastor of 32 years, The Educational Building was erected and dedicated. Following the retirement of Rev. Kirkwood, Rev. Jeffery Stegall was selected and served as pastor for 15 years. During his tenure, additions at the front of the church were completed, the church purchased additional properties to expand parking, and several ministries were added to equip the church for expanded service. On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Rev. Jefforey A. Stafford was selected as the 16th pastor of Mt. Calvary MBC Tougaloo. He has committed to leading the congregation in their stated vision of “Equipping the Saints for the work of the Ministry, Serving the Present Age, and Revealing the glory of the Lord that all flesh shall see it together” at the church where Love Abides and Christ is Edified.