In 1879, fourteen years after our fathers were freed from slavery; GOD placed the idea of a church in Pricetown on the hearts and minds of a baptized group of believers led by Reverend Matthew Garner. With joined hands, made up minds, willing spirits dedicated hearts, a song on their lips with a strong determination to praise the Lord in Pricetown; they marched up the road from Second Independent Baptist Church Athens, KY. Meetings were held in homes and old school buildings until the property down the lane was purchased in 1891 and a small frame structure was built.

Reverend B.S. Rawlings was called in 1913. He served as pastor for nine months.

In 1914, Reverend William Alexander was sent to Mt. Calvary. He served for ten years. Under his leadership, the church down the lane erected and the first choir was organized.

In 1924, Reverend R.M. Thomas was sent to pastor and served for twenty-four years. During his pastorate, a choir room and pastor’s study was added. Due to failing health, Reverend Thomas retired in 1948 and was called home to glory in 1949.

Then GOD sent us Reverend Riley Clay Porter who served the Lord with us for twenty-seven years. Under his leadership, our basement, dining room outside baptistery and indoor bathrooms were added. Mt Calvary became the first rural church to have services every Sunday.

On Sunday, October 3, 1965, Mount Calvary burned to the ground. With tears in our eyes, heavy hearts and GOD on our side we began working to build a church. Church services were held at Douglas High School and Hawkins Funeral Home. In the spring of 1966, ground breaking was held for the current structure in which we still worship. This church building was built by the men of Mt. Calvary. The late Deacon Howard E. White, Sr. was the contractor. Those members that worked with him were Deacon Acie Price, Deacon George, Deacon Hugh G. Simpson, E. H. Simpson, Brother Harry C. Simpson, Sr., Deacon James R. White, Deacon Walker G. White Sr, and Deacon Walter B. Taylor, Sr., and Brother Leonard Wood. Mt Calvary is truly blessed by GOD with the labor of love of these men. This church building was completed in November of 1966. Reverend Porter resigned in May of 1975 and went home to glory on September 17, 1981.

In October of 1975, Reverend Charles A. Black was called to the pastorate and served until March 26, 1979. Under his pastorate, the church mortgage was burned and the bus ministry begun. The church pews were also padded.

From March 1979, the late Walter B. Taylor, Jr. served faithfully as interim pastor until December 1979.

In December 1979, our beloved pastor, Reverend Dr. Felix G. Williams III was sent by GOD to lead the people of Pricetown. Reverend Williams is Mount Calvary’s seventh pastor in 128 years. Reverend Dr. Williams is a

motivating leader with a vision to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. He is a dynamic preacher who sets our souls on fire as he breaks the word unto us each Sunday with passion & courage. (Continued on page 13)

Reverend Dr. Williams has organized numerous bible study groups. Under his leadership a new piano and organ was purchased, the pulpit has been widened, and new carpeting was installed. Many new members have been added to our congregation under Reverend Dr. Williams. Mt Calvary has grown numerically, spiritually and financially. The pastor’s office has been refurbished, the church office and the Howard E. White fellowship was completed. In 2007 Mt Calvary purchased 10.9 acres of land for a new worship center. This land was paid in full on November 9, 2009.

Currently, Reverend Dr. Williams is concentrating on his vision, from the Lord, of the construction of a larger worship facility, which is be located down the Todd’s Rd. Our prayers are to break ground within 5 years of the purchase of the new land.

We have been blessed with some of the most powerful dynamic sons to come forth and preach the gospel. For the past 131 years, Mount Calvary has also been blessed with spiritually minded officers and committed members providing love and fellowship to our leader. As we take a moment to reflect on how far GOD has brought us, we recognize it could only be the GOD who has brought us a mighty, mighty, mighty, long way.

We have truly come this far by faith, leaning and trusting on the LORD. And we shall continue worship, and give all the praise and honor to our Lord.