The Bradley-Pate Years

1938 – 1956

Rev. E. L. Bradley
1938 – 1945

Within six weeks of Rev. Sullivan's resignation, on February 15, 1938, Rev. E. L. Bradley began his ministry at Calvary.

During his ministry, while the nation was coming out of the Great Depression and into World War II, the church was greatly blessed by the lifting of a debt of $30,000 which was greatly facilitated by a gift from the George Penny Estate of $17,000. The elimination of this debt was a significant event in the life of our church. Reverend Bradley, who was an excellent organizer, resigned from the church February 15, 1945, to become Secretary of Promotion for the Baptist State Convention. He held this position until his death.

Rev. E. W. Pate
1945 – 1956

On May 1, 1945, E. W. Pate became the Pastor of our church. During this ten-year period, four men were ordained to the full gospel ministry, three were licensed to preach, and one served as a missionary. Ordained were: Arthur Glazier (June 1945), F. L. Kelly (August 3, 1947), E. T. Holden, Jr. (June 29, 1950), and H. L. Register (November 17, 1950). Licensed were G. W. Whitelock (July 4, 1945), later ordained in Lone Grove Church, Oklahoma; G. F. Dew; and Eugene Ensly. Mrs. Luther Morphis served as a missionary to Nigeria, Africa, for three years.

In April 1949, our church received a gift of Carolionic Bells, complete with tower system from Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Solomon which were dedicated to the memory of Mr. Holt Albright.

Mrs. J. A. McDougall and her son John presented our church with a beautiful set of silver offering plates in memory of Brother John A. McDougall, who for many years was a faithful Deacon in our Church. Two full-time churches grew out of our church during this period: Olivet Baptist Church and Pine View Baptist Church.

Groundbreaking Ceremony
Circa 1954

Changing conditions in the Northern part of the city prompted the church to vote, at an October 1948 conference, to sell the property at Fourth and Brunswick Streets and relocate. In February 1951, the present property on 23rd Street and Brandon Road was purchased for the sum of $4,700. A $75,000 contract for the construction was complete and we moved into the new building in 1955. Rev. Pate resigned on February 1, 1956.