Mount Calvary Baptist Church Is Celebrating Its 124th Anniversary

“As we celebrate 124 years, we recognize that every season of growth in Mount Calvary’s history came when the church aligned itself with god’s purpose and the needs of the community,” said Pastor Branden A. Jones.

Jones, Mount Calvary’s Senior Pastor since 2021, points out: “When a church aligns spiritually, advancement follows – not only within the walls of the church but throughout the entire community.”

Unequivocally, God has blessed Mount Calvary Baptist in that today it’s truly a historical landmark. The church was founded on the fourth Sunday of May 1902, a time when Pompano wasn’t developed but local farmers continued to grow more and more pineapples.

Astonishingly, Mount Calvary Baptist was established six years before the City of Pompano Beach incorporated, when worshippers met east of the Florida East Coast Railway at a brush harbor. Reverend Brown was their first pastor and served the church until 1904.

A few years later, the house of worship moved across the street to a frame house on Northwest Third Avenue, now named Esther Rolle Avenue. On May 5th, 1957, Mount Calvary members marched to the church’s present site at 800 Northwest Eighth Avenue.

As for this year’s anniversary celebration, it will be a three-day event. On Friday, May 22nd, 2026 starting at 6:00 p.m., the church will host “Game Night.” On Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, Mount Calvary will have “Fellowship Saturday” when the congregation and the community will indulge in fun, food, and fellowship. On Sunday, May 24th, 2026, Sunday morning, the church’s worship service will begin at 11:00 a.m. where members will pray, sing songs of praises, and there will be the giving of church offerings.

Additionally, during the worship service, Mount Calvary will be inducting one or two families and one or two individuals into its “Hall of Fame.” These are families and individuals who have helped Mount Calvary to become the church it is today.

This year the keynote speaker will be Reverend Wayne Lomax, Founder and Former Senior Pastor of the Fountain of New Life Church in Miami Gardens. After the service, dinner will be served.

The church expects approximately 250 to 300 people to attend the affair. Those invited include: former Mount Calvary Pastor Anthony Burrell, Broward County Mayor Mark D. Bogen, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Harden, and Pastor Jones mentioned that what makes Mount Calvary’s history so remarkable is the impact it has had beyond the sanctuary. “As the oldest African-American church in Pompano Beach, over the years, Mount Calvary has been home to many leaders, pioneers, and dignitaries who have made meaningful contributions to the city.”

He adds, “Mount Calvary has never only been about worship; it has always been about leadership, service, and empowering people to make a difference.”

And regarding Mount Calvary’s partnership with the community today, the church’s relationship with the community is rooted in service.

“That means mentoring young people, supporting families, and partnering with organizations that help strengthen the community,” Jones said.

Looking towards the future, Reverend Jones’ “missionary-focused” vision for Mount Calvary is to continue strengthening its spiritual foundation while expanding programs that uplift both the church and the community.

“I would like to see continued growth in areas such as youth mentorship, leadership development, family support initiatives, and outreach programs.”

And according to Jones, Mount Calvary is truly a multigenerational church.

“Over the last two years, we’ve seen more younger people getting involved, which brings a renewed sense of energy and vision.”

Reemphasizing the congregation, Mother Mary Jefferson is the church’s Elder Mother. Jefferson began serving in their Youth Ministry when she was 14.

“This year is special as we celebrate our anniversary under Pastor Branden Jones’ leadership,” she said.

Jefferson also recalls Reverend Samuel M. Collier (served the church from 1963 to 1977).

“The Mount Calvary pastor that had the most impact on me was Samuel M. Collier. His love of the church and community made him stand out; he was also known for his fight for civil rights.”

Another member is Deacon Malcolm E. Roberts. Roberts became an ordained deacon with Mount Calvary in 1988 after he joined the flock in 1976.

Like Jefferson, Roberts remembers Pastor Collier’s achievements.

“Under his tutelage, during those 14 years, Reverend Collier established the most illustrious legacy both spiritually and financially,” said Roberts. “From a spiritual standpoint, what he taught and the way he carried himself, he left a rich legacy that demonstrated the presence of God through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control.”

He continued, “from a financial standpoint, a service to provide senior citizen homes to our community was his vision for Mount Calvary; to carry out this vision he led the church to purchase nine acres of land directly adjacent to and attached to our existing structure and property.”

Deacon Roberts also spoke highly of Mount Calvary’s current pastor.

“He (Reverend Jones) has made a difference in helping us determine how we deal with one another,” Roberts said.

“Pastor Jones implemented a program that consistently promoted peace and love and these teachings and actions enabled and encouraged each of us to treat each other with respect.”

Digressing to the anniversary commemoration, if anyone is interested in attending or needs more information, contact Zadia B. Tyson at: (954) 785-7083. Or email: zadiabt@gmail.com.