In 1969, hoping to establish the first Southern Baptist Church in Logan County, Thomas Ledford began a prayer fellowship. Two years later, Calvary Baptist Church, then known as Logan Baptist Church, held its first service on July 4th in the Ledford home with 12 members. The new congregation soon moved to an old school building at Rum Creek, with Stephen Spencer serving as temporary pastor. In 1974, the congregation had grown to 20 members, and the name of the church was changed to Judson Baptist Church. Rev. Clark Youngblood was pastor at the time.
The name of the church was once again changed to its present name of Calvary Baptist Church when Rev. Eddie Henson became pastor. Rev. Henson was instrumental in having the church moved to its current location in Chapmanville, and services were held in a mobile home donated by a sister Southern Baptist Church in Georgia. Soon construction of a permanent structure was begun with volunteer help from sister churches from other states. This building consisted of a sanctuary and a few Sunday School classrooms.
Always with a vision for our future, and a desire to serve God, the next few years for Calvary Baptist Church brought growth and change. While Rev. Chester Byrd was pastor, the church was taken into the fellowship of the Greater Huntington Baptist Association. During the time, the church membership increased, and so did the building with additions.
In 1987, God led Rev. Robert Jennings to Calvary Baptist, and we saw the church grow from that beginning 12 member congregation to nearly 100. Under the pastorship of Rev. Jennings, God blessed our church with another new addition. Through faith and prayers, and again, with the help of our fellow Southern Baptist brothers and sisters, construction began on this addition in May, 1997 and a dedication service was held on November 9, 1997. In 2000, a steeple was added to the building in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Keeney, long-time stewards of the Lord in our church.
In 2004, God again blessed Calvary Baptist Church with our present pastor, Rev. John Freeman. Along with a sincere love for and dedication to God, Pastor John and Pam, his wife, have brought a fresh vision to Calvary Baptist. Under their leadership, we have seen God bless our church with new members and new and exciting programs of study.
A highly successful AWANA program, and a very active ladies group, which includes a loving quilt ministry, are just a small part of missions we take part in locally. Several of our members have been trained in disaster relief by SBDR and have offered their services when needed in our state as well as other states.
God has indeed richly blessed Calvary Baptist Church through the years since its humble beginning to the place in His service that it is today. We take no credit in any of these accomplishments, but give God all praise, glory, and honor for all that He has given to us.