OUR HISTORY
The Late Reverend D.E. Hardy
A Legacy of Faith Since 1896
For more than a century, New Mount Calvary Baptist Church has been a place of worship, fellowship, service, and Christian witness. From humble beginnings at Bacon Hill to the ministry we are today, our story is a testimony to generations of faithful believers and the enduring faithfulness of God.
Our Beginning
New Mount Calvary’s story began on the fourth Sunday of 1896, when Deacon George Lecator, George Shields, George Annis, and his wife, Emma Annis, organized the church at Bacon Hill. Land was purchased and a simple church was constructed with wooden walls and tree seats.
Reverend Charles J. Henry of Snow Hill, Maryland, became the church’s first pastor and served the congregation for 31 years.
Building for the Future
In 1928, Reverend A.D. Weaver became pastor. During his leadership, the church underwent significant renovations, including stained-glass windows, plastered walls, a new pulpit, and a steeple with a brass bell. During this period, the church became known as New Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
In 1945, Reverend D.E. Hardy of Smithfield, Virginia, became pastor. During his 45 years of faithful service, New Mount Calvary continued to grow spiritually and physically. Improvements included new light fixtures, a central air and heating system, and other enhancements to the church.
A New Season of Growth
Following Reverend Hardy’s pastorate, the congregation prayerfully sought God for its next shepherd. In December 1991, Reverend Jeffery L. Smith of Cheriton, Virginia, was called to serve as pastor.
For more than 33 years, Pastor Smith provided faithful spiritual leadership to New Mount Calvary. During his pastorate, the church added a baptismal pool, pew cushions, a sound system, hymnal racks, and numerous other improvements.
In June 2002, a major vision for the church became a reality with an extensive renovation and expansion. New classrooms, a finance room, a choir room, an expanded annex, and other improvements strengthened the church’s ability to worship, teach, fellowship, and serve.
Pastor Smith’s ministry also extended throughout the Eastern Shore. In 2010, he became Moderator of the Eastern Shore Virginia & Maryland Baptist Association. During his pastorate, New Mount Calvary hosted the Association’s Annual Session in 2014, 2018, and 2024.
Following more than three decades of faithful pastoral leadership, Reverend Jeffery L. Smith passed away in 2026. His legacy remains deeply woven into the history of New Mount Calvary through the people he served, the ministry he strengthened, and the vision he helped bring to life.
A Church That Produces Disciples
New Mount Calvary has been blessed to witness five sons of the church answer the call to ministry: the late Reverend Ambrose Sample, the late Reverend Joseph Clifford, Reverend Ricardo Poulson, Pastor of New Metompkin Baptist Church in Parksley, Virginia, Minister Julian Mercer, and Minister Monte Mercer.
Their service represents a continuing legacy of New Mount Calvary’s commitment to developing disciples and sharing the Gospel beyond the walls of our church.
Our Story Continues
Throughout our history, New Mount Calvary has experienced seasons of celebration, transition, challenge, and growth. Even through difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, our faith in Jesus Christ has remained our foundation.
Today, we honor those who sacrificed and served before us while continuing the ministry entrusted to our hands. We remain committed to being a church where God is glorified, people are valued, our community is served, and Jesus Christ remains at the center.
Our history reminds us that generations change, circumstances change, and seasons change, but God remains faithful.
With gratitude for our past and faith for our future, New Mount Calvary Baptist Church continues to move forward, believing that the best is yet to come.
To God be the glory for all He has done!
We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord trusting in His Holy Word, he’s never failed us yet. Can’t turn around now, we’ve come this far by faith.
The Late Reverend
Jeffery Smith, Jr.
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