Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego Celebrates 137 Years

March 19, 2026

Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood has served its community for over 137 years, beginning as First Street Baptist Church in 1889 before relocating and being renamed in 1926. Under Reverend S.M. Lockridge's leadership starting in 1952, the church experienced significant growth, expanding its property holdings and gaining recognition for its sanctuary choir, which performed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reverend Willie James Smith led from 1994 following Lockridge's retirement, establishing numerous new ministries and expanding the church's outreach to include missionary work in Africa.

Who is affected

Members and congregation of Calvary Baptist Church
The Barrio Logan community in San Diego, California
Dr. Kevin E. Stafford (newly called pastor)
Young girls in Ghana, West Africa (receiving educational assistance)
Progressive Baptist District Association, California Baptist State Convention, and National Missionary Baptist State Convention members

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are stated in the article. The article is primarily historical in nature, describing past events and leadership transitions.

Why it matters

This church has been a longstanding pillar of the Barrio Logan community for over a century, providing spiritual guidance, expanding social services through various ministries, and extending its impact internationally through missionary work in Africa. The church's historical significance includes its connection to the civil rights movement through its choir's performance for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and it continues to serve as an important institution for spiritual and community development in San Diego.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint