Building #1 -  1875—1947

1875 Artist Rendition This artist rendition will be revised to show description based on information provided by a member who attended service in the 1875 building.

Mt. Calvary #2 Missionary Baptist Church was established by God in  1875 on what is now called Cemetery Road in the Brooksville Community of Little River, South Carolina. 

The little  wooden church sat alone amongst pine, oaks and other greenery.   It was 60 feet long and 30 feet wide.  Two long steps led inside the  church.  There were two big windows on each side and one in the front.  

Lanterns were used for light and a wooden heater for heat.  One grand oak sat in the yard at the right leading up to the church.  A bell was mounted on the left and was  used when service began, funerals, and important news.  There was a water pump outside beside the oak tree. The cornerstone was on the left.  The original land was purchased from Mrs. Mariah Thomas.  
 
 
 

Building #2 1947-2004

Rebuilt 1947- Located Hwy 111

 In 1947 the church was rebuilt on Highway 111 (its present site).  Mr. Willie Bloom donated the lumber to build the church.  The church contained the bell tower and cornerstone on the left, baptismal, & two classrooms .  Later, Rev. John Keel worked on the interior to upgrade it and make it beautiful. 

Over the years, additions were made including, business office, pastor’s office,  fellowship hall with bathrooms, kitchen  and another classroom. Although the church was regularly maintained, the age and the increased occupancy made it clear that it needed major renovations and update for safety as well as for size. 

Upon review by the church officials and advice from outside engineers, determination was made that it would not be financially sound to renovate or upgrade it.  A  decision was made to demolish it and build a new one.  The former church was completely paid for.


 

Building #3 2004-Present

On March 30, 2003, Mt. Calvary held groundbreaking ceremony for a new church. Construction began April 14, 2003, and ribbon cutting ceremony was held June 5, 2004.  The church bell and the old cornerstone is in the front on the left.  The new cornerstone is in the front on the right. 

The current facility (11,067 square feet of heated space on 4.12 acres) is equipped with a sanctuary that seats 750 persons, a fellowship hall that accommodates 280 persons, a fully-equipped institution size kitchen, 6 restrooms (14 stalls/urinals, 3 showers, 8 sinks), a baptismal, a children’s nursery with private restroom, a fully equipped technology room (6 computers, printers, desks, cabinets), 4 classrooms, a conference room, a business office, pastor’s office, first lady’s office/lounge, a finance office, and  numerous storage and maintenance areas. A cemetery is located on the northwestern quadrant of the site. 

Current appraised value for the building is $1,350,000 and $200,000 for its contents.  A church-sponsored food bank and “Kid’s Café” (serving meals to after-school participants) are also operated on our property.