Calvary Baptist Church History

Due to the establishment of White Sands missile Range in the 1940s, and the subsequent influx of workers, new houses began to spring up south and east of Las Cruces. First Baptist Church of Las Cruces saw the need for a mission in the southeastern area of town. This concern led to the 1949 establishment of a mission at the corner of Arizona and Chaparro streets, which became known as Grandview Baptist Church. Members met in a one room Army barracks. The first pastor was Burton Wallace and average attendance was 60 people.


Brother Wallace was succeeded by G. W. Smith and then Henry Turner, who became Grandview’s first full time pastor in 1952. By 1951 Grandview had grown large enough to be approved for independent status by the Rio Grande Association.


In 1954 the church, now pastored by Guy Petty, built a parsonage a short distance from the church. A new pastor arrived in 1956, Brother Boyette. By now enrollment was up to 233. Rev. Boyette was replaced at the time of his death in 1958 by Itis Holliday, and then by Wade East (interim) and Ronald Herrin, who became pastor n 1961. Grandview called its first music pastor, Virgil Powell in 1963.


First Baptist Church continued to have an interest in Grandview and in 1963 donated 3 1/2 acres of land at Locust and Missouri to Granview for a church site. Grandview officially moved to this new location in 1965 and changed its name to Calvary Baptist Church. The new building was used for the first time a year later, May 1966.


In 1966, Brother Herrin resigned to be followed by Ken Everson (interim), and R.T. Ware became the pastor in 1969. Interim pastors following Rev. Ware were J. Campbell and R. McMurray. James Wright accepted the position of pastor in 1973. During his years as pastor a new public address system was installed.


In February 1976, Calvary called its first Associate Pastor, Lyle Lionbarger, pastor of youth, music and outreach. Church membership at this time was 609. In April 1976, the new education building was occupied.


The next year Brother Wright resigned to be replaced by Joe Music (interim) and Cliff Ennen until 1987. In August 1983, Calvary called its first minister of education, Josh Hunt. The church also added an early service in 1983. In September 1986, Bill Sloan joined the staff as minister of youth. In January 1988, Sam Shaw accepted the call to be our pastor. In 1989 the Saturday night service was added, and in 1990 we began the 9:45 service. Membership at this time was 1200.


In May 1993, Brother Shaw resigned and was followed by Billy Hines (interim). Brother Lance Witt, our present senior co-pastor and friend, accepted the call to be pastor in January 1994 at the same time the new multi-purpose building was completed. Membership at that time was approximately 1550.


Calvary Baptist, in 1999, is led by seven full-time pastors (Children, Student, Worship, Counseling, Disabled, and 2 Co-Pastors). Also on staff is a Minister of Media, a part-time Preschool Minister, and a part-time Administrator.

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