Our History
History of Calvary Baptist ChurchCalvary Baptist Church traces its beginnings as a church to April 12, 1959, when the first services were held in the rented Odd Fellows Hall in Port Jefferson Station. Dr. Russell Shedd, who was preparing to go to Portugal as a missionary, served as the original pastor until he and his family departed for the mission field in August of that year. From the very beginning, the church had its roots with the Conservative Baptist Association, and continues to be one of several CB churches in Suffolk County which trace their beginnings to the growth which occurred on Long Island during these years.
On September 10, 1959 Pastor Stickland came, and served for about 9 ½ years. The church was formally organized in May of the following year. During Pastor Strickland's tenure, property was purchased on Jayne Boulevard, and the original church structure was built. A parsonage for the pastor's family to live in was constructed on the same property, facing Whitman Avenue. As the church grew during these early years, plans for a bigger sanctuary on the same site were developed.
In August, 1970 Pastor Kenneth Fritjofson began his 19-year ministry here. As a former school superintendent in Vermont, Pastor Fritjofson had a heart for Christian Education, and in 1973 North Shore Christian School opened as a ministry of the church. Beginning with 9 students, the school gradually grew by a class each year until it included a nursery school, pre-school, and Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Pastor Fritjofson's ministry here was a time of growth in numbers, ministries, and buildings. A new sanctuary was constructed, and several classroom additions were built as the church and school continued to grow. As adjoining properties came up for sale, additional land was purchased, bringing our total parcel of property to approximately 7 acres. Today our property includes our church & school building, 2 parsonages, a large steel building for storage and recreational use, and sports fields used by the church, school, and other Christian ministries.
Pastor Richard Moran came in 1991, and served for about 10 years. During Pastor Moran's time our church governing structure was changed to include a Board of Elders with full oversight of all ministries of the church. The second parsonage was built on Jayne Boulevard, next door to the church building, to provide housing for an associate pastor. The church has had several associate pastors throughout the years.
Following three years without a pastor, during which the original parsonage was completely renovated, Pastor John Kepler came in September of 2004.
Calvary Baptist Church has been a strong supporter of missions, both foreign as well as here in our own country. Through the years our church has experienced times of rejoicing and times of sadness, times of great victories and blessings, and times of difficulties and spiritual warfare. Yet God has been faithful to us throughout, and we give Him all the honor and glory for what He has done.