Who We Are

Calvary Baptist church

Began as Mission

Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church

The mission began holding services in the home of Mrs. Lee Rowe, at 310 Sevier Street, later moving to an old store building on Elm Street. Bro. Leon W. Heibeck was called as the first Pastor.

With the help of Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church, the Tennessee Baptist Convention Missions Department, and Dr. W.L. Chambers, a lot was purchased at 531 Sevier Street.

Organized in 1952

The church was organized on March 13, 1952. There were originally thirty-one people requesting charter membership. The last remaining charter member, Dale Sanders, passed away on November 7, 2020. The church was organized by unanimous vote and Bro. Leon W. Heibeck continued as pastor. He served the church until 1954. He was followed in the pastorate by Bro. James Turner who served from 1954 until 1957. Bro. Morrell Lee served from 1957 until 1962. Bro. Audry Minor served from 1962 until 1971. Bro. Wayne Bassette served from 1971 until 1979. Bro. Paul Leftrick served from 1979 until 1988. Bro. Jimmy Gray served from 1988 until 2002. Bro. Arnold King served from 2003 to 2009. Bro. Tom Henry served from 2010 until 2017. Bro. Tony Thibodeaux served from 2020 to 2021. And now Bro. Tyler Shoemaker has been serving since 2022.

Calvary Baptist Church

Sponsored One Mission

Eastview Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church has sponsored one mission; that mission is now Eastview Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

During the federal government’s Urban Renewal project in Shelbyville, Calvary sold the land on Sevier Street and purchased the property on Lane Parkway. The new building was dedicated on June 23, 1963. The church purchased a pastor’s home in 1963, which was later sold after Bro. Jimmy Gray became pastor. A note burning service was held on May 6, 1973, celebrating the payoff of the church building. Trustees at that time were Leo VanDewoestyne, J.C. Robertson and Wendell Hyatt. An education wing was added in 1979.

Calvary Baptist Church’s history has been a history of expansion and growth and we are continuing that tradition. As we remember our past and look to our future, we believe the best is yet to come at Calvary Baptist Church.