Our History

We meet in a beautiful, historic building dating back to 1855. While doctrines, practices, and even denominations have changed through the years, there’s something profound about being connected to a long line of faithful believers who worshiped here before us.

Calvary Community Church, After and Before — Our historic building: then and now

Now it’s our turn to carry the torch—full of fresh faces, new energy, and passion to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ in the Somerset area.

A Journey Through Time

1855

The Church Is Born

East Millstone (then called Johnsville) was a small grain depot community. When the railroad arrived in 1854, growth followed—and local Reformed Church members petitioned for their own congregation.

On October 9, 1855, the East Millstone Reformed Church was officially organized with 18 charter members. The cornerstone was laid by Dr. John Ludlow of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Total cost: $5,748.23, including land and a bell from Meneely Bell Company.

Cornerstone of Calvary Community Church — The original 1855 cornerstone

1856–1870

Early Growth & A Pipe Organ

Under Pastor Gilles Van de Wall, membership grew to 46. Pastor David Cole (1858–1863) saw the church triple in size to 130 members and added a parsonage. Pastor Martin Luther Berger eliminated the entire church debt.

In 1866, the church purchased a magnificent Odell pipe organ for $1,200—only the 80th ever made by the company. This organ was later sold to a Presbyterian church in Virginia, restored, and is now valued at approximately $70,000.

The original Odell pipe organ in our church — The Odell pipe organ in its original placement

1890

Tragedy in the Pulpit

Rev. Joseph Pascal Strong suffered a fatal stroke while preaching an evening sermon from 1 Samuel 17:32. His text was on divine deliverance—how God protects His saints.

“God loves, He knows, He guards His saints. His young soldier never advances to an exposed post, but Jehovah shields his picket on duty. But the morning star often arises in a different part of the heavens from what we look for—”
— Rev. Strong’s final words before collapsing

He collapsed mid-sentence—saying “falling star” instead of “morning star”—and died that evening. He had served barely three months.

1901–1925

A Golden Era

Dr. Henry Lockwood served an incredible 24-year pastorate. Through evangelistic campaigns and faithful pastoral work, the church flourished. Hope College awarded him a Doctor of Divinity in 1916.

1968

The Steeple Falls

On December 5, 1968, a fierce windstorm toppled the church steeple, sending it crashing through the south roof. The congregation rebuilt, but the decline had begun.

Newspaper clipping about the fallen steeple — 1968 newspaper clipping about the steeple collapse

1975

Death and Resurrection

By 1975, the East Millstone Reformed Church had dwindled to just 50 members. The last service was held on February 2, 1975. After 120 years, the Reformed congregation disbanded.

But just one week later—on February 9, 1975—Calvary Baptist Church held their first service in the building. About 40 people sang “Old Time Religion” as their opening hymn. A new chapter had begun.

Only Floyd and Peg Evans transferred from the Reformed congregation to Calvary Baptist. A plaque honoring them still marks their pew today.

1985–Today

Reformed Doctrine Returns

In 1985, Pastor Joseph Babij came to lead the church. A former Marine who served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, he felt called out of military service into pastoral ministry.

Under his leadership, the church embraced Reformed theology (the Doctrines of Grace) and committed to verse-by-verse expository preaching. Today, members travel from over an hour away to hear the Bible faithfully preached.

In 2017, the church was renamed Calvary Community Church—a new name for a new era, but the same timeless gospel that has been preached in this building since 1855.