Our History

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.

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.

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.

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.

1985–2026

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.

In 2017, the church was renamed Calvary Community Church—a new name for a new era. After 41 years of faithful ministry, Pastor Babij retired in 2026.

2026–Today

Continuing Our Mission

Today, Calvary continues to stand firmly upon the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Under the faithful leadership of our teaching pastor, Pastor David Capoccia, and other leaders, we remain committed to proclaiming the truth of Scripture, serving our congregation, strengthening families, and equipping believers.

As we look to the future, we are thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout the years and seek to remain faithful to Him in the years ahead. Calvary remains a church committed to staying the course—and today, people continue to travel from near and far to worship and fellowship with us.