Metro East church celebrating its golden anniversary

WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. – The congregation at Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ is celebrating a milestone of 50 years in the Metro East.

“This church has been widely known for its outreach efforts in this community,” Senior Pastor Charles Rogers said. “It’s an opportunity outreach environment. It’s divine destiny to be here.

“We are all excited. This has been an enduring ministry that’s Christ-centered, and it’s withstood the test of time.”

Rogers says Mount Calvary has adopted the local elementary school in a way to help students.

They’ve been a fixture in a community that’s been struggling, and they are determined to stay and make a difference.

Mt. Calvary is a part of the Church of God in Christ, which is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States with more than six million members.

“Our theme this year is we’ve got work to do,” Rogers said. “That is really the theme of our church. We realize our ministry is really outside the four walls of this church. We exist to propagate the gospel and bring new converts into the kingdom. We’re glad to be able to celebrate 50 years and have our founder with us and also have a great time.”

Mt. Calvary partners with St. Louis Foodbank every second Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., when a food trailer serves food items to those in need.

Mt. Calvary will celebrate with a 50-year gala Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m., with founder and Pastor Emeritus William Scott serving as keynote speaker. Scott will then celebrate at the church and its congregation Sunday morning.