First, the community that was predominantly white is now predominantly black. Second, many of the church's 900 members are elderly and cannot attend service regularly. Thirdly, the membership continues to dwindle. Once a bustling, middle-class area, the community now has a large number of vacant businesses and abandoned houses. This deterioration has caused church members who once resided in the area to move elsewhere.
Most people tend to want to worship at churches near their homes.
I see us as a lighthouse in the city. We are here to help the community and those who live in it. Gene Barham, a member for 48 years, says the outstanding leadership and ministry of the church are what keep him at Calvary. And the once segregated congregation is a place of worship for all people. So on Sunday mornings, people of different races and backgrounds attend Sunday school and worship.