New Calvary Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Vincent P. Oliver, M.B.S., D. Min.
Church address 610 Heald St. Wilmington, DE 19801
______________________________________________________________________________________
Personal:
Reverend Vincent P. Oliver is a native of Detroit,
Michigan. While in college he met and married the former Veronica Outlaw of
Washington, North Carolina in 1972. Vincent II and Kimberly are the fruit of
this union. He and his wife reside in New Castle, Delaware. They are the proud
grandparents of Zoe, Akim, and Cleo.
Education:
·
Aquinas College – Grand Rapids,
Michigan – Bachelor of Arts, History – May, 1973
·
E. K. Bailey Ministries – Dallas,
Texas – Certification in Expository Preaching – 2001 - 2005
·
Calvary Bible Institute – Dover,
Delaware – Master of Biblical Studies – June, 2009
·
Friends International Christian
University – Mercede, California – Doctor of Ministry – July, 2009
Ministry:
·
Acknowledged & accepted call to
preach the Gospel – December, 1984
·
Licensed to preach the Gospel –
April, 1985
·
Ordained to Gospel Ministry – May,
1986
·
Called to pastor the New Calvary
Baptist Church, Wilmington, Delaware – April, 1986 – present
·
President of United Baptist
Convention of Delaware, Inc. – 1997 – 2003
·
President of Delaware Christian
Alliance, Inc. – 2003 – 2007
·
President/Founder of Southbridge
Faith Network – 2008 – present
·
Teacher for New England Missionary
Baptist Convention Congress – 2008 – present
·
Catechizer for Ordination Council of
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association – 2009 – present
·
Instructor for Calvary Bible
Institute
·
Revivalist, Workshop and Seminar
Leader
Professional:
·
Assistant Dean of Students –
University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware – 1976 – 1979
·
Executive Director – Kingswood
Community Center, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware – 1979 – 2006
·
New Castle County Board of Ethics –
New Castle County, Delaware – 2002 – 2006
·
Communities in Schools State Board
of Directors – 2000 – 2006
·
Prestige Academy Boys Charter School
Founding Board Member – 2006 – present
·
Recipient of the Dr. Al O. Plant
Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service – 2006
Favorite Scripture:
“Is not My Word like as a fire?
saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”
Jeremiah
23:29
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New
Calvary Baptist Church History
The New
Calvary Baptist Church came into existence as the result of God leading
Reverend Richard A. Parker to plant a new Christian mission. In 1940Reverend
Parker received permission from Pastor Joseph Williams, and the congregation of
New Mt. Bethel Baptist Church to follow God’s calling. On September 12,
1941 this mission became known as the New Calvary Baptist Church. The inaugural
service was held at 303 East 2 Street, Wilmington, Delaware.
The founding members included Deacon Willie Simms, Mother Sarah Brown, Brother
Leroy Matthews, Brother Andrew Matthews, Mother Billie Jackson and Brother
James Coffield, all of whom are deceased.
On July 1,
1944 the church moved its growing membership to 208 Walnut Street, where the
church continued to flourish. Due to urban renewal of the late 1960’s the
church relocated for a short time to 700 Spruce Street. In June of 1969 the
church moved to its present facility at 608-610 South Heald Street. This
facility was formerly the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.
As the
founding pastor, Reverend Parker served with great faithfulness and distinction
from September 12, 1941 until he was called to his eternal rest on April 9,
1967. During his tenure he stood as a loving unmovable force, guiding a
growing church through many difficult and challenging years. He was a
prominent leader among the clergy of Delaware. His members will always
remember him as a “father figure.”
Reverend
Joseph Campbell, an Associate Minister of the church provided interim
leadership until 1968, when Reverend John T. R. Duffie became New Calvary’s
second pastor. During his pastorate the church purchased and moved to its
present location. He served until February 1970. Reverend Edmond T. Coston
was called as Pastor in May 1970 and served until October 1975. Reverend John
R. Kellum served from May 19, 1976, until his death on February 15, 1977. After
the passing of Reverend Kellum, Reverend John Hampton, the Associate Pastor
provided outstanding leadership holding the flock together until another pastor
was called.
On November
20, 1977 Reverend Raymond Fisher was installed as Pastor. Under his leadership
the church’s mortgage was paid in full and renovations to the sanctuary.
Reverend Fisher served as Pastor until September 1985. Once again Reverend John
Hampton provided interim pastoral leadership. Reverend Hampton remained
faithful to God the people of New Calvary until his death on December 12,
1997.
On May 11,
1986, Reverend Vincent P. Oliver was installed as the current Pastor. The Lord
has blessed the pastor to share this vision for the church: “God’s People
Making a Difference: Preaching, Teaching, and Reaching” (Matthew
28: 18 - 20). With this vision and under his leadership the church formed
the following ministries: The Feeding Ministry, Young Men's Ministry,
Men's Discipleship Ministry, Womens Ministry, Young Womens Ministry,
Radio/Media Ministry, Evangelism Ministry, Christian Education Ministry,
Transportation Ministry, Community Outreach Ministry, Praise Dance Ministry,
First Friday Young Adult Ministry, Bridge of Hope Grocery Club, Prison
Ministry, and the Clothes Closet Ministry.
Pastor
Oliver's leadership has also yielded laborers for the Gospel ministry. He
currently has a team of eight ministers of the Gospel, four licensed and four
ordained. In 2001 New Calvary proudly sent forth a son into the pastoral
vineyard, Reverend Steve Wright, Pastor, St. African Methodist Church, Newark,
DE.
To support
expanding ministries the church purchased properties at 606 South Heald Street
in 1999 and 503 South Heald Street in 2007. Most recently, New Calvary’s Womens Ministry has established an annual regional womens leadership
conference. In 2007 the church organized the Beacon Light Ministries Community
Development Corporation and commenced the two-worship service format. In 2008
New Calvary became a member of the American Baptist Association of Churches of
PA. & DE.
In March of
2007 a historic meeting and fellowship took place between the congregations of
New Calvary Baptist Church and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. The
common bonds of a beloved building and God’s love united Christians from vastly
different backgrounds. Embracing the past gives focus and direction for the future.
The New
Calvary’s mission is to continue to be a resource and beacon of hope to the
surrounding community as we continue to serve a faithful and awesome GOD.
