Calvary Covenant Church began as Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant Church in 1906, in Chicago, Illinois. This church served to meet the cultural, communal and language needs of individuals who had recently relocated from Sweden as new citizens of the United States.
After relocating to 8056 S. Maplewood in 1948, Calvary Covenant Church became the new name for this growing congregation. As the membership grew, the church building grew with additions to accommodate the needs of ministry.
In 1951, Pastor Otto T. Rafos was called to become pastor of Calvary. Under his ministry the congregation expanded with various church groups and activities such as the Ruth Circle, Release Time Class, the Dorcas Society, Christmas programs, bake sales, etc.
In 1975, the Wrightwood Community expanded as more African Americans settled into the neighborhood. With these changes, Calvary’s ministry continued with interim pastors from North Park Seminary, the first being Rev. Carl Deline from 1975-1978, ending with Rev. Matthew Zatkalik from 1986-1989.
In 1989, Rev. Anton Davis, Minister of Visitation at Oakdale Covenant Church, accepted the call to pastor Calvary Covenant Church to meet the needs of the expanding African American culture in the Wrightwood Community. Under his leadership, Calvary was changed from a dying church to a thriving church. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Davis instituted Prayer Meeting, Sunday School, Calvary Gospel Choir, New Members Class, Mid-week Bible Study, and various youth activities. On July 11, 2000, the Lord called Rev. Anton Davis home to be with Him, to receive his eternal reward. Rev. Jerome Nelson stepped in as interim pastor from January 1, 2002, until February 17, 2002.
The loss of Pastor Davis left a tremendous void at Calvary Covenant Church. As the church sought the Lord for a new pastor and leader, He answered by sending Rev. Edward Coleman to Calvary. Under the direction of God, Rev. Coleman challenged members to operate in the spirit of excellence. He introduced a ministry-based model to ensure that every need in the Body of Christ would be met. One of Rev. Coleman’s mantras was, “It’s no longer business as usual.”
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, on July 1, 2020, Pastor Anthony R. Thomas (Pastor Anthony) became the sixth pastor in succession of Calvary Covenant Church upon the retirement of Rev. Dr. Edward Coleman after an 18-year tenure. Pastor Anthony and his wife, Lady Brytish, planted Spoken Word Fellowship Church in 2015. The two congregations became one, and under this new leadership, Calvary is moving onward in the direction God is leading. Pastor Anthony and Lady Brytish introduce a blend contemporary and traditional worship. Pastor Anthony’s preaching and teaching is relevant, practical and readily applicable. Already, Calvary’s ministry spans as far west as California, as far east as Maryland and as far south as Mississippi and Georgia. Together as a faith community, Calvary Covenant Church continues to thrive forward with God’s plan.
