| HISTORY OF CALVARY BIBLE CHURCH |
Although the church’s historical records do not reveal an exact date for the start of the ministry, we know it was toward the end of the 1920’s. Under the leadership of a godly pastor named Otis Henry Darby, the “Gospel Tabernacle” was founded and began its ministry in a storefront on North Courtland Street in East Stroudsburg. The church was never large by today’s standards but God blessed the faithful members with a succession of capable pastors who ministered effectively to the community. In 1956, the church was given 5.4 acres of property by Mrs Mae Vail and her family in what was then known as the “Franklin Hill” section of East Stroudsburg. The following year the church, then known as the Bible Fellowship Church of the Poconos, dedicated their new building and continued to minister with Bible conferences, mission celebrations, evangelistic crusades and more. In the 1960’s, the church changed its name to Calvary Bible Church of the Poconos. In 1973, a new sanctuary and fellowship hall were added to meet the needs of the growing congregation. About 1975, along with two other churches, the Pocono Christian School was founded and began holding classes in the new building. With its consistent emphasis on the expository preaching of God’s Word, the church continued to grow through the ministry of several pastors who supervised the construction of new educational facilities and a gymnasium. Today, Calvary Bible Church continues to reach the needs of the community of East Stroudsburg and the Poconos through expository preaching, a vibrant emphasis on biblical worship, an active youth ministry to children and teens, a world wide missions emphasis, small groups for men and women and community outreach efforts.
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