SCIOTO VALLEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

HISTORY:
The seeds of Calvary Baptist Church, Piketon began with the news of the Atomic Plant coming to Pike County Ohio in 1952.  Southern Baptists were in the groups of construction crews and they were used bu God to start churches in the area.  First Baptist Church, Waverly sponsored the new work at Piketon.  Their first meeting was July 8, 1954, calling themselves the Piketon Baptist Chapel.  They met in the Piketon Community Building with C. R. Murphy, a special Home Mission Mission Board worker, as pastor.

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By the end of 1954, there were 199 members.  144 more were received in 1955, making 263 members for the first year and a half.  The mission constituted on January 9, 1955 as Calvary Baptist Church Piketon.  The first piece of property on West Street was purchased on February 17, 1955 borrowing $4000 from the Home Mission Board.  The first unit was completed in 1956.

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In March 1967, three new Sunday School classrooms were  added which opened up into a fellowship hall and kitchen.  In 1971, the church was remodeled with a baptistery added.

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July 1984, the church purchased two corner lots adjoining the property. June 1989, Carpenters for Christ built a 3600 square foot additon to the church with 12 Sunday School rooms.

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The church had a vision to relocate and answered this vision in 1991 by purchasing six acres located on Indian Ridge Road.  April 9, 1995, groundbreaking services were held.  A 16,000 square foot facility was erected with the aid  of Capenters for Christ from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Mississippi,  In January 1996 the first worship service was held in the new building with dedication services on June 2, 1996.

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Throughout the years, Calvary Baptist Church has ministered to the community in many unique ways. One of these was a Christmas outreach called "A Night In Bethlemem".  This was an indoor drama in which the entire building was utilized.  Through the Sunday School, A Christmas Shop for children was provided.  Gifts were purchased by the church for the children to use tokens for their families.  Food give-a-ways have been a active part of their outreach. The congregation generously participates in Operation Shoe Box.  AWANAS is an important ministry for thier children.

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An active men's ministry has provided handicap ramps for individuals in the community.  A monthly men's breakfast is held.  A men's camp out retreat with fellowship, worship and recreation has been a highlight for the men.

Other ministries include deacon family ministry, dramas, benevolence, nursing home, morning Bible studies, Prime-timers, Women on Mission, Hands of Praise, Carpenters for Christ and Senior Adult Bible study.  The adults and youth have been actively invovled in mission trips throughout the years.