Calvary Baptist Church

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 were used by God to start churches in the area.  First Baptist Church, Waverly sponsored the new work in 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 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 addition 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. Some of these were Christmas outreach dramas, such as "A Night In Bethlehem" and "Jesus the Early Years".  These were an indoor dramas in which the entire building was utilized.  Christmas gifts are regularly donated.  Food give-a-ways have been an active part of their outreach. The congregation generously participates in Operation Shoe Box.  Every year the church hosts Vacation Bible School (VBS).