Designed by prominent Minneapolis architects, Warren Hayes and Harry Jones, the Romanesque Revival-style church was constructed in 1889 during a proliferation of church construction in the city. One of the church’s most striking features is its 110-foot steeple composed of brick, ornate sheet metal, and shingle. While the steeple draws visual attention to this stunning landmark, what draws people through its doors is a strong commitment to the community.
Rooted in Place
Founded in 1883 with the mission of reaching neighborhood kids, today the church has expanded its mission exponentially and is home to a flourishing preschool, a commercial kitchen for small businesses, and a tutoring resource center.
During the 1960s, like many American cities, Minneapolis experienced population and economic decline. While several historic churches moved to the suburbs or closed, Calvary Baptist formed a special committee to evaluate its options and ultimately vetoed the possibility of relocation. At that time, the committee shared a prevailing conviction that, while the congregation faced steep decline and challenges, it should not abandon its mission to serve the community.
