Early History
In December, 1927, in answer to the call in Macedonian, the late Rev. Otis E. Evans and Rev. Mrs. Susie Evans left Boston, Massachusetts and came to Milwaukee. Like the disciples of old, they were instrumental in bringing most of their own families to Christ and then going out into the hedges and highways and compelling men to come unto the Lord.
The messages preached and taught to us by Rev. Susie Evans were awe-inspiring! This handmaiden of God, always modest in apparel, was truly a mother of Israel. After God had blessed them with spiritual children to carry on the musical portion of the service, she retired from playing music.
From All Walks Of Life
One morning after devotions, the Lord spoke to Elder Evans, "let''s go for a walk." The walk ended on North Seventh and West Reservoir Streets, the original site of the Mt. Olive Holiness Church of America, Inc., now Mt. Calvary Holy Church of America, Inc.. God continued to bless and daily added to the church as should be saved. From all walks of life they came,. Some came to hear this woman minister was an oddity. Others came to hear the jubilee singing. Others, by their own admissions, came just to criticize.
Purchased Another Sanctuary
On June 14, 1953, we marched from the old church building at 1763 North 7th Street to another edifice, 2048 North 11th Street under the pastorship of the late Rev. Otis Evans.
Unorthodox New Leadership
In August, 1955, Rev. Gertrude Louise Norris Pitts came to Milwaukee from Buffalo, New York and served faithfully under the late Rev. O.E. Evans until the time of his death, May, 1957. She then took on the leadership, under great controversy, of pastoring Mt. Calvary. She was, and still is, a fervent believer in prayer, and continually praying, God gave her a vision for the people, for "Without a vision, the people perish." The scriptures read - "With love and kindness have I drawn thee." Certainly we are witnesses she possesses these fruits and thereby many souls have been added to the church.
In the late 1990's, she was assisted by Elder Wendale Spivery who helped her pastor the church for several years. After him she was assisted by Elder Anthony Franklin who became the interim pastor as of January, 2002. He helped her fulfill her wishes for the people of Mt. Calvary. Since Elder Franklin's arrival, Mt. Calvary Holy Church has changed not only in physical appearance, but has changed spiritually according to the visions and dreams of both Mother Pitts and Elder Franklin.
Elder Franklin was installed as the next pastor of Mt. Calvary on October 13, 2002.