A brief history of Calvary Baptist Church of Bangkok

In 1949 when China fell to the communists, Christian missionaries were expelled. Southern Baptist missionaries from there scattered throughout Asia with many of them coming to Thailand. Arriving in Bangkok, they found a thriving Chinese community. Grace Baptist Church, now located on Sukhumvit Soi 19, soon came into existence and was primarily made up of Chinese believers. However, an English language ministry was also maintained.

The first congregation these missionaries started with the purpose of reaching Thai people is now known as Immanuel Baptist, which is located on Petchaburi Road near Indira Hotel. Immaneul also had a ministry to English speaking people.

In 1958, with English speaking believers from both of these congregations, Calvary Baptist Church was begun. Grace Baptist is recognized as our "Mother" church. The Foreign Mission Board (FMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention, USA, purchased the present church property and Calvary's buildings were dedicated July 1, 1962. Numerically and financially the church reached its zenith during the Vietnam War when thousands of Americans were based here. It was during this time that Calvary reimbursed the FMB for the land and buildings. Through the years Calvary's pastors have been missionaries under appointment by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board (now the International Mission Board).

God has blessed Calvary in wonderful ways. Thousands of men, women and children from around the world have come to know Jesus through this church. The Lord has used this fellowship to call full-time servants to be pastors and/or missionaries in many countries. He continues to touch lives. No one can predict what lies ahead, but it is expected that Calvary will continue the work of lifting up Jesus until He returns.