Calvary Heights Baptist TempleCalvary, Heights Baptist Temple St. Louis, Missouri Rev. Carl Baugh and his wife pulled a Chevy automobile loaded with suitcases, the kids, and the family puppy into St. Louis, Missouri, the last Friday of August, 1969. Baugh had a vision of starting the largest Baptist church in St. Louis and reaching the city for Jesus Christ. Late Friday afternoon was not an ideal time to make contacts, but moving with definite strategy, Baugh implemented his predetermined plan. First, he located a plot of ground-5.2 acres at the intersection of Interstate I-244 and the Page Avenue Expressway-and made verbal commitment for the property. Two hours later he had arranged to rent the North Junior High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Twenty-seven persons attended the Sunday School the following Sunday when Calvary Heights Baptist Temple opened its doors in the temporary quarters of the rented public school. An option was quickly signed on the acreage. A $23,000 down payment was needed within 90 days on the total price of $90,000. The Bible Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia, had pledged financial support to the salary of Baugh and paid the expenses for moving the pastor from Florida to St. Louis. This was a bold new venture of faith in building a self-supporting Baptist church from a single supporting "mother church." The Reverend Cecil Hodges, pastor of the Savannah church, explained, "We took the St. Louis project as a challenge from God because we trusted Carl Baugh and knew his ability to start a church." Nine families committed themselves to the vision, and on Sunday, November 23, 1969, Rev. Cecil Hodges of the Savannah church presided and organizational services were held. The church was constituted three months after its first meeting and the congregation immediately extended a call to the Reverend Carl Baugh to remain as pastor, adding to his title "founder." Before the Sunday School opened in St. Louis, Baugh went on record as setting a goal of 100 pupils within the first three months, 300 within the first year, at which time a Sunday School wing of the edifice would be built. Baugh further extended his vision and stated he expected 500 pupils within three years and 700 at the end of the fourth year. Finally, Baugh climaxed his projection by stating he expected 1,000 in Sunday School within six years. Christian Life Magazine, impressed with the integrity of Baugh, committed itself to a plan of "church watching" over the next three years to see if Baugh would reach his goal. Robert Walker, editor, stated, "Often we write about churches who have reached a goal, but we would like to follow the St. Louis church so our readers may be encouraged as they see a church unfolding before their eyes." Christian Life Magazine went on to state, "Foolish or visionary, only time will tell, but Baugh does have precise goals and plans." Most magazines report success stories after they have been accomplished; however, Christian Life Magazine intends to give periodic growth reports of this infant Sunday School. The magazine went on to state, "Why choose Calvary Heights Baptist Temple in St. Louis? For one reason: Carl Baugh has been used of God to pastor two other growing churches. If he can build growing Sunday Schools in other cities, he will probably do so again." Carl Baugh had been pastor for six years of Edgewood Baptist Church in Rock Island, Illinois, during which time the Sunday School attendance grew to 500. Baugh moved to Tampa, Florida, and led West Gate Baptist Church to a height of 702 in Sunday School. The membership grew by 265 additions in his last year there; altogether 370 conversions were listed that year. Mayor Greco of Tampa invited Baugh to visit his office anytime and explain the unparalleled rapid growth of the Florida church. Baugh left West Gate Church in Florida, successful by all standards, because of his growing burden to go as a missionary to St. Louis. When his wife developed an allergy to salt water and had to move from the ocean climate, Baugh felt this was God's seal of approval on his direction to St. Louis. Even though Baugh was visionary before the founding of the St. Louis church, he felt success was not automatically guaranteed in St. Louis but stated, "The past 15 years have evidenced great Sunday Schools in our movement (Baptist Bible Fellowship), progressively making great spiritual strides while employing New Testament methods of personal contact." Reasons Why the St. Louis Work Would Prosper Baugh wrote a prospectus giving five reasons why he felt the St. Louis church would prosper. The following list is adapted from his manuscript written before the church was founded. 1. A Burden from God. Baugh was reared in Springfield, Missouri, and had often heard of the need of a great evangelistic church in St. Louis. Each year the burden grew heavier, until he was constrained to begin the church. According to Baugh, "A passing fancy with the city or temporal enticement did not prompt a move." (Baugh took a drastic cut in salary.) Years of constant direction from the Lord prepared Baugh's heart for coming to St. Louis. He states, "Since God is directing, He will prosper the work. God's callings are His enablings." Baugh indicates there is a sense in which a God-called minister has a burden for every field in the world. He states, "I have flown into sprawling metropolitan areas across America and have visited hamlets on foreign soil. Rarely have I ever seen great masses of people without realizing that before me lies a mission field and that each soul will face God in eternity.” Baugh indicated this general burden for reaching lost people accompanied his call into the ministry. In the second pace, Baugh indicated a definite, permanent burden for St. Louis when he realized there was not a church effectively reaching the entire city. He asked himself the question, “Will I be successful in building a vital city-wide ministry?” As he looked into his human limitations he expressed doubt. But Baugh declared that by faith and determination he was going to reach the city. 2. The New Testament Methods Employed –Baugh believes that most secular and denominational ministries are attempting to deemphasize the individual through mass conformity. In opposition to this practice, the New Testament accentuates the value of the individual for whom Christ died. "We exist to reach people for Jesus Christ," stated Baugh. Jesus used and recommended personal encounter called soul winning. This will be accomplished by house-to-house visitation. He feels people are still complimented when you care enough to visit their home, personally representing Jesus Christ. In stating the purpose, Baugh wrote, “Our purpose is to present the ministry of the local church and not simply to erect an edifice with its organizations and committees. But we intend to provide the institution that was founded by Jesus Christ, which is composed of baptized believers from all walks of life who have come into a personal encounter with a living, resurrected Christ." Baugh is uncompromising in his desire to build a New Testament local church. 3. The Location of Church Property—Baugh believes the location will help insure success at the new work. According to him, 150,000 cars pass the location every 24 hours on the expressways. Baugh told the infant congregation that as Jesus instructed lights to shine and said that a city on a hill cannot be hidden, so their new property on a hill will also reflect the message because it is within sight of over 4,000 new homes. The State Department of Transportation estimates that between three to five million people pass the site every year. In addition to the immediate location of the bypass, the church has access to 15 miles of scattered new subdivisions. A survey in consultation with a real estate company substantiated Baugh’s analysis that the spot was ideal for building a local church. Dr. Charles Billington, co-pastor of Akron Baptist Temple (largest Sunday School in America), stated, "For starting a church, this is the most ideal spot of any I have seen in America." As Baugh stood on the grass-covered hill looking down the expressway he stated, "The fields are white unto harvest." 4. The Spirit of Success Baugh built the church on the old formula "Nothing succeeds like success." Personal contact in the home normally guarantees that there will be response to the claims of Christ at the time of public invitation. The altar call is strategic in building a growing Sunday School. Baugh believes that if he is faithful as a soul winner, when the new Christians come down the aisle to openly profess Jesus Christ, their open confession will motivate the congregation. This public image of response is contagious. Baugh indicates, "We encourage people to take a public stand for Christ; this in turn encourages others with whom we have not had time to deal personally." From the very beginning, Baugh never entertained a doubt that souls would be saved. 5. Growth of the Work Baugh began knocking on doors inviting people to Jesus Christ. A 29-year-old blind man was led to Jesus Christ in the home. Another family had several children, and they indicated a desire to ride the Sunday School bus. Within three months attendance had passed the 100 mark. Several Christian families, expressing a desire to leave their "dead" church, united with Calvary Heights Baptist Temple. One Sunday the Edmond Sansovini family, returning home from church, saw the temporary sign on the five acres and noted the cars parked in front of North Junior High School. That evening they returned and visited the small congregation. Sansovini, successful by the world's standards, was executive vice-president of the luxurious Chase Park Plaza Hotel located on Forest Park in downtown St. Louis. Sansovini, a former Roman Catholic, had been saved for ten years. When he met the vision and optimism of Carl Baugh, their spirits were immediately welded together. Sansovini used his expertise in public relations to give the struggling congregation citywide coverage. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch carried a front-page article on the Calvary Heights Baptist Temple and an additional article on its rapid growth. Attendance campaigns were planned, and attendance reached over 200 on special occasions. During the summer of 1970 the local press announced that a $30 million shopping center was to be built across the freeway from the church location. Thousands of additional people would be passing the site every month. The value of the church property doubled overnight. The bank of St. Louis attempted to buy one acre for $100,000 and when the church refused, raised the offer to $150,000. After one year, the congregation that began with an empty bank account had a net worth of over $1,100,000. Sansovini became so immersed in the work of the church that when offer of a $30,000 raise came, transferring him to Miami, he refused because he felt God wanted him to remain in St. Louis and help build the Calvary Heights Baptist Temple. Other associates were added, even though a salary could not be given. The Reverend Gary Rimer was called as associate pastor, Ralph Green assumed the position of minister of music and the Reverend Richard McKirihan became minister of youth. First Anniversary A dilapidated nursing home, with a four-car garage was situated on the five acres, but had not been used for a number of years. Vandals had taken their toll and weeds had grown over the property. The congregation rolled up its sleeves and went to work. The partitions were torn out of the four-car garage, making it one large room capable of seating 200. Walls were painted, acoustical tile installed on the ceilings, and plumbing renovated. Space heaters were installed in the corners, a platform was built, and new tile floors gave the place a "like-new" appearance. During August, 1970, Sunday School attendance dropped appreciably as members and pastors spent their time in repair work, rather than visiting. But everything had to be in order. The author (Dr. Elmer Towns) was the speaker on the first anniversary, September 20, 1970. One hundred and seventy-six attended Sunday School (not the highest attendance) and over 250 came for the church service. Three people responded to the invitation, reminding the whole congregation that the church was still in the soul-saving business. Not only was the refurbished nursing home dedicated, but the first anniversary also featured the groundbreaking for a 400-seat auditorium to cost $100,000. Immediately after the morning service, the congregation walked to the top of the hill overlooking the expressways. In four directions, the observer could see more than 4,000 homes. Then, I had the privilege of turning the first shovel of sod, commenting that, "This broken ground symbolizes the fact that we plan to plow the hearts of the community and sow the Word of God." Baugh turned the next shovelful of sod and stated, "As I plant this shovel, let it be known that I am planting my life in St. Louis." Every staff member and deacon was then given opportunity to turn a shovelful of sod and give a testimony. Then Baugh turned to the congregation and announced, "This church does not belong only to the leaders, but to us all." He handed the shovel to a nine year-old boy who in turn took his scoop and simply said, "I love Jesus." Just as Baugh believes it's every member's job to build the church, every person present took part in turning the sod. After 200 members had dug a large hole, the contractor jokingly said, "Pastor Baugh is practical; we've got a start on the project for tomorrow morning." A. J. Cervantes, mayor of St. Louis, sent a congratulatory telegram: "September 20 will be a historic day, not only for your church, but for the greater St. Louis area. The eyes of St. Louis are upon you and your church." The new 400-seat building was occupied February 7, 1971. Most pastors might take such opportunity of great accomplishment to bask in the sunlight of success—but not Baugh. On the walls of the brick and glass foyer, he hung the artist's plans and architect's prospectus for a 3,000-seat auditorium. How to Start a New ChurchCarl Baugh is considered successful in planting a new church. Several ministers have requested an interview with him, looking for principles of starting New Testament churches. The following list was written by Baugh before he began the St. Louis work.
Baugh believes that New Testament evangelism has been successful when a God-called man with a message and vision threw his entire life into the task of reaching lost people with the gospel. Baugh points out that dedicated men have always determined the direction of history. He believes that the minister should give direction to the local church. This does not mean that co-workers and officers are eliminated or negated. Instead, laymen can have a greater personal ministry because the pastor gives definite direction to the growth of the church. Then lay workers can involve themselves in planned action, making the most of their time and gifts. Thus, the personal ministry of officers and workers becomes enlarged to greater capacity. Baugh deeply believes that, even though the pastor is the leader of the congregation, the final decisions are made by congregational vote. Baugh has publicly stated that a young man who is afraid to lead and make decisions can never establish a church. He reminded a young student from Baptist Bible College that Satan hates the local church and is opposed to the establishment of a local church. Therefore committee action or natural evolvement will not bring a church into existence. Baugh indicated a man must, with spiritual courage, carve out of a rock a church that will bring glory to Jesus Christ. 2. Personal Contact Baugh began at once to lay plans to visit every home in the immediate area. He wanted to give a personal invitation to attend the services of the church, but he realized that "enlistment evangelism" alone would not be successful. His house-to-house visitation carried a soul-winning emphasis. "Does anyone in this family know Jesus Christ?" Baugh often asked. As he left a home he reminded them, "We preach the old-fashioned gospel. A person or family can be changed by the power of the gospel." 3. Bus Ministry—At first Baugh rented bus services to reach children for the Sunday School. Ed Sansovini donated the first church bus and shortly thereafter three buses were in operation, bringing people to Sunday School. His entire thrust begins by picking up children for Sunday School, then reaching into the home to win parents to Jesus Christ. 4. Training of Central Workers Baugh realized he could not perform every ministry in the church by himself. Therefore, he felt immediate necessity to train a corps of workers who would be loyal to the local church. A 6:00 P.M. Bible Institute was inaugurated on Sunday evenings before the evening service for training. Workers were taught Bible knowledge and soul-winning techniques. In the early days of the church, the evening service was turned into a class. Prayer meeting also constituted a time of training his staff to reach the neighborhood. Baugh believed that, in the final analysis, every meeting of the church should train laymen to be better workers for Jesus Christ. 5. Bible-preaching Curriculum One of the basic foundations of the new church was a belief in the authority of the Word of God. Baugh believes that the human heart is hungry and nothing satisfies it like knowledge of the Word of God. The teaching and preaching services of the church are designed to give exposure to the Word of God because, as Baugh stated, "God always uses the Scripture to convict the soul of sin and implant eternal life." 6. A Warm, Vital Song Service The services at Calvary Heights Baptist Temple were never designed with ritual or liturgy in mind. Baugh believes that gospel songs warm the heart of the common man. He was overheard telling his song leader, "Our music is not designed to create a ritual service, but gospel music communicates the message to the human heart." Baugh believes that, since the common man heard Jesus gladly, he could reach the common man today through gospel songs. He went on to state, "After the heart of a man is warmed with gospel music, the preaching of the message falls on fruitful soil." 7. Enlarged Public Ministry—Baugh explained this point by stating, "We are attempting to reach the community by every means possible." Sansovini prepares newspaper releases and advertising. A church paper was instituted which Baugh distributes weekly. Special campaigns are planned to give each member motivation to reach his neighbors. Baugh indicates that he instructs his people to use a campaign properly, so visitors may be brought to the church. The challenge to Carl Baugh in Calvary Heights Baptist Temple is not unusual. There are hundreds of cities in the United States that have no aggressive evangelistic church. The fields are white unto harvest and the laborers are few. God has planted Carl Baugh in St. Louis to reach that city. Whether he does, only time will tell. However, if past success is indicative of future growth, Calvary Heights Baptist Temple should become a large, aggressive evangelistic church.
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