In 2012, Mount Calvary Church has been recognized by the local court system for the tremendous work we’ve done in the juvenile system. The 5th Sunday in May was declared “Mission Day” at Mount Calvary by Mission Solano of Fairfield. On this day, Chief Executive Director Ron Marlette presents Mount Calvary with a proclamation signifying the excellent work it has done in the community.
In addition to meeting the needs of people, we believe in tooling people for success in life through education. Our beloved founding pastor valued education. He wanted people to be educated and to know about their history, particularly African-Americans. He dreamed of a library and resource center that would provide information, so all people would know the history of Africa and the contributions of blacks in the world and the USA, especially as it relates to Christianity and the Black Church experience.
- In 1991, the church opened to the public the first African-American Heritage Library in Solano County at the Suisun Campus. This library was later renamed the Claybon Lea Memorial Library and relocated to the Fairfield Campus. On Sunday, October 26, 2006, Mount Calvary held a grand opening in honor of Rev. Lea who transitioned from his earthly mission to his just reward on October 27, 2002. Coupled with the establishment of the library was the African Enterprise Network, which was designed to showcase and make available authentic African art, fabric and clothing.
- Our library solidifies Rev. Lea’s conviction regarding the significance and value of literacy, as well as his vision of a literary cultural center in Solano County. During Black History Month in 2013, an exhibit of children’s books, fiction and nonfiction materials, artwork and DVDs, most of which from the library, were displayed. This superb educational exhibit, organized by Church Librarian, Sis. Carrie Donaldson received an overwhelming response and received media attention. Moreover, our Black History Month display and vision for a literary cultural center in Solano County captured the attention and sparked the interest of politicians in Solano County and Washington, D.C.
- Continuing our support of education, on February 5, 2007, Mount Calvary’s Scholarship Ministry, spearheaded by Sis. Louise McNeill presented our first annual Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Fair and Family Night. This effort, in partnership with U-CAN (United College Action Network) and Success Consortium, became a phenomenal success and is open to the public. Today, admission representatives from more than 30 HBCUs visit each year offering students and parents’ information on admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Each year students receive on-the-spot admissions and scholarships to HBCUs. Scholarship awards continue to soar into the millions of dollars.
- Year-round events and other college-related workshops are also hosted by the Scholarship Ministry and open to the public. Local business owners and businesses, along with California colleges and universities participate in these events. This ministry also offers and provides access to various other scholarships. Other education pursuits include our Youth summer tutoring program, led by Sis. Deotha Wolfe.