Gospel Fest at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

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Posted April 2, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height / Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist is one of the oldest churches in Marion County, tracing its roots back to the 1870s. The church grounds, shaded by ages-old grandaddy oak trees, was the scene on March 29 of a Gospel Fest that drew hundreds of people.

The festival included musical performances, food and fellowship on the grounds. There were many other church groups in attendance, with some guests traveling from as far away as Montgomery, AL.

The church is located at 5000 SW College Road, Ocala. It got its start when a group of free slaves started having services under a brush arbor, or shelter made from tree branches and brush, according to church and historical records. The church was officially chartered in 1900.

To learn more, find the church on social media at fb.com/OcalaMtCalvaryMBC/

Gospel Fest at the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
Gospel Fest at the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
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