Founder and History

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Mt. Calvary Deliverance Tabernacle was established on August 29, 1964 under the leadership of the late Dr. Ardell E. Tucker and the late Rev. Dorothy O. Austin. Bishop Brumfield Johnson (founding Bishop of the Mt. Calvary Holy Churches of America) commissioned the “Twin Evangelists” (Dr. Tucker and Rev. Austin) to conduct a revival meeting in the city of New Haven, CT. Obediently, these spirit-filled women went to New Haven and conducted a revival that spread throughout the city and region.

This revival was one of great deliverance. Over the years there have been many more. In these revivals God restored sight to blind eyes, opened deaf ears, caused lame legs to walk and revealed life-changing messages to those who knew the Lord as Savior and to those who didn’t have personal relationships with Christ Jesus. The motto is and has always been “A church where everybody is somebody.” With this motto, everyone can see that salvation has no limits to whom it can reach.

In 1966, the Twin Evangelists went to the city of Bridgeport, CT and organized another church with was led by the capable Bishop Willie James Carr and Lady Annie Marie Carr, followed by the Faithful Few Tabernacle of Danbury, CT, also in 1966, then led by the capable hands of the late Rev. Queen Shields, and the now Rev. Dorothy Inez Bridges. In 1972, the Twin Evangelists organized the National Tabernacles of Deliverance, Inc. This organization of churches expanded across the country and grew into an organization of over 14 churches.

Over the years, the Lord opened great doors for the Twin Evangelists, both domestically and abroad. Revivals were conducted in Barbados, Haiti, London, Trinidad, Jamaica and many other locations around the world. This dynamic duo opened doors for many young evangelists, singers and musicians. Names like Bishop Alfred Owens, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Bishop Kenneth Moales, and many others have been house-hold names in the chronicles of Mt. Calvary Deliverance Tabernacle.

Prophet Brian J. Mosley, one of Mt. Calvary’s cherished sons, has served in this vineyard by way of revivals for many years. Through the years many were healed, delivered, and set free from poverty, sickness, and troubles of many kind. The list of anointed vessels used in this pasture is too large to document.

In April 1980, Rev Austin was called from labor to reward and Dr. Tucker was left to carry on the work. With the help of the Lord, Dr. Tucker remained faithful to her pastoral assignment while traveling the world as a premiere evangelist. Dr. Tucker passed the pastoral baton on May 6, 2006 to Pastor Robert L. Smith IV, grandson of the late Rev. Dorothy Austin. 

Dr. Tucker was also called from labor to reward in January 2015. She lived for 90 years, preached the gospel for over 70 years and now we are building upon her great example of service.

Apostle John E. Wilson (visionary of the New England Prophetic Conference and Pastor of St. John Full Gospel Deliverance Church) ordained Pastor Smith to lead this great body of baptized believers. Since that time, God has shown himself in a miraculous way.

Mt. Calvary is a bible believing church with an emphasis on Christian discipleship. Over the years, the church has developed and evolved as a relevant organization comprised of several outreach ministries. These ministries have been geared toward soul-winning and character building from the beginning.

The church has always taken a particular interest in youth education and youth ministries. However, it’s interesting to note that many of our parents have committed themselves to continued education, certificate programs, and trade schools. Christian education is a staple in the church’s overall agenda. After all, the church has been warned against the spirit of darkness, wherein one can find ignorance. And we all know ignorance is no excuse.

In recent years we have developed a program entitled Family Life Resources. Family Life Resources is a ministry branch that is designed to counsel preteens and young adults who are faced with a range of life challenges. This program creates both a collection of remedial services as well as empowerment opportunities for skilled social workers and other trained professionals.

The church has an assignment and that is to go to the highways and hedges and compel men, women, and children to come and fill the house. The goal is to do all that is required of us, by the Holy Spirit. When it’s all said and done, we want to hear Him say well done and we know that He cannot, will not, say well done, if we have not done well. Remain prayerful as we strive to do well.