Church History

Elder Booker T. Johnson, 1963-2004

 

Founder of Calvary Pentecostal Church, was born on April 16, 1915, in Calhoun County, South Carolina. When he was about seven years old, the family moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During his years in Winston-Salem, he attended the Kimberly Park and Oak Street schools. At age 11, his family relocated to Philadelphia, PA, where he first became associated with Mount Zion Holy Church. Every Sunday, he would attend services with his late aunt, Sister Hattie Howard.

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Elder Johnson first attempted to open Calvary Pentecostal Church in January 1963, but a fire swept through the neighborhood the night before the scheduled opening. Steadfast and determined, Elder Johnson began searching for a new location. In August 1963, with Elder Teddy Morton as his assistant pastor, Calvary Pentecostal Church became a reality, officially opening it's doors for worship at 100 Humbolt Street, Trenton NJ. The initial membership was made up of both Elder Johnson’s and Elder Morton’s families. The church grew through the evangelical work of Elder Johnson’s first wife, the late Sister Ethel Johnson.

He served as the president of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey districts since 1977, and in 2003, received an award from Bishop D. Elaine Harris for his service to the Mount Sinai Sunday School.

​Elder Johnson went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2005.

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Elder Pearlie Mae Smith 2006-2022

 

Elder Smith was appointed pastor on September 25, 2006, and received her credentials and ordination on September 28, 2009. She and her late husband, Seaman Smith, raised eight children and five foster children. Originally from Opp, Alabama, she moved to Trenton, NJ, at a young age and was educated in the Trenton Public School System. She furthered her education at Mercer County College, The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College), and Grambling State College.

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An educator and public servant for 36 years, Elder Smith worked in Trenton Public Schools as a paraprofessional and PTO president. She served as a mentor and instructor with Fruit of the Holy Spirit Ministries of Granville Academy, where she received the Fruit of the Holy Spirit Ministry Award, along with many other community honors.​

Elder Pearlie Smith’s legacy of dedication and service lives on in her children. She resigned as pastor in 2022.

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Dr. Valerie Arthur 2022-present

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Dr. Valerie Arthur is a distinguished leader, pastor, and humanitarian whose life’s work bridges faith, education, and community empowerment. With over three decades of public service, Dr. Arthur retired as the first African American Prison Administrator of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey, where she championed rehabilitation and justice reform.

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Dr. Arthur currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Pentecostal Church in Trenton, NJ, where she leads with biblical conviction, spiritual clarity, and a heart for evangelizing urban youth. Dr. Arthur is the visionary founder and Dean of Christ Centered In the City School of Ministry, offering theological education and ministry training in partnership with Oral Roberts University Bible Institute.

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A tireless advocate for education and youth development, Dr. Arthur is President of BGI International LLC and founder of the Katherine Nunnally S.T.E.A.M. Academy in Haiti. She also leads the Truth Summit Conference, a biblically grounded youth experience focused on identity, purpose, and spiritual formation. Her leadership extends into philanthropy as the current Board Chair of the Smith Family Foundation of New Jersey.

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Dr. Arthur holds an Associate of Science from Mercer County Community College, a Bachelors of Science degree from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University), a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She is also the author of two impactful books: Reclaiming the Blood and You Can’t Break My Soul, both of which offer spiritual insight and practical wisdom for today’s believer.

Her global kingdom ministry includes her work in Haiti, Pakistan, and South Africa.

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Committed to uplifting underserved communities, Dr. Arthur continues to spearhead initiatives that integrate faith, education, and social impact—empowering individuals to walk boldly in purpose, power, and truth.