Our Church History

Mount Calvary United Holy Church was founded in 1976 by Elder Senora T. Dunston and established under the spiritual leadership of Elder C.V. McCoy of Faith Gospel Tabernacle in Durham, North Carolina. From its humble beginnings, the church has been rooted in faith, obedience, and a deep commitment to God.

At its inception, the ten founding members hosted Sunday services in their homes, demonstrating unity and devotion. Led by the Holy Spirit, this small yet determined congregation labored together to renovate and transform an old house into a place of worship. Among those instrumental in this transformation was Robert Dunston, whose dedication and hands-on efforts helped convert the home into a sacred space for ministry. Though few in number, the congregation was strong in faith, believing they could do all things through Christ. When the renovation was complete, they rejoiced in what God had done, and the Spirit-filled ministry was named Mount Calvary United Holy Church.

After serving as pastor for two years, Elder McCoy appointed Minister Senora T. Dunston as pastor. Understanding the weight of this responsibility, he provided mentorship, wisdom, and guidance. Committed to her calling, Pastor Dunston diligently pursued spiritual growth and received her Elder’s license through the Western North Carolina District under Bishop A.W. Lawson.

Under the leadership of Elder Dunston, alongside Assistant Pastor Reverend Mary B. Leonard, Mount Calvary flourished. Several key ministries were established, including the Choir, Sunshine Band, Young People Holy Association (YPHA), Mission Department, Usher Board, and Bible Church School (BCS). The music ministry, faithfully led by Sister Veona Alston—Pastor Dunston’s sister and Minister of Music—played a vital role in shaping the worship experience and spiritual atmosphere of the church.

Around 1989, Mount Calvary united with the Southern District Convocation in Henderson under the leadership of Bishop Jesse Jones. Since that time, the church has remained faithful and committed to serving with excellence, honoring its responsibilities within the district.

Throughout its history, Mount Calvary has experienced both seasons of joy and moments of loss. The church lovingly remembers those who have gone on to glory, including Assistant Pastor Reverend Mary B. Leonard (2006), Mother Luella Dunston (2011), Minister Mary “Betty” Cooper (2015), Sister Veona Alston, a devoted Minister of Music, Robert Dunston, whose foundational contributions helped establish the church, and most recently, Mother Irene Epps (April 2026). Their legacy of faith, service, and dedication continues to inspire the ministry today.

In April 2011, Pastor Dunston recognized and announced the call to ministry upon her daughter-in-love, Takicey M. Dunston. She preached her initial sermon in September of that same year and was faithfully mentored into leadership, eventually serving as Assistant Pastor. In 2017, she was ordained as a licensed Elder in the United Holy Church of America.

After 46 years of faithful service, Pastor Senora Dunston, in obedience to the will of God, announced her retirement. With confidence and clarity, she named her successor—her daughter-in-love, Elder Takicey M. Dunston. In September 2019, the members of Mount Calvary United Holy Church embraced her as their newly installed pastor.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic required the church to transition from in-person worship to a virtual platform. During this time, the church building became unfit for services, yet the congregation remained steadfast in worship and fellowship.

In December 2023, Pastor Dr. Patricia Barfield graciously extended an invitation for Mount Calvary to utilize the sanctuary at Hephzibah on the first and third Sundays. With gratitude, the church accepted and began worshipping at 6015 Applewhite Road, Wendell, North Carolina, in 2024, while continuing virtual services on the second and fourth Sundays.

Today, Mount Calvary United Holy Church continues to move forward in faith, working toward the vision of a permanent church home. With unwavering trust in God’s plan, the congregation remains committed to fulfilling its mission.

We invite you to pray with us and for us as we continue to follow God’s leading, trusting Him to guide our path according to His will and divine purpose.