“We’ve come this far by faith…”
Calvary Evangelical Church was founded on April 20, 1969, and incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio on June 3, 1969, with the temporary name of Calvary Gospel Church. On October 12, 1969, the corporate name was changed to Calvary Evangelical Church of Van Wert.
The founding congregation were members of the old Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church located at Jefferson and Maple in Van Wert. The majority withdrew following the merger of E.U.B. and Methodist churches due to the disputing the authority and authenticity of the Bible as God’s Word; and, modernistic, liberal teachings setting forth a social gospel at the expense of man’s salvation and spiritual growth. During the morning service on April 13, 1969, the congregation burned the mortgage notes, paying off all indebtedness. That afternoon, 97% of the eligible and interested members voted for withdrawal leaving all properties, supplies, and equipment.
The newly formed congregation held its services in the Lincoln Jr. High Building, Triangle Building, Jr. Fair Building and Administration Building at the County Fair Grounds, in the National Guard Armory and in the homes and garages of the members of the congregation.
The Rev. Howard W. McCracken who had pastored the old Calvary E.U.B. Church since 1953 was asked by the newly formed congregation to serve as its first pastor. He ministered in that capacity for 15 years. His study was initially located at 301 N. Washington Street where a Christian Day Nursery School was also held under the leadership of Judy Fox with Janet McCracken, the pastor’s wife as its first teacher.
In the Fall of 1969 this growing congregation hired a consultant to direct a building program. On December 1 of that year a financial campaign was held with a goal of $174,000. In one week $240,000 was raised which enabled planning for additional educational space. Two plots of ground were offered to the church for a building site; a 5 acre plot by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smiley which was later to become Van Wert Smiley Park, and a 5 acre plot by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gilliland at the corner of Business 224 West and Sidle Road. The five acre plot donated by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gilliland at the corner of Business Route 224 and Sidle Road was chosen. On May 17, 1970 ground was broken for the first building project. The corner stone of the new church building was laid on September 27, 1970, and the first service was held on February 10, 1971.
An additional 7 acres of adjoining property was purchased bringing the total property to 12 acres. A second major building project was launched in 1973 to provide for needed Sunday School classrooms for the growing congregation. On June 2, 1974, ground was broken for this undertaking and on September 15, 1974, the cornerstone was laid for a two-story educational building. On January 19, 1975, the new unit was dedicated. On March 18, 1984, note-burning ceremonies were conducted. All indebtedness on the church facilities was paid. In praise to the Lord, this was done seven years in advance of maturity on the notes.
As the work of ministry grew, the congregation hired additional men to work on the pastoral staff in areas of Christian Education, Youth Ministry and music.
In 1981 the Rev. Duane C. Seitz came on staff as Associate Minister and following the retirement of Pastor McCracken in 1984 became Senior Pastor. Pastor McCracken continued on staff ministering in the area of Pastoral care. Completing five years of ministry at Calvary, Pastor Seitz resigned in September of 1985. Under his leadership the church continued to experience times of growth and revival.
On April 15, 1984 the congregation approved the beginning of a third major building expansion of $1,150,000 for the construction of a new sanctuary, fellowship hall addition, Sunday School class room space, and administrative office space. On July 15, 1984 ground was broken for the new 33,160 square foot addition. This came after 4 years of study, planning and prayer.
As the heavy equipment and tradesmen moved-in to begin construction, members of the church also came to do their part. They contributed many hours of work doing light construction, sanding, painting, cleaning and a thousand other miscellaneous but necessary tasks. The building project was completed in January 1986. It was an exciting time. The church would begin the year in a new facility with new vision for ministry and growth. That’s not all that was new for the congregation that year.
On January 1, 1986, Rev. Burton Reed became Senior Pastor of the church. His installation was held January 12, 1986. This was the first Sunday for the congregation to occupy the new sanctuary which was in the process of being completed. On April 20, 1986, a service of dedication was held for the new facilities. Under his leadership Calvary Dynamic Ministries was begun and our mission statement “COMMITTED TO WIN AND DISCIPLE PEOPLE FOR JESUS CHRIST” was adopted. In honor of the memory of Pastor McCracken (who went to be with the Lord on June 8, 1988) the congregation on June 17, 1988 designated the original church sanctuary as the McCracken Chapel. Soon after a committee was formed to consider the possibilities of redesigning the area to better utilize the space and provide additional classrooms for the Sunday School and youth programs. The church’s strong emphasis on world missions continued to develop and grow under his leadership.
On July 15, 1990, Pastor Reed resigned to head the Missions Department of Boca Raton Community Church and become President of International Coop Ministries.
Pastor Raymond E. Feeck accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor of the church. On February 10, 1991 his service of installation was held. Later that same year the renovation of McCracken Chapel began. Six classrooms, a large youth area and an intimate worship area were carved from the old facility.
Thanks to the generous bequest from Mr. Walter Emans in honor of the memory of his wife, Aria, along with the faithful giving of the congregation, the project was completed without incurring additional debt. The remodeled area was dedicated on November 3, 1991 and the additional space promptly utilized.
1992 also saw the 25th anniversary of the beginning of Calvary Preschool. The occasion was marked with special programs and a float in the Peony Festival and 4th of July parades. The school continues the tradition of excellence in Christian preschool education.
April 10, 1994 marked the 25th Anniversary of the founding of Calvary Evangelical Church. As has been seen, a great deal has been accomplished in these few years. The hymn, used as a theme in the church’s early days, “We’ve come this far by faith” is the testimony of the congregation, and our present strength is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
On Sunday, January 8, 2006, Calvary Church embarked on yet another adventure. Recognizing that God is a God of variety and diversity, and recognizing that not everyone connects with Him the same way, we began offering two distinctly different worship experiences on Sunday mornings. Our “Classic Service” is designed to draw hearts to God through the reading of His Word, the singing of songs and hymns, the intimacy of prayer and the encouragement of biblical preaching, and our “Modern Service” is designed to draw hearts to God through modern worship led by a praise band, full use of multi-media and the arts, and relevant, biblical teaching.
On December 31, 2006, in preparation for semi-retirement and new ministry opportunities, Pastor Feeck moved from being the Senior Pastor to Shepherding Pastor. January 1, 2007, Rev. Clark Williman assumed the duties of Interim Lead Pastor. On June 24, 2007, the church held a celebration of ministry for Pastor Feeck for the sixteen years of ministry to Calvary. He left Calvary to begin new ministries with serving as an Interim Pastor for churches and leading teams to China for Bible distribution with Grace for China, as well as other missions opportunities.
On September 30, 2007, Pastor Chad Chute accepted the call to serve as the Lead Pastor of the church, with Pastor Williman moving back into the position of Executive Pastor.
The work, however, is not done. We must dare to dream, dream of expanding ministry and growth. We have come this far by faith and by God’s grace we will go on proclaiming the Gospel and endeavoring to win and disciple people for Jesus Christ till He comes.