Calvary's History

Founded on a heritage rich in obedience and faith, Calvary was supernaturally ordained to be a church of great destiny. Throughout the past 50 years, the hand of God has miraculously remained on this body of believers during many seasons on the mountain peaks and even more significantly, through dark days of valley experiences.

Small Beginnings

In the spring of 1953, Pastor John Hall, his wife Carlie, and their family moved to Florida feeling that God had called them to pastor in the Winter Park area. When they arrived, there was no congregation or church building to hold services in. They purchased two lots in a residential area and immediately began building a church.Located at 1919 Miller Ave. in Winter Park, the church was named Orlando Gospel Tabernacle. The first service was held with approximately 35 people in attendance and a dirt floor, which was raked before each service. A year later, in 1954, the church became part of the growing fellowship of the Assemblies of God.

Changes

Dr. Dale Zink became the pastor in February of 1961 and a month later, the church was renamed Calvary Assembly of God. During Dr. Zink’s ministry, an evangelist named Eddie Barg came for special meetings, which were extended for 13 weeks. The church grew and plans were made to build a new auditorium. Additional land was purchased and construction began in 1964 on a 500-seat sanctuary, which later became known as Johnson Hall. Adjacent to the new church building, a lighted tower was built which quickly became one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area.

Explosive Growth

In 1966, Eddie Barg became the pastor until the summer of 1970 when Roy Harthern came to Orlando to lead Calvary Assembly, with a congregation of just under 300 people. During the next 10 years, the church experienced phenomenal growth. The sanctuary was once again outgrown and the church had to have multiple morning and evening services on Sundays to accommodate those who came to worship. Because of the explosive growth, a fellowship group ministry was established to minister more personally to the needs of the growing congregation.

New Sanctuary

In December, 1974, after two years of planning and construction, we moved into our third sanctuary which seated 1400, rejoicing that our space problems were finally solved, but it was filled on opening day.

New Educational Building

Increases in attendance in late 1975 made it necessary for the Youth Department to have its' own Sunday morning service in order to make room in the sanctuary. A new 10,000 sq. ft. educational building was completed in 1978 to accomodate the growing Sunday School. In 1980, a third addition was added.

More Explosive Growth

Alex Clattenburg assumed the responsibilities as Senior Pastor to the Calvary Assembly family in the fall of 1981. Capacity crowds attended three morning services and one evening service on Sunday. On November 4, 1984, the pastors and congregation broke ground and dedicated the site on Calvary’s property where a 5500 seat sanctuary along with 25 educational rooms, television production and control facilities, and a choir and orchestra complex, Wedding Chapel, Bookstore and Prayer Room was to be built. The new sanctuary was dedicated in the spring of 1987.

Reducing the Debt

In May of 1990, Dr. Mark Rutland accepted the challenging role of Senior Pastor with a mortgage of almost 15 million dollars. A great miracle of growth and giving occurred and during Dr. Rutland’s tenure at Calvary, the church was able to retire almost 4 million dollars on the mortgage.

Moving The Mountain

On Easter Sunday, 1995, Pastor Clark Whitten was welcomed as Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly. At that time, the debt was at 11.5 million. In February of 1996, the congregation enthusiastically pledged to give sacrificially above and beyond their tithes to the “Moving the Mountain” campaign to eradicate the debt. On September 24, 2000, the Mountain was Moved and a “Freedom Celebration” second to none was enjoyed by the congregation and many visitors.

God Is On The Move!

January 1, 2006, Pastor George Cope and his wife Cheryl, joined Calvary Assembly and assumed the role as Lead (Sr.) Pastor. Having been a pastor for over 30 years, and having served as President of Zion Bible College in the Northeast, Pastor Cope brought with him a love for people and a desire to facilitate effective ministry through bible teaching and discipleship training.

Through the years, both nationally and internationally renowned ministries have had their roots at Calvary Assembly. These include “Rock House,” the Jesus Festivals, Charisma Magazine, and Crown Ministries, among others.

To those who have only observed from a distance, Calvary Assembly is synonymous for a big building. However, for those who have come close enough to know her heart, Calvary Assembly is really people….. people of all ages, from a variety of social and ethnic backgrounds, and from all walks of life….. people that have a big heart….. a big heart for their community, for our nation and for the countless millions around the world that have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It is the desire of the leadership that Calvary’s sphere of influence only increase so that she will become all that God wants her to be and be a strong beacon to future generations. May God continue to bless Calvary Assembly as her people continue to “become a Biblically functioning community of believers through whom Christ’s redemptive purposes can be accomplished in the world.”