OUR HISTORY
 

1880 Beginning January 1, 1880 with 73 present, in an abandoned wooden chapel, which was moved to E. Madison (Now 79th Street). Growth to 250 required the building of a spacious stone chapel in 1883. (now Fellowship Hall) with 200 members and 300 in Sunday school, known as Calvary Chapel, Mission of Old Stone Church, served by ministers in rotation.

Cornerstone laid for Sanctuary MDCCCLXXXVIII (longest Roman numeral date possible since the birth of Christ).

Large Sanctuary completed and dedicated on Jan. 5. (Same worship service repeated January 7, 1990) Bolton Chapel founded as Mission of Calvary united also with Old Stone Church in Collegiate organization, ministers in rotation.

1891 Calvary Presbyterian Church incorporated May 22, and 311 charter members received. Drs Mears and Freeman, pastors.

1900 Gym was built, a first for a church and still a prime asset. Dr. T.S. McWilliams called, pastor for 12 years, 272 members added to rolls.

1903 First telephone installed. A Collinwood Mission Chapel was begun & supported many years. It became Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

1910 Cleveland’s first missionaries sent to China. Dr. and Mrs. Dilley served there many years for Calvary. More utilities added. Lot to west bought for open space, Mr. Adelbert Higley called to pulpit in 1915.

More people moved into this neighborhood, apartments replaced big estates, many moved to suburbs but kept membership. Mission Sunday School begun in Shaker

1922 Heights Ferway School. Merger with Bolton Avenue Church in ’22 created a strong, active church and made Endowment Fund possible. Radio broadcast begun.

Church adjusted to Depression by increasing care to needy and thoughtfully restricting operating costs. Affirmed again to stay in the city.

Focus on prayer for peace in WW-II as in WW- I . Transition from 29- year pastorate of Dr. Higley to Dr. John Bruere in l945. Many lively activities nurtured Christian camaraderie and concern for the neglected in inner city.

Two lots on 79th purchased for parking and play yard. Garden on West planted with four WW –II memorial trees. Baby care during worship service begun.

Integration of membership began quietly and naturally. Pastor and members joined in vigorous neighborhood clean-up campaigns.

“Religion That Works” radio program Sunday at 9 a.m. was initiated and proven a strong mission in Northern Ohio. 300 children in Saturday-Sunday Youth program. Hough riots coped with and proven non-interruptive. NOAH INC born to address low-income housing needs. Sudden death of Dr. Bruere brought call of Dr. Roger Shoup.

Thoughtful and prayerful integration continued. Calvary Choral Group flourished. Justice-Line panic phone system used for anonymous reports of crime in community. Houses and apartments being raised. The Restoration Campaign successful raised capital funds and renovated major portions of church sanctuary and kitchen in particular.

Mr. William Kight called as pastor, Church responded to needs of members and neighbors with clothing and food, AA program begun many years ago, continues. The building of Rainbow Place II and I on 79th St. Food and clothing given to needy continuously. Mental health program.

1988 100th Anniversary of laying of Cornerstone celebrated with Special Worship Service and Luncheon. Church in time of transition. Two years with interim pastor.

1989 Midtown Area a wasteland for several years awaiting develop0ment. Dr. Tyrone Burkette called as pastor. Congregation anticipates challenges of rebuilding the area to re-strengthen Calvary Presbyterian Church.

1992 Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Incorporation with special Worship Service and Luncheon.

1999 Mr. Adrian T. Lynum called as pastor. At time of ordination, congregation suffers serious decline, as neighborhood has not rebuilt adequately.

2009 Recognition of 129 years at 79th & Euclid. Dr. Rev. Bertrice Wood served as Temporary Supply Pastor. Day Care returns to Calvary. Mid-Town Corridor completed along Euclid. November 16th 2009 Rev. Floyd N. Rhodes, Jr. appointed as Temporary Supply Pastor.

2011 We entered into a shared leadership partnership agreement with Glenville New Life Community Church PCUSA. Our churches will be sharing the pastoral leadership of Rev. Toby Gillespie-Mobley, Rev. Rick Gillespie-Mobley, and Rev. Kellie Sullivan. These three are now currently serving as our pastors.