Our History
Calvary Pentecostal Church began in 1938 with a small group of believers in Kenora, Ontario, a weekly radio broadcast and a rented hall downtown. For more than eight decades God has been faithful, from a Lodge hall on Chipman Street to Mellick Avenue and our home on Valley Drive.
Our Story
Founded in Kenora
In the 1930s John Paul received a letter from Rev. Charles Barker sharing his passion to begin a Pentecostal church in Kenora, and in 1938 the doors opened. Meeting first in homes such as the Paul home on 8th Ave. N., the group rented the Loyal Orange Lodge Hall at First and Chipman Street and broadcast each Sunday afternoon on CKCA radio.
A Church by the Side of the Road
Renovations transformed the former Lodge hall into a church building, completed in 1940. On August 7, 1942 the congregation chose its name, “The Church by the Side of the Road,” and in September 1944 an addition to the parsonage was built.
The Mortgage Is Burned
With all loans paid in full, the congregation burned the mortgage in a special service led by Rev. W. J. Taylor, Superintendent of the Manitoba Conference. “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
Calvary Church on Mellick Avenue
The Chipman Street property was sold on May 5, 1954, and members, including a very involved youth group, spent many hours building a new church home at 111 Mellick Ave. under Pastor Earl McDowell. The new Calvary Church was dedicated that same year.
A Constitution & Growing Ministry
On January 19, 1959 the congregation adopted a local church constitution as recommended by the P.A.O.C., and membership cards were introduced in 1960. Over the following years new Sunday School rooms, a new sign and frontage upgrades were added at Mellick Ave.
Land on Valley Drive
In September 1976, A. Hager and R. Synyk were appointed co-signers on behalf of Calvary Church for the purchase of a parcel of land at Valley Drive & Airport Road, and the property was purchased.
Breaking Ground
Under Pastor Bruce Nehring, who arrived in July 1981, building plans moved forward. Ken Anderson, District Superintendent Rev. Reinhimer and Pastor Nehring turned the first sod, and excavation began for the new Calvary Church at 1460 Valley Drive.
Built by Many Hands
Members of the congregation gave their time and labour to raise the new building, from building the floor to sharing coffee breaks on site.
Dedication of the New Church
The new building was dedicated in 1983. Pastor Nehring, founding pastor Rev. Barker and Rev. V. W. Taylor cut the ribbon, joined by the municipal representative and Deputy Mayor Annette Romaniuk.
A New Century of Ministry
Pastor Todd, Gwenda and family began ministry at Calvary Church in April 2002. KIDS Club began its third year in September 2002, the Alpha Course began in March 2003, and cell groups began in the fall of 2005.
Pastors Mike & Cathy Davis
Pastors Mike and Cathy Davis began serving at Calvary in 2018.
Our Pastors
Rev. Charles & Mrs. Myrtle Barker
Rev. Martin & Mrs. Mary McCallum
Rev. Clarence & Mrs. Lilian Walker
Rev. Bernard T. & Mrs. Margaret Parkinson
Rev. Earl M. & Mrs. Queenie McDowell
Rev. Jim N. & Mrs. Merle Vance
Rev. A.H. & Mrs. Irene Stiller
Rev. Vern W. & Mrs. Eva Taylor
Rev. Harry & Mrs. June Wilker
Rev. C. Angus & Mrs. Hilda McLain
Rev. W. Bruce & Mrs. Marilyn Nehring
Rev. Jack & Mrs. Barbara Kindred
Rev. Gerald E. & Mrs. Irene Morgan
Rev. Eric & Mrs. Candace Derksen
Rev. Todd & Mrs. Gwenda MacPherson
Pastor John Mark & Charlet Morley
Pastor Brian Nelms