History| Beliefs| Staff

Our Heritage

 

1961

 

Starting out with faith and hard work, Pastor Marvin Long and 13 charter members began construction of Calvary Temple Assembly of God on Hooper Road, in Yuba City. The first service was held on July 2, 1961, with 34 people in attendance - 19 adults and 15 children. It was envisioned on that day that "one day this small, unpretentious church would become a healing, soul-saving church that would be packed to the walls and more." A motto was adopted on the church's dedication day: "God, give us souls and let this church be a lighthouse to those that are in darkness."

 

1970's-80's

 

Within ten years, the church was outgrowing the facility on Hooper Road. Soon the prayer and search for new property led Calvary Temple to its current site on Colusa Highway. Services and classes were first held in the gymnasium, along with the kitchen and a few classrooms, as the sanctuary was being constructed. The first service in the new sanctuary was September 25, 1974.

 

The church continued to grow and expand its outreach to the surrounding communities. Soon, the campus was expanded to include more classrooms, a chapel and a library. The Calvary Temple Community Library has grown to be one of the foremost church libraries in the region, with over 8,500 volumes on its shelves, to date.

 

In 1978, Calvary Temple opened its doors to Faith Christian School, which led to the construction of the classroom facility on the south end of the campus.

 

1990's - Present

 

Upon the retirement of founding pastor, Marvin Long in 1991, Pastor Michael Ciociola came to Calvary Temple to serve as its second pastor in its 30-year existence.

 

The church has grown to capacity crowds. Ministries to adults, jr. high, high school and college students, and children of all ages pack every inch of the campus during the weekly Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night services. Activities ranging from music and drama rehearsals to student dance and puppet team practices to softball, volleyball and basketball league games keep the campus alive most every night of the week.

 

Outreaches to the community such as Home Bible Study groups, Nursing Home ministries, and Sidewalk Sunday School take the hope of the gospel outside the walls of the church campus.

 

Support of the spread of the gospel around the world through missions work has also been a priority of Calvary Temple from its very beginnings. The church supports over 100 missionaries worldwide, and has also been instrumental in building churches in many countries, by sending construction teams to such countries as Tonga, Peru and Tanzania.

 

The students and children also participate in this vital area of giving, by creatively supporting such missions outreaches as Speed the Light and BGMC (Boys & Girls Missionary Crusade).

 

In 1997, a search was begun for a larger piece of property that could accommodate the ever expanding ministries of Calvary Temple. In October, 2000, a 24-acre parcel of prime real estate just adjacent to Calvary Temple's current location was purchased, and the church is moving forward to build a brand new 163,000 square foot facility within the very near future.

2006 began a new and exciting day in the life and history of Calvary Temple. In its 45 year history, Calvary Temple has been a beacon, both in our community and in the world, spreading the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we move into the 21st century, our body of believers and constituency unanimously decided to modify the name of Calvary Temple to CALVARY CHRISTIAN CENTER. This change aids us in broadening the scope of our message to our community and world. Calvary Christian Center has truly become a "center" for Christian activities, meeting a broad scope of needs for our community and constituency. The name "Calvary" anchors and identifies who we are. "Christian Center" conveys the message that there are ministry and service opportunities for people of every age, ethnicity and background available on our campus. We at Calvary Christian Center step into the future which we believe to be a bright one and one of unprecedented growth. We look forward to the construction of our new facilities adjacent to our current property providing even greater opportunity for ministry and service throughout our community and world.

 The little church that began in 1961 with 13 members praying, "God, give us souls and let this church be a lighthouse to those that are in darkness" will continue to be that lighthouse in the very center of Yuba City - ready and willing to be used by God to bring hope, healing, and the message of the gospel to the entire region.