75 Years of God’s faithfulness
Calvary Church - Est. 1950
For 75 years, God’s faithfulness has been at the core of Calvary Church. It has shaped our past, sustained our present, and will continue to guide our future. This milestone anniversary isn’t just a celebration—it’s an invitation to see ourselves in God’s story.
It’s a time to praise God, reflect on the journey that brought us here, and commit to living lives marked by real love, real trust, and real purpose—as individuals and as a church community. By honoring the values that shaped our beginnings, we build on the foundation laid before us to write the next chapter.
Together, we will remember, celebrate, and step forward into the future that Jesus has for Calvary Church.
Looking Back… Moving Forward
75th Anniversary Commemorative Videos
calvary’s founders: building a legacy
Calvary Church was founded by trailblazers—young couples who weren’t afraid to challenge tradition to pursue a deeper, more authentic faith. They stepped away from their family churches to start something new, a church where they could:
Celebrate their marriages by unashamedly wearing their wedding rings.
Provide for their families through life insurance, essential for those working dangerous jobs.
Worship together side by side, praying as husband and wife.
Study scripture deeply, exploring God’s word in ways they had never been able to before.
Engage culture with the gospel, sharing the transforming work of Jesus beyond church walls.
Where do we go from here?
Their story is our story. The same passion that fueled Calvary’s beginning still drives us today. As we look forward, we take those foundational values and continue to invite others to step into God’s story.
Calvary’s story is just one chapter in the greater story of God’s work through the church, the work of his spirit, and his great faithfulness. What we’re celebrating isn’t just about 75 years of Calvary—it’s about the Calvary 2,000 years ago and the mission Jesus started, which we continue today.
LOOKING BACK
Founding Pastor - bill anders
Bill and Miriam Anders were one of the bold couples that began gathering together with a group of people who were desiring a deeper understanding of the Bible. Bill became the first pastor of Calvary Church in 1950. What started as a small gathering in homes quickly grew, leading to the first public service at Telford Fire Hall with 102 people.
Alongside his pastoral duties, Bill was a dairy farmer and private pilot, balancing his work with his calling to ministry. He was known for his steadfast personality, love for people, and unwavering devotion to the Lord.
After ten years as Calvary’s pastor, Bill humbly acknowledged his lack of formal qualifications to teach scripture was limiting the spiritual growth of the church. He stepped down from Calvary, and the Anders family followed God’s call to Ecuador as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators, where they used their skills to train and equip others for ministry.
Their faith, love for people, compassionate leadership, and commitment to God’s calling continue to shape Calvary Church today.
Did you know? Mr. B’s is named after Bill Anders?
Grace
Live out the grace we’ve been given
Did you know? Calvary’s founders were breaking tradition just by wearing wedding rings? They wanted a church where they could unashamedly celebrate marriage, men and women could worship side by side, and build a faith community rooted in grace and authenticity!
Bible
Get the Scripture into the hands of the people
Did you know? Calvary’s founders started this church because they wanted to study the Bible—digging into Scripture in ways they hadn’t been able to before.
outreach
Share the gospel in word and deed
Did you know? Calvary’s first offering went directly to missions! That commitment continues today, as every first Sunday of the month, all undesignated gifts support our missionaries and mission partners in their gospel work locally, regionally, and globally.
