~by Pastor Mike Middaugh
1947 Chapel Groundbreaking Ceremony
Over the last few months I have been digging through old photos and documents from Calvary’s early days. I have come across some incredible things, from the groundbreaking ceremony for the chapel in 1947, to the construction of the A-frame in 1962, these documents and photos tell the story of Calvary’s history and reveal the dedicated work of those who have come before us.
In October of 1941, 75 years ago this fall, it was the dream of a few families to start a church that might serve the Silver Spring community. This was not an easy or comfortable task. Wartime concerns were a stress on the people, and a drain on resources. For the first 7 years of Calvary’s existence the congregation met in 3 different locations because they did not yet have their own building. But they persevered and believed God was with them as they pursued their vision for a new church.
A-Frame Construction; 1962
This fall we will be celebrating this milestone – 75 years of ministry. As we do we will look back and reflect on the major events that brought us here. Many lives have been changed by God’s work within this congregation. Many people have been served here by the church community and by the Calvary School.
As we celebrate this anniversary we are using it as an opportunity to also look forward. We are in a season of significant change as a church – change that I believe prepares us for many more years of ministry in this community. By the end of this decade our vision is to be a renewed congregation better able to serve those around us. This will be done by modernizing our facility and refocusing our ministries, allowing us to reach more people, be an incubator for new initiatives, and change lives in our community with God’s love.
Starting in September we will be launching a visionary campaign that will help us to achieve these goals. Through the fall season we will also be holding a series of events celebrating 75 years of ministry. As we celebrate this milestone we hope to re-connect with many people who have been impacted by Calvary’s ministry in the past, inviting them to join us in shaping our plan for the future.
This is a busy and exciting time for the church. I believe God has uniquely equipped us now to achieve these goals. But this will take all of us (and I don’t mean “a lot of us.”) Extraordinary prayer is needed as we make decisions and move forward. The talents of many will be necessary as we organize to carry out projects. Every one of us must seek God’s guidance for how we are called to help, and how we can bring this vision to others.
We need to be All In.
All in for Calvary. All in for the future. This takes all of us.
