Our History
Calvary Assembly of God began in June 1941 when E. W. Hill and a group of believers sought help establishing an Assemblies of God church in Beckley. Under the leadership of founding pastor Rev. Verne B. McKinney, the congregation first gathered in an empty storefront on South Kanawha Street.
Soon afterward, the church purchased property on Valley Drive for $500. Services were held beneath a tent until a simple wooden building was ready that November. From those humble beginnings, God continued to grow and establish the congregation.
During Rev. T. M. Waldron’s ministry, a new church building was constructed on Valley Drive, and Calvary grew into one of the leading Assemblies of God congregations in the region. In the years that followed, eighteen acres on Sunset Drive were purchased, and construction began on the campus Calvary calls home today.
Through seasons of growth, financial hardship, and remarkable provision, God remained faithful. Ministries such as the bus ministry, Via Dolorosa, Speed the Light, missions, and Beckley Day of Hope have carried the gospel beyond the church walls and served generations of people throughout Southern West Virginia and around the world.
Soon afterward, the church purchased property on Valley Drive for $500. Services were held beneath a tent until a simple wooden building was ready that November. From those humble beginnings, God continued to grow and establish the congregation.
During Rev. T. M. Waldron’s ministry, a new church building was constructed on Valley Drive, and Calvary grew into one of the leading Assemblies of God congregations in the region. In the years that followed, eighteen acres on Sunset Drive were purchased, and construction began on the campus Calvary calls home today.
Through seasons of growth, financial hardship, and remarkable provision, God remained faithful. Ministries such as the bus ministry, Via Dolorosa, Speed the Light, missions, and Beckley Day of Hope have carried the gospel beyond the church walls and served generations of people throughout Southern West Virginia and around the world.
A Vision for the Future
In 1996, Rev. John Jordan came to Calvary Assembly of God as Youth Pastor. During those years, he and his wife, Stephanie, invested deeply in the next generation through youth ministry, worship, Via Dolorosa, and Speed the Light. In July 1998, the church elected Pastor John as Lead Pastor.
Under Pastor John’s leadership, Calvary strengthened its commitment to missions, community outreach, discipleship, and preparing the church for future generations. His vision included giving Calvary a visible presence along Harper Road, where thousands of people travel each day. Although the church had been part of the community for decades, people regularly said they never knew it was located beyond the side streets of Sunset Drive.
The church purchased additional property connecting its campus directly to Harper Road, believing that one day a new entrance would provide greater visibility and easier access. After years of prayer, planning, and preparation, that vision became a reality when Calvary’s new road opened in July 2025. Today, the Harper Road entrance serves as more than a driveway—it represents Calvary’s desire to be present, accessible, and ready to reach the community around us.
Calvary has also continued investing in its facilities to create welcoming spaces for ministry. Over the years, the campus has received numerous improvements, including sanctuary renovations with new carpet and chairs and, most recently, a renewed children’s wing designed to better serve Calvary’s kids and families.
Under Pastor John’s leadership, Calvary strengthened its commitment to missions, community outreach, discipleship, and preparing the church for future generations. His vision included giving Calvary a visible presence along Harper Road, where thousands of people travel each day. Although the church had been part of the community for decades, people regularly said they never knew it was located beyond the side streets of Sunset Drive.
The church purchased additional property connecting its campus directly to Harper Road, believing that one day a new entrance would provide greater visibility and easier access. After years of prayer, planning, and preparation, that vision became a reality when Calvary’s new road opened in July 2025. Today, the Harper Road entrance serves as more than a driveway—it represents Calvary’s desire to be present, accessible, and ready to reach the community around us.
Calvary has also continued investing in its facilities to create welcoming spaces for ministry. Over the years, the campus has received numerous improvements, including sanctuary renovations with new carpet and chairs and, most recently, a renewed children’s wing designed to better serve Calvary’s kids and families.
Our Story Continues
More than 85 years after those first services in an empty storefront, Calvary remains committed to proclaiming the gospel, serving our community, supporting missions, discipling believers, and investing in the next generation.
The buildings, ministries, and methods have changed throughout the years, but the mission remains the same: helping people Encounter God, Connect with others, and Serve our community. We honor the faithfulness and sacrifices of those who came before us while continuing to believe that Calvary’s greatest days are still ahead.
The buildings, ministries, and methods have changed throughout the years, but the mission remains the same: helping people Encounter God, Connect with others, and Serve our community. We honor the faithfulness and sacrifices of those who came before us while continuing to believe that Calvary’s greatest days are still ahead.
CALVARY TODAY
