Our Story
The Beginnings of Calvary
Calvary is a group of people that God has called to be his own, grafted into his family, and is working in and through to bring to everlasting life.
The English speaking members of First Lutheran Church (Rowan Street) began meeting and holding services at Westmount School in 1958 . Calvary was formally established in November of 1958. The constitution was adopted on January 12, 1959 and Pastor Arnold Ranta accepted the call to Calvary on January 30, 1959.
The property at 2820 Donald street was purchased by the Minnesota District of the Missouri Synod in 1956 at the suggestion of the Trinity Lutheran congregation.
Sod turning at this site by Calvary Lutheran Church took place on July 26,1959 for the building of the fellowship hall and manse by Bilodeau Construction. Construction was completed by January 10,1960.
Calvary relied heavily on the financial support of the Minnesota North District in these early years.
How has it grown?
In August 1964, Pastor John Schmidt, filled the third vacancy at Calvary. In 1965 confirmed membership was 127 and total weekly attendance was approximately 215. In 1965 it was decided to build the present sanctuary and education wing. Building was completed by H. Boggs. Calvary continued to grow and weekly attendance thru 1981 and 1982 was approximately 300.
