Calvary Reformed Church was started as an "act of faith" by the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Bausman. There were few houses in the area in 1888 when he purchased ( with his personal funds) a lot on the southwest corner of Oley and Centre Avenue. One week later the Sunday school was organized with 167 people enrolled. One year later on August 18, 1889, the building which cost $13,000 to build was dedicated. The audience room had a seating capacity of about 500 and was intended to be used for Worship and Adult Sunday School. The west wall was built of brick so that the church could be lengthened if necessary.

In August of 1890, Rev. Dr. James Good organized the first congregation and served for 15 years. On May 20, 1903, Rev. Henry Reagle was installed as the first Assistant Pastor of Calvary Church. He served in this capacity until June 11, 1905.

Dr. Good resigned in December of 1905, and in May of 1906 the Rev. Dr. Arthur Casselman was elected to replace him. There were now about 400 members. The enlargement of the church sanctuary and the Sunday School annex was completed during his 15 years as Pastor. The west wall of the church was pushed back, lengthening the church by 30 feet. This additional space accommodated the new chancel and a fine pipe organ. The copy of DaVinci's "Last Supper" dates back to this renovation. Dr. Casselman saw the wood carving at Tiffany's in New York and purchased it at once, even though he did not have a penny of its price. On his return he told Mrs. Rick of its beauty. She presented it as a memorial to her husband. The Sunday School annex was completed and dedicated on May 25, 1911. The cost was approximately $60,000.

Dr. Casselman resigned in 1921 and his brother, Rev. Herbert Casselman was elected to succeed him but served less than one year.

The fourth pastor was the Rev. Dr. Frederick K. Stamm, who was installed on October 15, 1922. He served for seven years. Membership at the 35th anniversary was 856.

In 1929, The Rev. Dr. Albertus T. Broek succeeded Dr. Stamm. In October of 1940, the Congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary. This was marked by special events including, an historical pageant written by Laura Althouse, a Banquet, and special services of Worship were held on October 8th and 13th. During this time the choir of Calvary gained an excellent reputation under the leadership of Miriam Baker Hompe. The bass soloist, Harold Hollinger, decided he would like to become a Minister. With Dr. Broek's advice and counsel he began his seminary training.

Dr. Broek's health declined and the services of Dr. Thomas Leinbach were needed. In January of 1944, Dr. Broek died of a heart ailment. The Rev. Dr. Paul J. Dundore was called on July 1, 1944 to serve until Harold Hollinger completed his training.

In June of 1945, Harold Hollinger graduated from Lancaster Seminary and was installed as Assistant Pastor of Calvary Church. Dr. Dundore resigned in 1947 and Rev. Hollinger succeeded him as the seventh Pastor.

In the fall of 1947, the congregation decided to carry out an extensive program of redecoration of the church sanctuary. This was completed by October 1948 and the sanctuary was rededicated in a service at which Dr. Arthur Casselman preached the sermon. The property at 636 Centre Avenue was purchased from the family of Ella Rick Spang. This was later demolished to give space for the education wing. To secure funds for this project, the parsonage at 818 North Fifth street was sold.

In 1950 Calvary Church embarked on a building improvement program. They constructed the ground floor of the educational building for the children of pre-school and elementary school age. The remodeling of the church school annex was done at this time. This included remodeling of the old gymnasium, a renovated kitchen, toilet facilities were some of the improvements made. The church membership now numbered about 1,000. During this time a second Sunday school was started to accommodate the rising commuting membership of the church, one for children up to sixth grade in session during the 10:45 Worship service and the other meeting at 9:30 AM with classes for children and adults. There were also two worship services each Sunday, 8:30 and 10:45 AM.

The fall of 1957 saw the completion of the improvements to the exterior of the church. A parking lot with space for about 40 cars was installed.

1965 Calvary celebrated its 75th Birthday-the Diamond Anniversary. During Lent of this year, a special Stewardship Drive resulted in an increase in members giving of their time, talent, and money. Family camp was started with 55 people attending.

In 1966, the Assistant Pastor Rev. Gregory Kondakjian resigned. The Long Range Planning Committee presented a report at the Congregational meeting describing urgent needs to be addressed. The plan was to rebuild the entire Sunday School building removing everything but the four walls and the roof.

1968 began preliminary negotiations to merge the congregations of Zion UCC and Calvary Church. A congregational meeting was called and a vote was taken for the union. But a short time later, Zion's congregation voted to remain as Zion Church. As a result, their pastor and nearly 100 of their members resigned and joined Calvary at Easter 1968. The house at 314 Oley was purchased and used by Threshold for the rehabilitation of male mental patients.

The new decade of the 1970's saw Calvary church with a membership of 1200. Radio programs were broadcast on Sunday mornings. On January 24, 1974 the house at 314 Oley Street was destroyed by fire. Insurance money and contributions enabled Calvary to buy and raze both buildings.

In 1980, Rev. Hollonger announced that this would be his last year as Senior Pastor of Calvary. The Rev. Dr. Frank Reynolds became interim Minister. The Rev. Dr. Merlin Conrad was called and became the new Senior Pastor in November of 1981.

1988 had an unexpected problem developed on the Centre Avenue front of the church. The walls had spread due to the weight of the roof. This was repaired by the use of supports to tie the walls together.

1990 was Calvary's 100th anniversary. This was celebrated with a big picnic and balloon flights.

Dr. Conrad retired in June of 1998 and the Rev. Dr. John Fureman filled in as interim pastor. In July of 2000 The Rev. Dr. Stephen Ohnsman was called to be the Pastor and is currently serving in that capacity.

 

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