Our Story:

Four laymen, Al Swearingin, John Keller, C. Glenn Parker and Ira Steman, desired to start a second Assembly of God work in the city of Toledo. For this purpose, they procured the upstairs of a storefront located at 301 Fassett Street. The very first service of the newly formed Calvary Assembly of God was held on December 2, 1951.

A few months later, Edwin "Eddie" Anderson became the Pastor. In his earlier years, Eddie Anderson had traveled as a "boy preacher." Under his inspirational sermons and leadership, the church began to prosper.

By the summer of 1952, the church had outgrown the upstairs of the storefront. A tent was erected on the east side of Toledo called "Calvary Cathedral." God continued to bless this "tent church." In the cool weather, it became necessary to find an indoor location. That fall, the church moved to Greene Auditorium, located at 801 Jefferson Avenue.

In April 1953, a church home at 1235 Oak Street was purchased for $12,500. Although there was much work to be done in renovating the facility, the congregation rejoiced because the purchase amount was far below the original asking price.

During these years, Calvary Assembly of God had a vibrant and active youth group. Hearing that Charles Greenaway, a missionary to Africa needed a vehicle, the youth group took it upon themselves to provide one. When Brother Greenaway arrived to preach at the church, to his amazement and great delight, a brand new Jeep awaited him. It was sitting on the front lawn of the church. Twenty years later, it was reported that the Jeep was still running!

One of the teens, Shirley Burkhart, attended North Central Bible College, where she met Thomas Trask. They were married at Calvary Assembly of God. Rev. Thomas Trask served as the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God from 1993-2007.

In 1956, J. Donald McManness succeeded Eddie Anderson as Pastor of Calvary. He faithfully served in this capacity for nearly twenty-three years, later moving into District work. Under the direction of Rev. McManness, the church purchased property at 3251 Glendale Avenue. Construction on the church building began in June of 1959. The first service in the new facility was held on October 2, 1960 and it was dedicated in November. A new wing including additional classrooms, a kitchen, and a gymnasium was added in 1966.

During the era of the McManness pastorate, the church continued to grow. While many things could be mentioned, anointed and skilled music, sound Biblical preaching and Spirit-led altar services were some of the key factors bringing vitality to the church.

Under the direction of Glenda McManness, the church developed a strong educational program, including a day care center and an elementary school. With an eye to future expansion, property was purchased at 5025 Glendale Avenue and dedicated on July 4, 1976.

Following Rev. McManness' resignation in 1979, Roland Hastie came to be the Pastor of Calvary Assembly of God. He led the church through the rezoning of the newly purchased property. In 1982, he was succeeded by Rev. Carl Conner, who launched the congregation into a building program. Most of the new building was constructed under his leadership. On August 12, 1984, the church began worshiping in the gymnasium at 5025 Glendale Avenue, while continuing to complete the remainder of the facility.

Upon Rev. Conner's departure in 1985, Roger A. Martin was elected to the pastorate from his staff role as Administrator of Calvary Christian School. During his pastorate, the church grew significantly and the Sanctuary was completed. Services in the newly completed Sanctuary began on June 2, 1991. The church that had persevered through financially difficult times had a day of glorious celebration and victory on November 29, 1991 when the Dedication of the new Sanctuary was held in conjunction with Calvary's 40th Anniversary. It was a memorable service in which all previous Senior Pastors participated.

In October 1992, Ron Webb became the Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly of God. Pastor Webb was catalyst for uniting multi-denominational churches together for outreach and prayer. During his tenure, major renovations to the building's heating and cooling systems were completed and a large area of additional parking was added. Pastor Webb served Calvary until May of 1997.

In September of 1997, Reverend Douglas E. Clay was elected as Senior Pastor. Pastor Clay was committed to “Building People…Inward in Commitment, Upward in Worship, and Outward in Evangelism!” During his tenure, membership increased and ministry flourished. Pastor Clay’s leadership was instrumental in bringing church growth and health. In May of 2004, Pastor Clay moved to The Assemblies of God Ohio District Office to serve as the District Superintendent.

On June 13, 2004, the membership of Calvary Assembly of God overwhelmingly elected Chad Gilligan to serve as Senior Pastor. After serving six years as Calvary’s Children’s Pastor, the Gilligans came into the Senior Pastor position with a love for people and the ministries of the church.

Calvary Assembly of God has a long history of God’s people working together to do great things for Him. We are excited to see what God has ahead for His church.

Calvary Assembly of God
5025 Glendale Avenue | Toledo OH 43614
P 419.381.0254 | F 419.381.7718 | mail@toledocalvary.org