History

The Story of The Calvary Church

Beginnings
December 8, 1968 was the initial service of The Calvary Church. It marked the end of an incredible journey and the genesis of an amazing reality that continues to unfold a generation later. Founders Norman I & MaryAlice Paslay lived and led by a simple and yet profound core value–THE WILL OF GOD AT ANY COST. That guiding principle enabled them to navigate a myriad of challenges, opposition and uncertainty. As the first service unfolded, the premise and purpose were presented for this community of believers as Bishop Paslay preached the inaugural message: “Follow Jesus and He will make you a fisher of men.” That defining call has been the guiding principle to our existence. Reaching people with the Gospel is the reason the Church was born and has continued to thrive with effectiveness and impact.
Blue Ash Rd.
 02 - Blue AshHumble beginnings were the reality as the first meeting place was the abandoned Blue Ash Baptist Church. Taking down the boards over the windows, cleaning and preparing the interior for services were a labor of love, and this facility served the congregation for the first five years.
Kemper Rd.
03 - Kemper RdIn an opportunity of divine providence, a new church was purchased in 1973, and the church relocated to Springdale purchasing the former Springdale Nazarene Church. This was home for 25 years; the church saw amazing growth, maturity and expansion of vision and ministry.
The Calvary Academy
07 - TCASince 1979 The Calvary Academy has been a key element of ministry. The school serves K3-12th grades and is an amazing resource to the church and community. Hundreds of students have been impacted by a quality education in a Christian environment.
Missions
04 - Missions-BurtonsMissions became a defining element in 1992. While always a priority, it became an integral component of this church as the Partners in Missions program has allowed The Calvary Church to have a Global footprint in partnership with over 100 missionaries. Additionally, local students make mission trips to various countries every year. The Calvary culture has embraced a Missions component as part of the very fabric of the church.
Kenn Rd.
06 - Kenn RdIn 1997 property was purchased on Kenn Road with high volume visibility along I-275. Along with these 22 acres came a new facility and resources for impact. On September 11, 1999 the first service on the new campus was held. The building was 32,000 square feet with multiple classrooms and a glorious sanctuary with seating for 500+. The current campus is serving the continued commitment to Making Disciples and impacting the world with their founding doctrine and values.
Leadership
08 - Pastoral Transtion-Ellis-PaslayStability in leadership saw the tenure of Bishop Norman & MaryAlice Paslay go from 1968 to 1997. Norman II & Jeannine Paslay were elected as Senior Pastor in 1992. The future was secured as Tom & Kristen Ellis were elected Pastors in March 2015. With the passing of Pastor Norman Paslay II in March 2018, Tom & Kristen assumed the role of Senior Pastors.
Families
05 - Trunk or TreatThe Calvary Church has always been focused on serving families and features ministries that are focused on children, youth and young adults. Forums for men & women, senior adults and venues for marriage enrichment are hallmarks of the weekly services, teaching and continuing education. We have seen providential growth and expansion in our local mission, too. The Calvary Church has started two new congregations, and facilitated these church plants with people, resources and ongoing support. The Calvary Church has been built on the pursuit of “The Will of God at Any Cost.”