On May 14 and 15, 2016, Calvary Baptist Church will dedicate its new worship center at 3100 Sweetwater Ave.

Calvary was started by 12 residents in 1971 at 1605 McCulloch Blvd South. They were pastored largely by part-time or retired pastors until 1988, when Tim Mahoney arrived. Calvary’s mission is “to lead people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus, through the love of His people and the power of His truth.”

The McCulloch South campus was a state-of-the-art building at the time, with more space than church leaders thought they would ever need. But 32 years later, church leaders realized they would need a larger space very soon, as the church was bursting at the seams with more than 1,400 attendees at four weekend services. So in 2003, they purchased the Sweetwater property. At 11.8 acres, the property was the largest tract of land still available on the south side of the city.

A view of the sanctuary from the stage on Monday afternoon during final preparations.

The new worship center will seat about 800, allowing the congregation to double in size. The McCulloch Campus has about 30,000 square feet under roof; the Sweetwater campus has about 24,000 square feet under roof. Future expansion will occur at the Sweetwater campus, but exact buildings are not planned at this time.

Family ministry is a priority for Calvary, which offers classes and childcare during the 5 p.m. Saturday services as well as the 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. services on Sundays.

The South McCulloch campus will continue to be used for the church offices, Celebrate Recovery, and Calvary Christian Academy. The private Christian School has 175 students, from K3 to 8th grade. Small class sizes and fully accredited teachers allow Calvary to offer an excellent educational choice for the residents of Lake Havasu.

Margo Dodson, June Trubia, Kristie Kimball, Donna Kuerner, and Julie Garnass are just a few of the many volunteers helping to finish decorating the church before the opening on Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Calvary offers support to the community with many ministries, including, Children’s, Students, Lifegroups, Men’s Life, Women’s Life, Young Adults, and Recovery. Four different Bible studies are offered, and Calvary also offers Summer Camp and Mission Trips. For more information on ministries, visit calvarylhc.com.

Calvary is pastored by Dr. Chad Garrison, Lead Pastor, who joined Calvary in 1992. Pastor Chet Anderson, Executive Pastor, who arrived in 2004; Pastor Chad (OC) Murrell, Family Pastor, who arrived in 2010; and Pastor Jesse Pruett, Worship Pastor, who arrived in 2012. Julie Garnaas, Children’s Ministry, arrived in 2012.

Calvary is a church that loves Lake Havasu, and its leaders are committed to serving their community because they live here. In their quest to help make Havasu a better place to live, they partner with: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Cooking for Cancer, CrossRoads Car Show, Denise’s Day, Haven House, Hospice of Havasu, Interagency, Lake Havasu Police Dept., Lake Havasu Unified School District, Main Street Association, Pregnancy Care, and many more.

Jesse Pruett prepares the band instruments on stage Monday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Volunteers prepare the stage Monday afternoon for the first Praise and Worship in the new building. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

A view of the sanctuary from the stage on Monday afternoon during final preparations. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Autumn Riggins and Brandon Plunkett prepare the soundboard Monday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

photo courtesy Calvary Baptist

Kristine Kimball puts the finishing touches on a wall in the infants room Monday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene