CITY VIEWS: Calvary Church

The church was founded in 1939 as Bible Presbyterian Church at Central High School. The first pastor was Rev. Edgar Archer Dillard, and one of the founding elders was Billy Graham's father Frank, whose participation was in part a response to Billy's conversion. The first building was completed in 1941 on Fourth Street and held 750. Under Rev. Ross Rhoads, who began his more than 20 years of service in 1973, Calvary increased membership from 400 to 2000 in three years, with the first building at a new location at Sardis and Randolph Roads. A 1500-seat sanctuary had its dedication in 1978. Groundbreaking for the current building took place in 1986In December 1989, the current (fifth) building opened in Charlotte, N.C.. The designer was Roe Messner, who began construction, and J.N. Pease Associates Architects modified/completed the design. The main sanctuary seats more than 5,000.
Calvary Church

The church was founded in 1939 as Bible Presbyterian Church at Central High School. The first pastor was Rev. Edgar Archer Dillard, and one of the founding elders was Billy Graham's father Frank, whose participation was in part a response to Billy's conversion. The first building was completed in 1941 on Fourth Street and held 750. Under Rev. Ross Rhoads, who began his more than 20 years of service in 1973, Calvary increased membership from 400 to 2000 in three years, with the first building at a new location at Sardis and Randolph Roads. A 1500-seat sanctuary had its dedication in 1978. Groundbreaking for the current building took place in 1986In December 1989, the current (fifth) building opened in Charlotte, N.C.. The designer was Roe Messner, who began construction, and J.N. Pease Associates Architects modified/completed the design. The main sanctuary seats more than 5,000.