Our Church History

Our Church began as a dream by the American Lutheran Church in 1963 when its Mission Board purchased the land at 424 Via de la Valle and hired an architect to design the new church. The inaugural groundbreaking was held on August 25, 1964, and the first Sunday service was held shortly thereafter on September 13th across the street at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Calvary's official organizational life began in January 1965 with 56 confirmed members, and the first service was held in the new Sanctuary on March 3 of that same year. Various activities were started throughout the early years as our congregation grew and the Church prospered.

To celebrate Calvary’s 10th Anniversary in 1975, a yearlong series of special events were held. By this time, the number of baptized members had grown to 303. A new multipurpose Education Building was designed in 1978, but financing hurdles caused delays requiring the patience of Job. In 1980 the beginnings of "Supper at the Beach" were started, which still draws big crowds. In 1982, the parish hall and kitchen were refurbished. Church pews became a reality on Easter Sunday, 1983.

In 1984, Calvary’s Master Site Plan was revised, and a modular classroom building added. 1985 brought many moderate-sized projects to completion in time for Calvary’s 20th Anniversary celebration June 20, 1985. The parking lot was rebuilt; building exterior painted; rain gutters installed; concrete walkways, patio and outdoor stage poured; and a half-acre of lawn was planted. In August of that year, a fundraiser for the Building Fund entitled “Concert on the Green” was very successful. Also, Sunday attendance was up over 13%. A review of the Mission goals in 1986 positioned Calvary to move forward as a congregation. A Pig Roast kicked off the Stewardship drive, but unfortunately the widening of Via de la Valle depleted 50% of the Building Fund.

“Build on Higher Ground” became the name for Calvary’s Building Program in 1987 with the approval of the Facility Master Plan. A successful “kick-off” event for the Building Fund drive was held on November 13, and hopes were high. Also, in that year, the children’s playground was installed on the west side of the Fellowship building. In 1988, with substantial pledges in place, the congregation voted to proceed with the City of Solana Beach’s approval process. However, due to a change in Pastors, the building program was put on hold. In 1989, the plans were dusted off and submitted to the City, and in 1990, they were approved but with conditions.

In 1991, the building program was again reviewed, audited and reaffirmed. Phased building plans changed the focus from a new Sanctuary to an Education and Fellowship Hall. Also in that year, Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) was kicked off at Calvary. By 1992, all conditions of the City of Solana Beach were mitigated or met, the congregation renewed their commitment with more pledges, and Calvary joyfully celebrated their second groundbreaking!

Building started by July 1993 with destruction of the old fellowship building and removal of trees and bushes. The foundation was laid and the walls started to rise. By June 1994, the new Education and Fellowship Hall was completed and dedicated. Landscaping required much of the fall to add the finishing touches. The new facilities were beautiful. “Build it and they will come” seemed to be working at Calvary. Many new members and new activities were seen as the Church moved into 1995 and began to use its new facilities, guided by the theme “Send the Light.”

Beginning in 1995, the Calvary congregation experienced a surge of new members, new ministries and high hopes for the future. Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday Night Bible Classes, Planned Adult Forums, Men’s Breakfasts and other activities contributed to steady growth. As the general population in North County increased, many new opportunities and partners in ministry surfaced. Even as the membership increased, Calvary remained faithful to its commitment to be a place where “lots of people know my name and I am a vital part of a growing, loving community.”

The year 1996 brought more challenges with 80+ new members, who added to the demand for more programs and activities. The Endowment Fund and its oversight committee were established. Attendance averaged well over 200 per Sunday. In 1997, an Associate Pastor was added, and the Long-Range Plan was updated. The Saturday Night Alive worship service was initiated in 1998. Other new activities included Thursday Night youth activities, Kids Club, and the Alternative Christmas Gift Faire. 1999 brought more growth: 87 new members, another church staff member, Wonderful Wednesday activities, and the taped ministry program. As a result, the Building Committee was restarted to again address our “overflowing” problems.

In 2000, the Stephen Ministry program was implemented, and both the 1998 Strategic Plan and new Building Plan were approved. With a successful fund-raising program initiated, Calvary stepped forward to help many members both spiritually and physically. The next year, 2001, brought many changes, including the loss of both Calvary Pastors. Interim Pastors helped the life of our church to continue in a strong fashion, and other good things happened due to the efforts of many members. Calvary Cruisers was formed, the Parish Nursing program was initiated, a Child Safety Task Force developed guidelines and a training program, and an active Call Committee started working.

And July 4, 2002 brought us to our third groundbreaking, when we celebrated again our building program now so appropriately named "Building on Higher Ground!"