Our Story

In 1960, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Vancouver decided to plant a church in Coquitlam, since the area was undergoing a building boom at that time. The first pastor, Don Carpenter (1960-62), began with a Sunday School outreach work in a portable classroom at 739 Poirier Street. The church, which at one point included about 35 adults and 70 children, was officially recognized in 1961.

Obviously at this point in Calvary’s life there was a great emphasis on children and families.

A family on Regan Ave. sold their property to the church so in 1966, under pastor Darrell Eddy (1963-70), the congregation and portable moved to the present site at 1636 Regan Avenue. The first church building (present fireside room and basement fellowship hall) was completed in 1969.

Calvary grew under the leadership of pastors with a high commitment to Bible teaching and disciple-making. Pastor emeritus and author, Leroy Gager, served as senior pastor from 1973-75. His associate during those years, Roger McClelland (1973-84), took over the leadership of Calvary in 1975.

During this time the emphasis on Sunday School, home bible studies and discipleship groups continued and expanded. Over the years there has been an enthusiasm for outreach and discipleship ministries such as Pioneer Girls, Christian Service Brigade and Youth Ministry.

An additional lot was purchased, and in 1981 the new sanctuary and Christian Education wing were completed. Also under Roger’s ministry, an associate pastor, Dave Kelly (1982-84), was added to the staff for the first time.

Due to increasing church attendance, pastor Richard Derbyshire (1987-93), introduced a second morning service in the fall of 1990. He was also the first to increase the staff to three pastors (pastor Todd Bruneski, 1988-present; pastor Ray Dueck, 1991-94).

At this time in Calvary’s life, a renewal in worship took place that has brought a freshness and renewed passion to our Christian experience.

Sr. Pastor, Dr. Ernest Myers (Oct. 1994 - June 1998) and Associate Pastor, Spencer Stadler, (May 1994 - Feb.1998) led the church through a few years of soul searching and refocusing of our purpose.

Our current team of Acting Lead Pastor Dave Barker, Associate Pastor & Youth Pastor Chris Price, Pastor of Disipleship & Pastoral Care Richard Ang, Calvary Persian Church Pastor Faheem Moini, Children’s Ministries Director Michelle Felice, Middle School Intern Jordan Bradbeer and Anneliesa Stutters (office admin.),  are leading a fresh vision for Calvary, carrying on our mission of evangelism and discipleship here in the Tri-Cities.

Calvary is now being stretched in the areas of evangelism, world missions, developing a inter-cultural congregation and regaining a place of positive significance in our community.