History

The long history of Calvary Pentecostal church began over 70 years ago when Brother Samuel Steeves and his sister Myrtle, conducted services in what was called the Pythian Castle, here in Sussex. A little later Brother Earl Jacques and some other workers started tent services. When they left, Brothers Steeves and Myrtle came back, along with Brother Peter Cosman, to continue the tent services.

At that time, there was a determined opposition to this Pentecostal message in Sussex, and there was somewhat of a storm against having the services continued, but there is power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our God is a God of battles. Such progress was made that as the winter season opened, Brother Steeves rented a hall over the theatre in the brick block owned by Mr. Lutes and services were continued there. From there they had services in the upstairs premises of an insurance firm on Park St., and in the home of Roland Thorne on Cedar Ave.

In the spring, Brother Steeves left Brother Arthur Clark in charge of the work. Brother Clark remained for several years and was succeeded by Brother Howard Hatt, who after continuing for a number of years, was followed by Brother Roy Wheaton. It was during Brother Wheaton's time that Brother James Burns became associated with the work in 1934.

Brother Burns, who had earned the distinction of founder, took over as Pastor in 1935, and in 1945, under his leadership the first church building was erected at the corner of St. George Street and Cedar Avenue. Brother Burns and his wife pastored the church until they left in 1948 to become Missionaries to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

After the Burns’ left for Ceylon, Brother Allison Post took charge and continued until 1953, at which time his brother, Arthur Post took over. When he resigned in 1963, Brother R. A. Beesley came as Pastor. While under the pastorship of Brother Beesley the church grew with consistency, and in 1968 it became necessary to make an addition to the church on the corner of St. George Street and Cedar Ave.

Rev. Beesley's son, Joseph became assistant pastor in 1970, and under their direction, in 1973, a new church building with seating for 350, was erected on six acres of property on Main Street, to take care of the new growth.

As the congregation continued to grow, under Pastors R. A. and J. W. Beesley, it was necessary to erect another building in 1980, which includes a sanctuary with seating for 900, along with Christian education facilities to accommodate a further 500 persons, on the present site, at 384 St. George Street, Sussex, New Brunswick.