Rev. Sammy Klein established Calvary Evangelism Center in 1940 under the name of Emmanuel Pentecostal Church. In 1971, after several years and a number of pastors, Pastor Abbey was elected pastor of this small church of 12 people. The church was located in Oak Park on Strawberry Lane. The church owned property on 47th Avenue, but with a judgment lien in the hundreds of thousands of dollars on it. Pastor and Sis. Abbey, with the help of a few great people, worked selling candy to pay off the lien, and began construction on a new church facility at 5051 47th Avenue.
In February 1974, Calvary Evangelism Center’s church building, which seated 100, was completed. It was exciting to see the new facilities. It had offices, classrooms, a kitchen, and plenty of room. The classrooms quickly filled with the opening of our preschool. It was a great addition to the ministries of Calvary. The church continued to grow through children’s ministries and great outreach and evangelism. God blessed the work of the people and brought a revival to all.
September 1974 brought another great ministry, Calvary Christian School. Calvary Christian School brought quality education to grades kindergarten through high school. In 1985 a new preschool building was built to give the both the school and preschool additional space for growth.
With the church, school, and preschool expanding, the church made plans for a new auditorium and church offices. In 1980 that building was completed with a capacity of 450. Calvary’s growth was great and many ministries were added.
In 1992 a new activities center was built that had a gym, 8 classrooms, an office, restroom, and storage. We now had room for more growth. In 1994, 10 classrooms, restrooms, and a living facility were brought in. Our grounds at 5051 47th Avenue were now full.
The vision to reach into the ethnic community in the Sacramento area was now being realized. With groups teaching a Korean Sunday School class, a Mong Sunday School, and a Russian Evening Class. God sent Calvary Mong, Russian, and Spanish pastors.
Rev & Sis Fair came to minister with Pastor & Sis Abbey in 1988. After many years of ministry in the church, school and preschool, Pastor Fair was voted into Calvary Evangelism Center as the Senior Pastor in 2003.
The vision of Calvary continues with weekly service into six different languages.
In 1995 Calvary purchased the facility at 4911 47th Avenue. In 2011 the property at 5051 47th Avenue was sold and the school and preschool joined the church at its current location.