THE STORY OF CALVARY LIGHTHOUSE
Our history is rich! Going back to the origins of the Pentecostal movement, Lakewood first experienced the “Full Gospel” around 1920.
Lakewood, NJ 1920
Rutherford Baxter brought the Pentecostal message to the Lakewood Firehouse at East Fourth Street and Dewey Avenue for the first meetings of what would become "Calvary Lighthouse"
Our history is rich! Going back to the origins of the Pentecostal movement, Lakewood first experienced the “Full Gospel” around 1920.
Lakewood, NJ 1920
Rutherford Baxter brought the Pentecostal message to the Lakewood Firehouse at East Fourth Street and Dewey Avenue for the first meetings of what would become "Calvary Lighthouse"
The Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street, CA 1906
1940
Sis. Inez Wood was the longest serving Pastor. For over 10 years she led the flock. The "Full Gospel mission" became an official Assembly of God church during this time. Willis G. Long followed her until he left for missionary service in India. Bro. Long had the distinction of seeing J. Phillip Hogan called into mission's service! (Hogan served as Exec. Dir. of AGWM for over 30 years.)
The "Full Gospel Mission" ca. 1940
1948
Rev. Salvatore Noferi took over the pastorate until 1967. He changed the name to...
"Lakewood Assembly of God."
1969
Under Rev Erling Johnson the property on East Fifth Street was sold and the property at 1133 East County Line Road was purchased. The current "Student Center" was erected under his leadership.
1972
Pastor Otto & Martha Dietrich began their pastorate with a powerful vision for the church. Pastor Dietrich tirelessly worked to build the church from 11 original members
1979 & 1980
The name was changed to Calvary Lighthouse. The "All-Purpose Building" and home of Calvary Academy was built. The church and vision began to see significant growth.
1996
The "Worship Center & Preschool" was built. Calvary Lighthouse continued to grow and became the largest pentecostal church in Lakewood and one of the largest in the region. The House of Blessing was started during this time and of thousands of families have been served through Jesus' love.
2004
Rev.'s Wesley & Esther Lindquist returned from 13 years of missionary service in Cambodia to pastor Calvary Lighthouse.
2005
Pastor Wes secured 4 additional acres with plans to expand the vision of the church.
2007
The church celebrated the burning of the mortgage. We are now poised for the next level of growth!
Calvary Lighthouse
Celebrating over 87 years of Pentecostal Ministry
Celebrating over 87 years of Pentecostal Ministry
In this rich history, it is clear that God has birthed something special in Lakewood. There are common threads running through this history. First, a passion for Pentecost and the Full Gospel message. The church was birthed from prayer meetings and has always had a focus on prayer. Recently we have seen this focus on prayer increase in incredible ways. There is also a clear missionary focus for this church. Since the Fire Hall days, missionaries have been honored guests and speakers at the church. Since the 1940’s missionaries have been sent out of this church all over the world. There has always been a significant role for women in the ministry. Evangelism and growth has also been a consistent pattern since the 1970’s. We can see the training of children and discipleship as major enterprises this body took on in the 1980’s. The church has earned a strong reputation in the community and we celebrate the saints that have sacrificed so much to make all of this possible. God has used this ministry to save, heal and deliver countless numbers of people in and around this region. This church has also long invested in producing spiritual fruit beyond our borders. It is easy to see that God has a special plan for Calvary Lighthouse and we are thrilled that you are looking to fulfill your part in this great plan!