History of Calvary Episcopal Church

Ashland, Kentucky

 

The 1880's provided much excitement for the Episcopal Church in Ashland.  And over one hundred years later, the same excitement continues.  Although the Bishop of Kentucky held a service in Ashland in 1885, it was two years later, in 1887 that a formal Episcopal mission was established, with services held in the minister's home at 16th and Winchester.  A year later, the cornerstone was laid for a house of worship for Calvary Church at 14th Street and Winchester Avenue, the present location.  On Easter Sunday in 1889, more than 300 worshippers gathered for the first service in the new building.  Today Calvary members celebrate their roots, continue their ministries and grow in their commitment to know Jesus and bring others to know Him as Lord and Savior.  Many celebrations in the parish and in the community marked the Calvary's first one hundred years of witness in 1979.

During more than a century since its founding, Calvary has seen good times and bad times.  A fire in 1898 destroyed the church (the present sanctuary replaced it in 1903), and other firs in 1978 and 1982 devastated other facilities.  Through these three fires, through nineteen priests, through nine bishops and through a continually changing congregation, Calvary's spirit remains strong with an undeterred sense of mission to know Christ and make Him known.  Calvary's past has strengthened her present and provides a strong witness for her future.