CALVARY CHURCH HISTORY

On June 29, 1857, the first service of the Calvary Episcopal Church of Danvers was held in Bank Hall on the third floor of Danvers National Bank. By spring 1858, the first full time rector was hired and the present site, on the corner of Holten and Cherry Street, was purchased.

The first bell rang out on Advent Sunday in 1860. The original church had pews and furniture of black walnut and was carpeted throughout.

By the 1940s, Danvers and Calvary Church grew so rapidly that the present parish hall with chapel, meeting rooms and classrooms was bult. Members of the church raised funds by holding suppers, fairs, and musical productions.

IN the early 1960s, the population of Danvers increased and again and Calvary felt the need for a new sanctuary. In 1962 Calvary embarked on a fund-raising campaign for the new church. Construction began in October 1964, and the first service was held in September 1965.

Throughout Calvary Episcopal Church’s history, members and rectors have made it a great place of worship.

ABOUT THE EPISCOPAL CREST:

The crest of the Episcopal Church was designed as a reminder of the Church’s English and Scottish Heritage. The St. George cross represents the descent from the Church of England. The St. Andrew's cross, in outline in the upper left, is a reminder that the first American bishop was consecrated by the Scottish Episcopal Church. The nine cross crosslets, which form the St. Andrew's cross, represent the original dioceses, which in 1789 formed the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Unites States.

Find out more about the history of the Episcopal Church.

Calvary Episcopal Church
Corner of Holten and Cherry Streets
P.O. Box 393
Danvers, MA 01923-0693
Tel. 978.774-1150
Email: info@calvaryepiscopal-danvers.org