1960s: Calvary Chapel began as a small non-denominational Christian chapel on the outskirts of Costa Mesa, California in 1965. Only twenty-five people attended at that time and what began as a "Little country church on the edge of town", quickly grew into a church that seats over 2000 and is filled almost nightly.

Calvary Chapel's pastor, Chuck Smith became a leading figure in what has become known as the "Jesus Movement." From the beginning, Pastor Chuck welcomed all, young and old, without judgment, placing his emphasis on the teaching of the Word of God. His simple, yet sound, biblical approach draws 25,000 people weekly. He adheres to a very basic principle, "Simply teach the Word of God Simply."

With a sincere concern for the lost, Pastor Chuck made room in his heart and his home for a generation of hippies and surfers; generating a movement of the Holy Spirit that spread from the West Coast to the East Coast, bringing thousands of young people to Jesus Christ. Included among this generation of new believers were Greg Laurie, Mike MacIntosh, Raul Ries, and Skip Heitzig, as well as hundreds of others who now have ministries of their own.

1970s: It has been estimated that in a two-year period in the mid '70s, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa had performed well over eight thousand baptisms. During that same period, we were instrumental in 20,000 conversions to the Christian faith.

PresentToday, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, the church which only had twenty-five members, has grown to a fellowship of approximately 1400 churches worldwide and has been listed as one of the ten largest Protestant churches in the United States.

Click on the links below to read about the history and beliefs of Calvary Chapel Eureka, and check out the latest issue of Calvary Chapel Magazine to see how the Lord is using large and small Calvary Chapels around the world today.

Calvary Chapel Magazine                      History of Calvary Chapel Eureka                   Beliefs of Calvary Chapel Eureka