GREAT IS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS!
For over 50 years, Calvary Temple International has been a beacon of God's power and light in the Northern New Jersey metropolitan area. This house of worship which had its humble beginnings as a small prayer group consisting of four families in a home in Wayne, NJ has grown to an assembly of Christ-followers numbering in the thousands! By the grace of God it has remained steadfast and unshaken in its heart and mission to further the Kingdom of God without compromise of the Word of God through each transition in location and leadership. Soli Deo Gloria - To God alone be the glory!
HIS STORY
In 1966, four families held a small prayer group in a family home. Inspired through prayer to begin a Pentecostal church in the Wayne area, the Lord led them and provided Pastoral leadership. As others joined they soon outgrew their meeting place.
FEBRUARY 1967 - St. Michaels Church of Wayne granted them use of their church to gather with their growing congregation on Sunday afternoons. The group grew to over 100 in attendance and they continued to meet there until the Alps Road facility was complete in Nov 1967
DECEMBER 1967 - The congregation moved into 491 Alps Rd. seating 240. Over the next 13 years growth reached 500 in attendance and an addition was constructed to accommodate the growing congregation.
OCTOBER 1981 - The new addition was dedicated seating 650. Not long after, two morning services were needed to accommodate the rapidly growing congregation.
JUNE 1990 - The congregation moved into the new facility on 1111 Preakness Ave with seating for nearly 2000.
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
Rev. Ernest V. Berquist (Senior Pastor - 1966-1977) was a former pastor and evangelist before answering the call of God to lead this group and birth Calvary Temple in Wayne, NJ. He and his wife Virginia led the church up until his retirement in 1977.
Rev. Richard Fogel (Senior Pastor - 1977-2001) was a pastor serving in the tri-state area before God brought him to Wayne to lead the church where he was unanimously voted in as the new pastor Calvary Temple. He served until his retirement in 2001.
Dr. Rev. Thomas Keinath (Senior Pastor - 2001-2018) formerly served as an associate pastor for many years under Pastor Fogel. He also served as a pastor in Lancaster, PA. and was a professor in Springfield, MO before returning to serve as the lead pastor.
Rev. Matthew R. Battista (Lead Pastor - 2018-current) formerly served as children’s pastor and student ministries pastor under Rev. Thomas Keinath since 2008. Upon Pastor Keinath’s promotion Pastor Matt was voted in as Lead Pastor.