Calvary Temple, Faith Church to merge

SANDUSKY — Two local churches will add a new chapter to their history this weekend. On Easter Sunday, Calvary Temple, a longtime Sandusky church, will combine with Faith Church, formerly known as Faith Memorial Church on Strub Road in Perkins Township. Calvary Temple was established in the 1970s in downtown Sandusky, in the same complex where the new city hall is on Columbus Avenue. The church, of the Assemblies of God denomination, has seen a decline in attendance and had its share of struggles and successes. In recent years, the church has been in the Sandusky Plaza off of Cleveland Road. When pastor Eric Schall arrived at Calvary Temple, it was on the verge of closing. But through an anonymous donation, establishing values and lots of prayer, the church was reborn. However, while in prayer recently, Schall said he felt God was telling him to leave. "The church has struggled for years living off of its savings," said Schall, who started at his church in December 2017. "I checked the numbers and the well was running dry." Schall contacted the state Assemblies of God leaders for help and paired Calvary Temple with Faith Church, a congregation of the same denomination. Plans for the merger were set into motion in February. Schall kept his congregation of about 60 people updated on changes, including the merger. "They've responded well and they're a great group of people," he said. "Both churches will be stronger because of it." Looking back at his short tenure, Schall is grateful for the support Calvary Temple received so it could operate longer that planned. "I loved how everyone stepped up and began to serve for future of the church," he said. "It was really impressive and getting to know those people and new people was great. I'm taking this merger as a win with what's happened at CT in recent years. Now, that can carry on in a new environment." Schall isn't sure where he's going next, but said he's trusting God to lead him to his next opportunity during his job search. In his last week with Calvary Temple, he's used his personal Facebook page to offer encouragement during the COVID-19 crisis. When his congregation last met together in March before Gov. Mike DeWine's stay-at-home order, Schall preached about embracing faith over fear. His first sermon at Calvary Temple covered that theme, too. "It bookends my time there, although I didn't know that would be my last time," he said. A new beginning The churches planned activities to get know each other, said Faith Church lead pastor Tom Groot, who planned to speak at Calvary Temple before the coronavirus outbreak invaded the Sandusky area. "So we're connecting online as best as we can," Groot said. On Sunday morning, both congregations will be able to worship together virtually when Groot's Easter sermon becomes available on Faith Church's website, YouTube channel and Facebook page. Faith Church's congregation of 300 people is eager to welcome Calvary Temple's members. "They are excited to join hearts and link efforts for Jesus," Groot said. When it's safe again for churches to meet in-person on Sundays, Faith Church seeks to have picnic to commemorate the merger and Schall's service to Calvary Temple. "By the time we get back to normal services, we'll be fully integrated organizationally," Groot said. Faith Church, which celebrated its 80th anniversary last year, has also experienced changes. In September, the congregation elected Groot to be the new lead pastor after former pastor Ken Hiser retired. This year, the church rebranded itself with a new logo, name and vision with the same goal to reach others for Jesus. "It was a physical representation of what's taken place internally," Groot said, noting the church has always been welcoming to the community. "The merger is really seeing that vision move forward." "Things are changing and growing and it's a great season here at Faith," Groot continued. "For us, it's been fun to honor the past and prepare for the future God has for us." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhood