Calvary Temple Church experiences rebirth

SANDUSKY — Calvary Temple Church should have shut down a while ago.But through an anonymous donation, establishing values and lots of prayer, the church was reborn.Calvary Temple began in the 1970s in downtown Sandusky, where the new city hall will be housed on Columbus Avenue, pastor Eric Schall said. The church, of the Assemblies of God denomination, has seen a decline in attendance and had its share of struggles. At one point, after Schall arrived at the church a year and a half ago, 12 people were left in the congregation.Calvary Temple pastor Eric Schall is pictured in the church's sanctuary Tuesday afternoon. Schall has helped the church turn around in recent years. Schall, a pastor for 25 years who lives in North Olmsted, was not supposed to stay at the church for very long.In recent months, however, many new members and visitors have checked out the church."We're seeing God's hand move and we're coming back to life," Schall said.Calvary Temple is focusing on building its children's and worship ministries and has adult ministries. The church has been in the Sandusky Plaza for about five years and has services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Sunday worship averages about 60 people.Calvary Temple Church is located at 1158 Cleveland Road in the Sandusky Plaza. "People are real here," Schall said. "A lot of the attraction is we focus on Jesus and we strive for authenticity. Since we don't have a religious feel (for people to follow rules), it attracts people."He added: "Being in a shopping center, it allows us to meet a different crowd, including those who didn't see themselves going to church."One way they want to grow the children's ministry is by hosting a fundraiser 6-10 p.m. June 28 at the American Legion Post 83 on Hayes Avenue. More information can be found on the church's Facebook page. Calvary Temple Church's children's ministry room in the Sandusky Plaza. The church hosts celebrations, called "Party at the Plaza," where they give away bicycles and shoes to community members in need. This year's event takes place Sept. 8. In November, a Thanksgiving meal is provided to anyone who needs a warm meal. Calvary Temple also supports Care and Share and Heartbeat of Sandusky."We try to connect with people here," he said. "We've asked ourselves, 'we can't do everything, so what can we do well?'"Schall hopes to see the congregation grow. In the near future, Schall wants to have two Sunday services."I love what God's doing here," Schall said. "Our main battle is letting people know we're here."Get to know Calvary Temple ChurchAddress: 1158 Cleveland RoadPhone: 419-626-3523Website: ctsandusky.comFacebook: CT Church — Calvary Temple (@ctsandusky)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodThe sanctuary of Calvary Temple Church in the Sandusky Plaza.