The Birth of the Ministry
The Lord began to place the burden for souls on the heart of Pastor Gary Green in December 2014. While visiting relatives in the South, he discovered that they were not going to church anywhere. This was the catalyst that birthed the journey to Calvary.
With prayers, supplications and wise counsel, Pastors Gary and Rita Green knew they had a vision and a mission to fulfill. February 2016, they began the ministry in the basement of their home with seven committed members in attendance.
In looking for a building, suitable for God’s work and the needs of the members, they found there were hundreds of closed churches in the metropolitan Detroit area. While viewing a church on the eastside of Detroit they saw, at the altar, a crown of thorns. The Lord spoke and said, “I am no longer here, these people have forgotten Calvary.” As Pastor Gary pointed out the crown of thorns to his wife, Pastor Rita, their spirit agreed, Calvary would be the name of this God-ordained ministry. Our Vision Statement became: Never Forget Calvary!
Calvary was remarkably given consent to begin its 3 pm Sunday services at the recently constructed Mumford High School in Detroit. Calvary Apostolic gathered for its first service, Sunday, April 10, 2016. Officiating this Installation Service were Bishop Charles H. Ellis Ill, Senior Pastor of GGT/Detroit, and Former Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., along with Bishop Gary Harper, Pastor of GGT/Taylor, and Diocesan Bishop of the Ghana 41 District. From that day forward, the Lord blessed mightily at the Mumford location, souls were saved. Calvary launched the "Lunch and Learn Bible Study" for students at Mumford during their lunch time. A number of students are still connected to Pastor Rita today.
As one chapter ends, another begins. In the early part of 2017, it was apparent that another facility would be needed to carry on the ministry. With God's timing and providence, Calvary relocated from the Mumford High School to 19650 Beech Daly to the beautiful campus of David Ellis West Academy. The school's namesake, the late Bishop David L. Ellis, Sr., was the visionary pastor, leader, teacher, and preacher of GGT, and his legacy continue to impact future generations. He was also beloved spiritual father and former Pastor of Pastor’s Gary and Rita. All praises to God! Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017, Calvary Apostolic Church marched in singing when the “Saints of Calvary” are marching in.
2020 A Decade of New Beginnings!
On April 25, 2020, 9:25 AM Pastor G. wrote an inspiring post on his Facebook page “Last Call, this is the season of change, we must”) on that same day shortly after 7:45PM, Pastor G. took a nap in his favorite chair after dinner, having a good day, and no illness. God summons him from his sleep, and he made his glorious transition surprisingly to glory. Pastor G. declared 2020 to be a decade of new beginnings and change. These words were his last message before his passing.
A celebration of Life was planned for Pastor G. on May 2, 2020, at Calvary Apostolic located at the David Ellis Academy West Campus.
Immediate changes came in the beginning of the 4th Church Anniversary of Calvary. The Calvary Executive Board unanimous agreed Co- Pastor Rita Green would succeed and become the new Senior Pastor.
Pastor Rita accepted responsibility as Senior Pastor with uncertainty, looking to retire after her 70th birthday in January 2024 and believing for the Lord to send a Pastor with Calvary in his/her heart who could take over fulltime.
That was not going to happen! In July 2023, the Lord showed Pastor Rita very clearly that it was not time to retire but rewire and refire. The Lord wanted Calvary to purchase their own church property without going into debt and going higher!
Church Location Change! In August 2023, Pastor Rita met with the church, family to discuss plans of purchasing their own property. On August 27, 2023, Calvary had its last service at 19650 Beech Daly in Redford, Michigan and moved out with no church building for services and met online and by conference calls.
But God did a quick work and confirmed his word! In 30 days, Calvary made an offer on the potential new site, and it was accepted! In 60 days on November 6, 2023, Calvary closed on the new church property located at 20071 James Couzens FWY, Detroit, MI. 48235, PAID IN FULL.
On December 31, 2023 (in 117 days later from August 27,) at 2:00 PM, Calvary Apostolic church and the Gary Green Fellowship Hall was dedicated to the Lord by our spiritual fathers in the Gospel, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, and Bishop Gary Harper. To God Be the Glory!
On April 7,2024 Calvary celebrated its 8th year Theme: “New Beginnings”.
The Mission Moves Onward
One thing we know for sure, God is faithful. Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in us, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). We are thankful and ready to experience the next move of God's grace and mercy as we follow him in faith, wherever He may lead. Calvary's motto will continue to be shared with apostolic authority, for we are witnesses that, "When GOD shows up, ANYTHING can happen."