Calvary to celebrate 75 years in Rhinelander

On Wednesday, July 10, beginning at 5 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church will celebrate 75 years of ministry to the Rhinelander area. The community is invited to participate in a picnic-style meal at Pioneer Park as the church remembers the past and looks forward to the future.

According to a press release announcing the anniversary event, Calvary began meeting at the Rhinelander City Hall in 1949 with 68 charter members. Church documents recorded: “They had no hymnals, no Sunday School materials, no church equipment of any kind, but they had faith in God and knew He would lead them.” 

The church purchased lots on Lincoln Street in 1951 and began construction of a church building at 320 Lincoln Street in 1954. The church would worship on the lower level for three years, completing the upper auditorium and holding its first service there on Easter Sunday 1959. 

A building addition was completed in 1984 that would add an elevator, more restrooms and a small gathering space. The building was extensively renovated along with a new parking lot in 2020. The church has had 7 full-time pastors in the past 75 years and four pastors in the past 55 years (Pastor David Elleman, Pastor John Palutke, Pastor Jim Mickelson and Pastor Rod Ankrom).

“At Calvary, we want to joyfully point people to Jesus,” Pastor Ankrom said. “Calvary is focused on bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to our community and to our world, helping people grow as followers of Jesus Christ through developing a biblical worldview and positively impacting the Rhinelander area.” 

Calvary gathers for worship Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. (KidZone for K-5th grade is offered at 10 a.m. with nursery for children under age 5). Ministries at Calvary include sponsoring Ruby’s Pantry (food distribution the third Tuesday of the month), several Life Groups (small group Bible studies), Camp Calvary and VBS (K-5th grade), WIRED (6th-12th grade), men’s and women’s ministries (Calvary Women Connect), monthly Growing Together meals, prayer ministry and outreach events throughout the year. 

For more information about the church, go to ExploreCalvary.com or call 715-362-4792.