Why did Calvary Church change its name? The answer lies in its vibrant history. Legacy Church, formerly known as Calvary Church, has a story that stretches back to 1959. It began with a pioneering spirit. The aim was to reach Houston with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In its early years, Calvary Church became a place of dreams. It was a seedbed of destiny. The church initially planted its roots on Mary Bates in Sharpstown. As Calvary Church flourished, Pastor Perrault led the congregation to purchase land. This plot spanned 10 acres. It was located in the Sugar Land/Stafford area.
The second phase saw Pastor Woods lead the relocation. Calvary Church moved to its current location on Easter of 1999. The church experienced continued growth in the Fort Bend and Greater Houston area.
On March 30th, 2020, Calvary Church took a significant step. It changed its name to Legacy Church. This change reflects its rich history. It also embodies a bright hope for the future. Legacy Church exists to see lives transformed. It aims to create a lasting legacy.
The Fountain of Praise also has a rich history. It stands as a living testament to God’s vision. The founding members of South Post Oak Baptist Church started small. Did they imagine their mission church would evolve into The Fountain of Praise? This early congregation was committed. They wanted to establish a foundation for spreading the gospel. The church flourished quickly. In less than five years, they erected the former buildings of the South Post Oak Campus.
The 1970s and 1980s brought challenges. The community of South Post Oak became more racially diverse. Consequently, the church membership changed. Adapting ministry to the needs of this new community proved difficult. Despite the decrease in membership, God sustained the church. He positioned leaders to pave the way for a new harvest.
In 1991, the church hired Dr. Remus E. Wright. He became their seventh leader. Under his leadership, the church grew. Ministry development also increased. Membership increased from 150 to over 24700 by 2016. The Fountain of Praise was recognized. It was among the 100 fastest growing churches in the United States. Pastor Wright’s vision focused on restoration. This was demonstrated through the evolution of many ministries. These programs served both the congregation and the community.
In 1998, the church purchased 19 acres of land. This land was on Hillcroft Avenue. It sat between Orem and Beltway 8. This prepared them for the next phase. Shortly after, the congregation changed its name. South Post Oak Baptist Church became The Fountain of Praise. This new name reflected their spirit of worship. Then they built a sanctuary. It would be pleasing to God.
July 27, 2002 was a day of celebration. They dedicated their new sanctuary. Since opening, they have been blessed with many new members.
In April 2007, The Fountain of Praise purchased the former Mainhill Center. Renamed the FountainLife Center, it is near the Hillcroft Worship Center. Partnerships were formed with private and public entities. These partnerships developed the FountainLife Center. Collaborative programming provides resources. These resources cover healthcare, education, law, finance, and economic development.
The Legacy 20/20 campaign launched in 2014. It funded development. It also secured the sustenance of their ministry.
Calvary Church seeks intimacy. It fosters community. It pursues the Kingdom. It is a community on a journey. They follow Jesus together. This focus is at the heart of all they do. Every ministry, structure, program, and event reflects this. It is a place to encounter God. Here, one can praise the Father. One can surrender to the Master. One can love God with all their being.
Calvary Church encourages its members to get equipped. They should do the works Jesus did. The world needs believers. They must operate in the authority given by Jesus. They must do it for the sake of the Kingdom.
The vision of Calvary Church is clear. Worship should be spiritual. It should be inspirational. It must come from the heart. Winning the lost for Christ is essential. The church prays continually for this. Feeding the sheep is the job of the church. Healthy sheep beget more healthy sheep. Teaching through the Bible helps the church grow. It matures and affects the world. The church must reach beyond its borders. It must reach to the ends of the world.