Where We've Been

Like many U.S. cities, Corvallis experienced a period a rapid growth in the 1950s. Since First Presbyterian Church (federated with First Congregational Church) was located downtown, several Presbyterian families looked to what was then the northern fringe of town as a good site for planting a new congregation. After a period of prayer and consultation with leaders of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, the dream became a reality. Ground was broken in July 1957 for Calvin United Presbyterian Church.

The first service was held on Dec. 15, 1957 and the congregation was formally organized on June 13, 1958. Hallmarks of our church are its stability and caring spirit. The stability is evident in that the church has had only three senior pastors in its 45-year history. The founding pastor, Frank Thom, served about six years, and the second pastor, Peter Hutton, about 22 years. Pastor Marc Andresen has been with us 12 years. Since his arrival in 1990, Sunday morning attendance has more than doubled and the church budget has nearly tripled.

In 1974 an addition was built on the west side of the church and the kitchen was expanded. The beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary were designed and created by Sherrie Alarid with assistance from her brother, Don Fletcher, and were donated by families in the congregation. They represent the “I am” statements of Jesus from the Bible.

The Korean Presbyterian Church of Corvallis was officially chartered in September 1999. Calvin has been providing worship and meeting space to this congregation since 1997. David Park is the senior pastor of the Korean church.