about us   

Nine years younger than Calvary, the Diocese of Lexington was formed from the Diocese of  Kentucky in 1896 and is composed of 39 parishes and missions in the northern, central, eastern and southeastern regions of Kentucky.

                            Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington is home base for our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Stacy F. Sauls and the bishop's staff.  The Cathedral Domain and the Cathedral Church of St. George the Martyr, long considered the heartbeat of the diocese, are in Lee County.  "The Domain" is the site of camps, conferences, retreats, family weekends and special events.

                            Calvary, itself, has risen from the ashes of disastrous fires, becoming stronger each time on four separate occasions.  Calvary's impact on Ashland has been felt almost since the second day of Febuary, 1887 when a handful of people decided to form an Episcopal Church.  The building's cornerstone was set September 8, 1888 and the church was finished a year later.

                            It was 10 years later that the church was destroyed by fire the first time.  Members of the congregation did not let that get them down, however, and a new cornerstone was in place only 10 days after the fire on July 21, 1899.  The building was consecrated in 1903, only to be partially destroyed by a second fire in 1926.

                            During the following 35 years, many improvements were made.  A parish house was given, an ambulatory built, the present pipe organ installed and a gift of beautiful memorials was given.  The Rev. Francis Cooper became rector a year before Calvary celebrated its golden anniversary.  Under his leadership the parish experienced new growth and renewed influence on the Ashland community.  During his 22 years of ministry at Calvary, parishioners helped in the war effort, established the Bloodmobile program, helped with the TB sanitarium and were instrumental in helping many other projects grow and prosper.

                            In 1960, the Rev. Arch Hewitt, Jr. became rector, and was especially noted for his interest in young people and Christian education for all groups.  Between 1966 and 1974, the Rev. John L. Thomson was rector, and he continued the parish's tradition of outreach.  For instance, the Senior Center, much needed in Ashland, was begun at the parish and remained there until it found permanent quarters.

                            The Rev. John W. T. Weise came to Calvary in the fall of 1974 as its rector.  Unfortunately, fire struck for the third time Febuary 25, 1979, destroying the parish house and Christian education classrooms.  Again, new facilities rose out of the ashes and a new building provided modern classrooms, a spacious parish hall, new chapel and new offices for staff.

                            On Good Friday, 1982, an arson-suspected fire once again did severe damage to the church buildings.  For the fourth time, the parish rose from the ashes.  Meanwhile, during Father Weise's tenure, outreach programs like Unity Square, Community Kitchen and Parish Pantry got their start.

                            Father Weise served Calvary for nearly 18 years and was succeeded by Rev. J. Carl Belden, interim, followed by Rev. Ted Harris, interim, who served until the Rev. Mann S. Valentine, VI (Chip) was called as rector May 1, 1994.  He continues to keep our outreach vital to the downtown community and he is helping us build a strong life of worship, education, fellowship and ministry for the families of our parish.
 

The Beauty of Our Church

Members of Calvary are remembered in the most visible way - - the furnishings, windows and many parts of the church are dedicated to their memories.  The oldest parts of the church still being used are the altar, reredos and pulpit, built nearly 70 years ago and dedicated in 1927.  These were the work of an Oberammergau craftsman named Lang.  The altar railing was dedicated in 1929.  Panelling enclosing the choir and organ was diecated in 1938 and the organ grille screen in 1950.

All stained glass windows in the sanctuary and above the organ and choir are also dedicated to God's glory and the memories of early parish members.  The windows depict:  The Annunciation, The Nativity, The Boy Christ in the Temple, Calling the Apostles, Christ Healing the Sick, Christ Blessing the Children, Sermon on the Mount, The Transfiguration, Christ's Triumphant  Entry into Jerusalem, The Ascension, The Resurrection, The Crucifixion and Gethsemane.  Above the choir is the Alpha Window, and above the organ in the Omega Window.  Over the Chancel is the Descending Dove, reminiscent of Jesus' empowerment at Baptism and of this, His gift of the Spirit, to all believers.