History

Calvary Chapel of the Sierra is united with a fellowship of Calvary Chapels that had their origins in Costa Mesa, CA under the pastorship of Pastor Chuck Smith.

In September of 1990 Calvary Chapel of the Sierra started with twelve people including children. Like so many beginnings of other Calvary Chapels - this step was a venture of faith.

After being made aware of the need in North Fork, CA. Pastor Gillett Doggett and his wife Victoria sensed God's call on their lives to leave the church they had been pastoring for eleven years in Southern California and moved to North Fork to take on the challenge God had put before them.

After meeting with a few families in the area to discuss the calling and pray for God's leading - it was confirmed by God's Spirit to make the move.

In July of 1990, Gillett and Victoria put their house in Rialto up for sale, by owner, the first church service was held September 9 in the basement of the North Fork Seventh Day Adventist facility. We continued to meet in the basement until, with the generosity of one individual family in our fellowship, we were able to afford rental of the upstairs sanctuary.

In December 2005 we moved to the North Fork Elementary School and worshiped on Sunday Mornings in the Kennedy Hall while construction on our new building was completed. Five months later we had final inspection and were given permanent occupancy for our new building.

In June 2007 Pastor Gillett stepped down as Pastor of Calvary Chapel and passed the shepherds staff to Eric Miller. Pastor Gillett will remain in ministry as a "Pastor at large" where he and Victoria will be traveling and ministering to other pastors, pastor's wives and their congregations.

Pastor Eric began his journey in the spring of 1984 when he was born again and later went on to attend and serve at Calvary Chapel Hanford (Pastor Gene Pensiero) After ten years in Hanford Eric's job in the propane industry took he and his family to southern California where eventually he left his career to join the staff at Calvary Chapel Hemet (Pastor Gary Johnson). After serving as assistant pastor and worship leader in Hemet for several years Eric was contacted by the board at Calvary Chapel of the Sierra to pray about coming back to central California and assuming the role of Senior Pastor. Again, after much prayer and seeking Godly counsel Eric and his family were graciously sent by the congregation in Hemet to pastor the church in North Fork.

Today, Pastor Eric, his wife Tonya, Daughters Kalli and Mallory and their son Miles are serving the Lord together each involved in a special way!

In the rural, mountain community of North Fork (population 1600 and another 2500 within a five mile radius) Calvary Chapel is still relatively small. Approximately 150 including children, but plays a vital spiritual role within the community.