Rev. William F. Hill and his family arrived in Independence, Iowa in October, 1965 to an empty church building in desperate need of repair. Hill was faced with the task of pioneering a new church in a city where he was not acquainted with even one person.

After a time the congregation grew and Pastor Hill began to consider a new location and starting a Christian day school. He formed a new corporation known as the Calvary Evangelistic Center in October 1971. In November of the same year, 6 1/2 acres were purchased at the present location, 700 13th St. N.E. The congregation moved into their first new building at the 13th St. address in December, 1973.

Breaking ground on a rainy Sunday for our first new building.

Independence Christian Academy with grades 1-12 was founded in September of 1975. Another new building was constructed in 1979 to house the day school and the Sunday School.  Over the years the Center has developed several ministries that reach into all the world, including a 35 voice choir, several books authored by Pastor Hill, crusades and seminars in other nations and helping to support over 55 missionaries and national pastors and evangelists.

The foundation for our first new building  - 1973.

Organized and constructed by Cid Irvine Jr., this Independence Day Parade float won the "Best Church/Club Organization" Award.