Church celebrates new location

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- It’s not for a circus or a wedding reception.

The Calvary Church of Newport-Mesa on Wednesday pitched the massive white

tent on Newport Boulevard to celebrate what’s soon to come.

In October 2001, church members expect to be praying and singing in a

new, permanent building. Calvary Church purchased the lot between Bay and

Victoria streets a year ago and have since been designing and raising

funds for the $8-million facility.

The complex will have a chapel, nursery school, auditorium, parking

structure and multipurpose building.

On Wednesday, more than 800 congregation members feasted in the tent,

listened to music from an eight-piece band and viewed sketches of the

future church.

School buses shuttled adult party-goers to the tent from the current 23rd

Street building. Children stayed behind, ate pizza and sang songs.

“We just want everyone tonight to know our vision,” said Pastor Ian

Stevenson.