We have not always been called by the name City at the Cross. We were born as Bethany Chapel on October 4, 1953. In that year the Lord began speaking to a group of about 8-10 people about starting a church in Long Beach that was committed to accomplishing all of the purposes of God in their generation. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit this group of men and women invited David E. Schoch to come and shepherd this church into its future. On that first Sunday morning our church was born and has been ever since.

Birthed with a strong understanding and emphasis on missions, the prophetic, and worship, Bethany Chapel grew through the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Many missionaries were sent around the nations of the world extending the kingdom and preaching the gospel. In addition to missionaries, David Schoch, being a prophet himself, was sent to many churches building and ministering in a powerful way.

In 1986 the Lord began to transition David and Audene Schoch into a different emphasis of a trans-local ministry. At that time the Senior Leadership of Bethany Chapel was given to David J. and Lana Copp. The Copp’s had served as missionaries in Japan for 10 years, as well as Associate Pastors here in Long Beach since returning home in the mid-seventies. Building on the core values of Bethany Chapel, we began to seek the Lord for specific definition and direction of the congregation here in Long Beach. A strong commitment to the city of Long Beach and the community surrounding the Church guaranteed a church that continued in the purposes of God for another generation. It was during this season that Bethany Chapel became Calvary Fellowship.