The start of Kings Heath Elim Church began in the very heart of the community in 1952 when a young Colin Merriman felt called to bring hope to the children of the estate. Colin and his family began a Sunday School that was held at our now neighbours hall, at Allen’s Croft Primary School. The Sunday School aimed to reach children from all around the Brandwood/Allen’s Croft council estate. Many helped to grow this children’s group with Frances and Pastor Colin in 1972 and Pastor Claire from 1990 to present.
Michael Westwood Carr felt the calling of God to advance the Sunday School to a church. Alongside some others, including Pastor Colin and Frances, the church building underwent construction from 1959 to it’s completion on the 12th of May 1962, where it’s new name was given – Calvary Chapel. By May 1970, Calvary Chapel became a church within Elim Church Incorporated and Michael (Mike) was appointed as the minister of the church.
Calvary Chapel expanded both in location and congregation, with a few different Pastors taking leadership of the church until 1988 when Pastor Colin became the full time minister of Calvary Chapel. Pastor Claire began her Minister In Training in 2009 and assisted Pastor Colin in serving and leading Calvary Chapel.
Despite his retirement, Pastor Colin and Frances continue to serve Kings Heath Elim in a variety of ways. Today, Pastor Claire, Pastor Colin and Pastor Jon work to serve the community and congregation.
From it’s very humble beginning, the mission of our church has always been to serve the community in which we are surrounded by. Pastor Claire, the leadership team and wider congregation are passionate to reach out to those who are most needy in our community, showing them the love of Jesus.
Kings Heath Elim Church 