Calvary Children's Home was founded in 1966 by Rev. Ben F. Turner. Rev. Turner's first vision for a home such as Calvary took place on the streets of Jerusalem, Israel, while he was leading a tour group to the Holy Land. A woman with five small children approached him, offering to sell her baby for ten dollars, then seven, then five, saying she needed the money to support her other children. That experience continued to live with Rev. Turner until 1965, when Calvary Children's Home moved from a touching experience in Israel to reality.
A father and mother returning from the grocery store were involved in an automobile accident. Both were killed, leaving their six children without anyone to care for them. Since it is almost impossible to add six children to an already existing family, the children were separated and placed in four different homes.
As they were being separated, Rev. Turner watched the children crying - the younger wanting to stay with the older. He realized the tremendous need for them to stay together, especially after losing both parents. "If children can't have the love and guidance of parents, they should at least be able to live together as brothers and sisters. If I could build a home large enough, I could keep all the children of one family together." This was the motivation behind the building of Calvary Children's Home.
Open House
On October 9, 1999, in the soft fall rain, several hundred donors and friends walked over the campus, visited the cottages, of fixes, library and counseling center then, along with staff members and the children, gathered in the dining hall for refreshments and our dedication service. Rev. Ben Turner, founder and president, cut the ceremonial ribbon and led the dedication prayer for our new Home.
Mr. Fred Aiken, representative from U. S. Representative Bob Barr's Smyrna office, presented a flag that had flown over the U. S. Capitol and Congressman Barr made a brief speech on the floor of the House of Representatives recognizing the ministry of Calvary Children's Home. This was very unique recognition for us since this would be entered into the Congressional Record of the 106* Congress.
Former residents of Calvary, now grown, came with their families to express their appreciation and love for the place they had been able to call home because of your thoughtfulness and help.
We thought you would enjoy seeing some of the Calvary friends that came by to celebrate with us. There are many, many more who freely gave that our children could have a wonderful environment to call home. The following photos are evidence of your love and support.
Thank you from the very depths of our heart.
