All through the book of Acts we see, following the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowering followers of Christ to go and to preach the Kingdom of God. This is only part of how the Holy Spirit has moved through Calvary Chapel.
In 1965 Pastor Chuck Smith began his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Only 25 people had attended. What began as a small chapel grew into a church that seats over 2000 and is filled almost nightly. From the beginning, Pastor Chuck welcomed all—young and old—without judgment, placing his emphasis on the teaching of the Word of God. He taught the word expositionally (verse-by-verse) which set him apart from other preachers.
God graciously used Pastor Chuck to reach a generation of hippies and surfers; generating a movement of the Holy Spirit that spread from the west coast to the east, bringing thousands of young people to Jesus Christ. Pastor Chuck extended his teaching nationally through The Word for Today radio program, as well as internationally over the Internet. Pastor Chuck went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2013. Yet, the work that the Holy Spirit started with Pastor Chuck did not end that day; but, continues forth in this generation and the next as people continue to seek Christ, teach His Word and avail themselves to the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Ken Graves, Pastor of Calvary chapel in Bangor Maine, met Jeanette from California while she was visiting Maine through mutual connections. They crossed paths at a bible study during her week-long stay, and Pastor Ken swiftly convinced her to marry him. After her departure, he flew to California to pursue her, attending the Calvary Chapel she was involved in. Upon returning to Maine, Pastor Ken started a church inspired by Calvary Chapel's expositional (verse-by-verse) preaching style and non-denominational approach. His connection with Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel, began at a Pastor’s Conference on the West Coast shortly after starting Calvary Chapel in Maine.
Pastor Ken Graves (Left) Chuck Smith (Right)
Growing up, Rosaire was immersed in the Calvary Chapel community from a young age, as his parents began attending when he was seven. At eight, he accepted The Lord during Vacation Bible School, and from then on, his family were regulars at all the services. When he turned 12, he was allowed to join the high school youth group led by Aaron Dudley, who became a significant influence in his life. Ken and Jeanette, family friends, played a pivotal role too, with Ken mentoring him during frequent visits to their home.
Rosaire Veilleux (3rd Grade, 8 Years Old)
Attending the Calvary Chapel high school further deepened his involvement, where Aaron and Pastor Ken provided opportunities for him to teach as he matured. Around 14, Pastor Ken invited Rosaire to accompany him to Men's Conferences and on occasional travels, exposing him to diverse learning experiences alongside of Aaron's teachings. Upon high school graduation, Rosaire embarked on a year-long discipleship program at Joshua in California, hosted by Hume Lake Christian Camps. Rosaire grew immensely during that time and graduated on May 11, 2008.
Rosaire Veilleux (Left) Ken Graves (Middle) Dominic Veilleux
After graduating from Calvary Chapel Bangor High School, in Maine, Rosaire began dating Brittany, who would later become his wife. Before departing for a year-long discipleship program at Joshua in California, he sought her father's permission to continue their relationship. Throughout his time away, they maintained their connection through letters. After Rosaire graduated the program, he proposed to Brittany on August 8th, and they married in October. They then became actively involved in teaching the high school youth group at Calvary Chapel Bangor for four years before relocating to Old Town, where Rosaire served as the youth pastor for nine years. Eventually, they returned to Calvary Chapel Bangor, spending two years on the worship team, with Rosaire also serving as an elder. In 2023, they were commissioned to establish a new church in Etna, Maine.
Rosaire and Brittany Veilleux commissioned to go to Etna, ME