The History of Calvary Chapel Sonora

In 1965 the first Calvary Chapel was started in Costa Mesa, California, as a small non-denominational church of 25 members, pastored by Chuck Smith. Calvary Chapel continued to grow and became a leader in what is now called “The Jesus Movement.” Naturally, those saved and discipled spread across the country and world to form what has become known as the Calvary Chapel Movement.

Calvary Chapel Sonora was started in August 1992 by Pastor Miles McMahon. Miles and his wife, Joyce, had served as missionaries in Kenya for the previous four years. Calvary Chapel Sonora began as a Bible Study with seven people. Through the years the fellowship grew and settled into the current property on Soulsbyville Road. Pastor Miles continued to pastor the church until 2024, when he retired after 32 years of pastoring Calvary Chapel Sonora. Pastor Miles and Joyce are planning to return as missionaries to Kenya in their retirement.