Leslie Francisco II assumed senior leadership as the pastor of Calvary Mennonite Church, with his wife Naomi faithfully by his side every step of the way.

Leslie II had a strong evangelistic call on his life which caused him to look beyond the four walls of the local church. Along with his sons, Leslie III, Steven, and Myron, he began leading street and tent revivals, even going door to door to invite families to hear the good news.

With a strong evangelistic reach spreading throughout the city, the desire to reach neighboring cities grew. The founder’s vision was to always build a church in Hampton. Due to his unwavering faith and the support of the community at-large, his vision would soon come into fruition. The land was purchased for the future Hampton church site. 

Calvary Community Church held its first service in Hampton, VA.

The founder asked his oldest son, Leslie Francisco III to serve as interim pastor at the Newport News location while awaiting a replacement. It soon became evident that Leslie III would serve as the permanent replacement, and, as a result, was ordained as pastor of the Newport News, VA congregation. 

The Newport News and Hampton congregations merged and became one under the banner of Calvary Community Church, with Leslie III as senior pastor. 

Leslie III and his wife Natalie Francisco launched the first African American owned and operated Christian school on the peninsula, Calvary Christian Academy. As loving parents of three daughters, Nicole, Lesley, and Lauren, they had a strong desire to build a school they would want their girls to attend. 

 Exponential growth occurred during this time. Radio and television broadcasts, the formation of Calvary Bible College, and global outreach throughout Ghana, South Africa & Jamaica expanded the church’s reach. During this period of expansion, the church relocated to a larger 25,000 sq. ft. campus in the city of Hampton.

As the imprint of the church continued to spread, the church campus expanded an additional 25,000 sq. ft. to accommodate growth. Several ministries were planted throughout the U.S. and the African continent. Local and global community service projects became such a priority that the vast majority of both youth and young adults were given extensive opportunities to serve.

Calvary Community Church was rebranded as “C3 Hampton”. In that same year, Bishop L.W. Francisco III & Dr. Natalie A. Francisco ordained their middle daughter, Lesley Francisco as youth pastor.

As youth pastor, Lesley Francisco launched E.P.I.C. (Experiencing Power in Christ), a youth ministry that encouraged kids and teens to be unashamed in their beliefs. During this time, a large movement formed where large numbers of youth would gather to take the EPIC plunge, publicly getting baptized amongst their peers.

Pastor Lesley Francisco McClendon and Pastor Caleb McClendon were installed as assistant pastors of C3 Hampton.

C3 Hampton’s co-founder, Naomi R. Francisco passed away and the Naomi Francisco Missions Fund was named in her honor with all proceeds directly benefiting outreach programs in South Africa.

The global pandemic shifted C3 Hampton from a primarily brick and mortar church to an intentional hybrid ministry.

Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon assumed senior leadership of C3 Hampton.

The effects of the global pandemic reignited the church’s passion for evangelism and outreach beyond the four walls. The ‘C3 is me’ campaign was birthed, where every week a new initiative was introduced to members and partners, giving them the opportunity to serve those in need.

Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon was officially installed as senior pastor, with the support of her husband, Pastor Caleb L. McClendon, serving alongside as Assistant Pastor.