Historical Journey of Grace Baptist Church

On August 12, 1981 a meeting was held to organize a new Church named Grace Baptist Church. The very first worship service was held on August 16, 1981 with 103 in attendance. Brother Larry Patton preached the first sermon. Soon after that a building was located in the city of Morganton to be used as a temporary meeting place. Rev. Eugene Ridley was called to be our first Pastor. Over the next several months land was purchased about four miles south of Morganton to build a new building. The new project was finished and the first service was held on Wednesday night, March 10, 1982 with 108 present. It was a very spiritual service as we sang “To God be the Glory” and “Victory in Jesus”. The formal dedication and open house was held on April 4, 1982 with an attendance of 186 people. We celebrated this day with the McKamey family singers from Clinton, TN. After the singing, we all joined hands to pray and dedicate this building. It was a wonderful service.

In October of 1982, we were accepted into the Catawba River Baptist Association of churches. On June 24,1984, Preacher Ridley resigned as Pastor and went into full time evangelism. After his departure, the Church called Rev. Lloyd Harris as Interim Pastor, and he served until December of that year. The Church also purchased a parsonage in the Salem area that same month. Our second Pastor was Rev. John Huntley who ministered from January 1985 to July 1986. Preacher Burl Sain served as our Interim Pastor for one year. The Church then called Rev. Rex Ware from Murphy, NC as full-time Pastor in September 1987. During this time the Church voted to build a fellowship hall, and it was completed in August 1992. Pastor Ware served until March 7, 1999. Then after Pastor Ware resigned the church asked Charlie Miller to serve as Interim Pastor. He did so from April 1999 to January 2000. After much prayer and searching, the pulpit committee was led to hear Rev. Marty N. Bess. He was voted on and was unanimously elected to be the next Pastor in January 2000.

Since that time, God has graciously blessed in so many ways. He has allowed us to pay off past indebtedness, remodel our buildings, purchase a new bus, van and mission trailer. He has continued to bless us with a mission and youth house. Currently we are building a new sanctuary and continue to give more to Missions than ever before.

To God be the Glory, Great things He is still doing!