In 1867 Grace Episcopal Church was, with three other congregations, founded to be a religious and cultural center on which a new town could build. In 1873, the first Vestry was elected, the Articles of Agreement signed and the name of Grace given to the church. In 1875, city founder Perry Hannah, donated a lot in the center of town on which the church could build. The new church, built at a cost of $1,965 was consecrated on November 12, 1876, by Bishop George Gillespie. Grace was then admitted into the diocese in 1877. By 1880 the number of communicants had doubled to 32, there were 80 children enrolled in the church school and all debts were paid.

In 1897, with financial help from Mr. Hannah, the church was moved by horse power (see picture) three blocks to its present location at Washington and Boardman. In 1923, the undercroft of the church was converted to a parish hall, and in 1947 the entire sanctuary was redesigned.

A period of growth began in the 1950. A rectory was purchased on nearby State Street as well as several parcels adjacent to the church. Our 1956 census indicated Grace had grown to include 192 families.

In 1965, the three houses to the west of the church were razed and work begun on the present Parish Hall. In 1966 the bylaws were completed and Vestry membership was increased to twelve. At the same time Grace sponsored a Boy Scout Troop and began a catering business.

In 1976 members of the church helped found Grand Traverse Hospice. Grace became a Bread for the World Covenant Church and commissioned the first Lay Eucharistic Visitors in the diocese. Under Grace’s leadership the Emergency Lodge, the forerunner to the present Goodwill Inn, was founded.

In 1983 a Wednesday healing service was added and our Food Pantry was launched. In 1985 new offices and commons space was added. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s many of these ministries were enriched and new ones added including our weekly meal for the poor, Friday Lunch.

In 2005 we embarked on an ambitious campaign to build a new sanctuary that allows us to more fully welcome all who seek God in this place. Completed in 2005 we can now seat over 300 for worship and have improved our grounds and facilities including establishing Jubilee House. Next to the church Jubilee House is an outreach program that provides the homeless a place to do laundry, take showers, use computers and access the service of other ministries. This ministry and our ongoing commitment to issues of social justice were recognized when, in 2005, Grace was designated as a Jubilee Center by the National Church.

Today we are full functioning program parish with over 400 members with a mission to welcome and minister to our parish members as well as the Ministries at large. It is through God's gift that we commit ourselves and express our prayer, worship, education, outreach and stewardship. To learn more about Grace Church and its many and varied ministries, join us for worship, stop by the office or contact us.