Grace is a very old church, but we don't act our age! In fact, we are 110 years young! While we are surrounded by a great heritage and a wonderful history in this city, Grace is currently on the cutting edge of ministry and church life. But as we look ahead, it is always important to see from where we've come. Here is a brief history, going way back!

On May 1, 1895, nineteen believers met for the first time, unofficially, as the Swedish Baptist Church. They met in a home at 7th and Holland in downtown Erie until 1906.

In 1906 this home on 7th and Holland was torn down and a new church building was built. Early members of the Swedish Baptist Church had a heart to make a difference for God in the Erie area. The Swedish speaking church advanced very favorably and made a substantial contribution to the religious progress in Erie.

In 1939, with the passing of a generation and the Americanization of Swedish people, the language used at the church was changed to English and the name was changed to Grace Baptist Church. In the late 50’s, the members of the church evaluated their work and decided that God was calling them to take a very bold step.

On April 15, 1959, the church body voted to relocate to West Millcreek, a fast-growing suburb of Erie with outreach opportunity. They set their sites on 2 acres of rural land on the corner of 38th and Colonial. They purchased the land and started a new work in Millcreek.

A turning point in growth and ministry began in 1974 when Pastor Cornell Haan led a movement and Grace grew in both spirit and numbers with strong and caring leadership. New programs were started that met the needs of many families and new Christians that were being drawn to Grace. Grace's current worship center was built in 1976 to accommodate growth. In 1978, Pastor Al Detter was called to pastor this growing church. The church grew and added a second worship service in 1981. Under Al's leadership the church has grown from 250 weekend attendees to nearly 1000 people who call Grace their church home! The staff has grown from 2 people (a pastor and secretary) in 1978 to our current 6 pastors and 9 ministry and support staff. Grace's commitment continues to drive us to embrace God and meet the needs of our community at every level.

Since 2000, Grace has experienced unprecedented growth, both in terms of attendance and ministry opportunities. In the winter of 2007 Grace relocated from our 38th Street campus to a 41 acre parcel on Grubb Road, and currently the church is worshipping in a brand new 45,000 square foot state of the art facility. But it is true now as it has been throughout our history, the buildings are not the issue – it is the people. Grace has positioned herself to be a resource of healing and hope for the Erie community for many generations to come. The people of Grace serve in ministries seven days a week, both in our building and in our community. Grace's leaders have provided training and resources to many other churches in our area. Our children's ministry, youth ministry, women's ministry, teaching ministry, and creative arts ministry have had a regional impact. Our rich past provides the foundation for a very bright future! What will be written 50 years from now?!