A Brief History of Grace Bible Church
In the fall of 1940, thirty-six people who were committed to the historic teachings of the Christian faith, organized what is known today as Grace Bible Church (GBC), meeting in the basement of the old Liberty Hotel. The first pastor, James Comstock, recently graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary, was called in 1941. In March of 1942 a former Presbyterian Church building was purchased on the corner of Fredonia and Hospital Streets.
Pastor Comstock resigned in 1943 and in 1944 Elmer Henderson (for whom Henderson Hall is named) began his ministry at Grace serving until his retirement in 1968. As growth took place, plans were made to build new facilities and the present property was purchased. The new building (currently called the Chapel, and used for various classes) was completed and dedicated in July of 1951.
After Pastor Henderson's retirement, John Smeltzer began serving as the third minister of Grace. This was in 1969 in the middle of a great spiritual revival on American College campuses, including Stephen F. Austin. Grace soon had to offer two worship services to accommodate the large college attendance. Pastor Smelzter also began a "Systematic Theology" class on Sunday evenings to reach out to SFA students which then led to providing Sunday evening dinners for the students. This was an exciting time of spiritual growth for the students resulting in at least six going on to seminary and several into other full-time Christian service.
In 1975 GBC called Jon Aldrich as pastor. During his time at Grace, small groups were begun to reach out to new families, and a new sanctuary was completed on the property. Also during this period, fifteen students went on to Dallas Theological Seminary. Jon served at GBC about eight years, leaving in 1982. Grace was without a pastor for eighteen months; yet, the church leadership continued to plan for the future and a new educational complex and Henderson Hall were built.
Grace next called Jeff Townsend as Pastor. Leadership training was a focus of Jeff's ministry. Following Jeff Townsend was Dr. Thomas Cragoe. At this time, it also became necessary to hire a Youth Minister.
Dr. Bruce Willson was called in 1993, and during his years here the congregation grew rapidly. Two services were again held, and because more seating was needed, various renovations were made to the sanctuary to accommodate such growth. Also, during Dr. Willson's pastorate, the college ministry was again expanded necessitating the hiring of a full-time College Minister in 1999. Also in 1999, the need to hire a part-time Nursery Director was realized.
Dr. Willson resigned in 2000, and in 2001, Justin Beadles accepted the call to become the current pastor for GBC. As the congregation continued to outgrow its current facilities, plans were made for yet another expansion. Additional property was purchased across Hayter Street from the existing facilities, and in the summer of 2005, the first worship services were held in the current sanctuary. Renovations were made to the existing facilities to provide much needed education meeting rooms.
Additionally, during this time GBC’s staff has expanded to meet the increasing ministry needs and currently includes six full-time and two part-time staff in various ministry and administration roles.
In the fall of 1940, thirty-six people who were committed to the historic teachings of the Christian faith, organized what is known today as Grace Bible Church (GBC), meeting in the basement of the old Liberty Hotel. The first pastor, James Comstock, recently graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary, was called in 1941. In March of 1942 a former Presbyterian Church building was purchased on the corner of Fredonia and Hospital Streets.
Pastor Comstock resigned in 1943 and in 1944 Elmer Henderson (for whom Henderson Hall is named) began his ministry at Grace serving until his retirement in 1968. As growth took place, plans were made to build new facilities and the present property was purchased. The new building (currently called the Chapel, and used for various classes) was completed and dedicated in July of 1951.
After Pastor Henderson's retirement, John Smeltzer began serving as the third minister of Grace. This was in 1969 in the middle of a great spiritual revival on American College campuses, including Stephen F. Austin. Grace soon had to offer two worship services to accommodate the large college attendance. Pastor Smelzter also began a "Systematic Theology" class on Sunday evenings to reach out to SFA students which then led to providing Sunday evening dinners for the students. This was an exciting time of spiritual growth for the students resulting in at least six going on to seminary and several into other full-time Christian service.
In 1975 GBC called Jon Aldrich as pastor. During his time at Grace, small groups were begun to reach out to new families, and a new sanctuary was completed on the property. Also during this period, fifteen students went on to Dallas Theological Seminary. Jon served at GBC about eight years, leaving in 1982. Grace was without a pastor for eighteen months; yet, the church leadership continued to plan for the future and a new educational complex and Henderson Hall were built.
Grace next called Jeff Townsend as Pastor. Leadership training was a focus of Jeff's ministry. Following Jeff Townsend was Dr. Thomas Cragoe. At this time, it also became necessary to hire a Youth Minister.
Dr. Bruce Willson was called in 1993, and during his years here the congregation grew rapidly. Two services were again held, and because more seating was needed, various renovations were made to the sanctuary to accommodate such growth. Also, during Dr. Willson's pastorate, the college ministry was again expanded necessitating the hiring of a full-time College Minister in 1999. Also in 1999, the need to hire a part-time Nursery Director was realized.
Dr. Willson resigned in 2000, and in 2001, Justin Beadles accepted the call to become the current pastor for GBC. As the congregation continued to outgrow its current facilities, plans were made for yet another expansion. Additional property was purchased across Hayter Street from the existing facilities, and in the summer of 2005, the first worship services were held in the current sanctuary. Renovations were made to the existing facilities to provide much needed education meeting rooms.
Additionally, during this time GBC’s staff has expanded to meet the increasing ministry needs and currently includes six full-time and two part-time staff in various ministry and administration roles.