The people of Grace Episcopal Church are diverse -- some seasonal, some year-round, of both abundant and meager means, at all stages of life, and varying levels of involvement in church life. We are a parish with an average Sunday service attendance of 250. But our story lies not in our numbers nor our demographics but, rather, within our hearts.

Our congregation takes an active role in the local community as well as the community of the world with ministry at home and abroad. We encourage you to visit our Ministry Section and welcome you to become involved on any and every level.

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HISTORY

The story of Grace Church began in 1867 with the construction of a log chapel known as Beaverdam Mission. By the 1880s, the mission had taken on the name of the little community in which it was located, Grace. Our present building was first used on Sunday, May 31,1905. It was designed by Richard Sharpe Smith, an English architect who also supervised the construction of the Biltmore House.

By the early 1920s, Grace had reverted to the status a mission. There was no priest in charge; though, largely due to the leadership of lay readers, Sunday school and services continued until 1949. After several months when no services were held, Bishop George Henry approved the reopening of Sunday School at Grace under the direction of Porter L. Crisp. Growth and development followed rapidly. In 1960, we became a self-supporting parish under the direction of the Reverend Frederick Volbeda.

In 1967, the Rev. William Edwards became our fifth rector. From this time until the Reverend Edwards' retirement in 2000, Grace experienced growth, innovation and solid accomplishment. Grace had grown from 261 communicants to more than 600 with 300 in regular attendance each week.

In 2001, The Reverend Gary Coffey became, and is today, the sixth rector of Grace Church.

PARISH LEADERSHIP
 

Our Clergy and Staff: Jesus Christ Head of the Church Porter Taylor Bishop Gary Coffey Rector Bob Reese Priest Associate Jeanette Reese Deacon Becky Barker Administrator Beth Stahl Director of Music Judy Rhodes Family Service Musician Cathy Adkins Organist Molly Coffey Youth Coordinator David Gentry Sexton Priscilla Hendrix Nursery Attendant Donna Trimnal Nursery Attendent

Our Vestry: Paul Vest Sr. Warden & Adult Christian Ed Bill Coward Jr. Warden & Buildings and Grounds Cuyler Dupree Worship & Healing Prayer Judy Bohan Outreach Jack Frue Finance Angie Cullen Youth Christian Ed Jim Compton EYC Jenny Thomas Vestry Clerk & Fellowship Annika Brock Endowment Liaison Mary Cozine Newcomers Henry Watts Pastoral Care Ron Sims Men and Women of the Church We welcome you to read the minutes from Vestry Meetings. We also invite you to visit our Ministry Section for a more complete list of contact persons and detailed descriptions of the work they do. Committees are completely open to public participation. In most instances, committee members are neither elected nor appointed. All that's required is one's presence and interest.