About
It was November 7, 1993 when Pastor Morrison and approximately twenty-five individuals first gathered for Sunday morning worship at E. C. Terry's Funeral Service Chapel, Henderson, NC. A short time later, the name, Grace Missionary Baptist Church, was mutually agreed upon by Pastor Morrison and members. No other name could have been more appropriate. Early along the journey, there were pastors and other individuals stationed along the way, providing assistance to the Grace church in various ways. In addition to Bro. Ernest Terry, the list included: the late Dr. Roosevelt Alston and Bro. Joe Lewis of Holy Temple UHC of Henderson, NC; the late Bishop Willie Griffin and the United Prayer of Faith Holy Church of Henderson, NC; the late Reverend Harrison Ray and the late Bro. Johnny Brandon of Taylor's Chapel AME Zion Church of Kittrell, NC; and, Bro. Leon Floyd of Oak Level UCC of Manson, NC. These individuals were an integral part of the support system of the early Grace Church, and their names and deeds will forever be etched in Grace's history.
Some of the most notable occasions and observances in Grace during the past twenty-five years are as follows:
January 1994 - The first "Family and Friends" Day was observed. (Currently each 5th Sunday is designated as Family and Friends Day.)
May 1994 - The late Sister Mary A. Fuller, having given evidence of her call to gospel ministry, delivered her initial sermon. She was later licensed to preach, and served faithfully as Senior Associate Pastor, Minister of Evangelism, Bible Study Teacher, Worship Leader, and in other capacities, as needed. (God called Reverend Fuller home in February 2012.)
November 1994 - First Sunday, the 1st Church Anniversary was observed.October 1995 - Grace purchased 5.17 acres of land in the heart of Kittrell. Construction of the church building began shortly thereafter.
November 1998 - The completion of Phase I of our church complex; we moved into our new home! The 5th Church Anniversary Celebration was held on November 11, 1998. The Reverend J. Vincent Terry and the Halifax Baptist Church family, Raleigh, NC were our special guests.
March 1999 - New Church Dedication Worship; Dr. John D. Fuller, (then) immediate past president of the General Baptist State Convention, brought the message.
2001 - Membership Explosion! Eighteen individuals united with Grace -- either through baptism or Christian experience.
July 2008 - The church loan was paid off -- five (5) years earlier than the contract stated!
February 2009 - A Mortgage Burning Celebration was held on the 2nd Sunday.Spring
May 2012 - Reverend Clarence Julius LeMay, current pastor, started his walk at the helm of the Grace ship. Pastor LeMay was no stranger to the Grace church. He came teaching and preaching as he had been accustomed to doing in another vineyard for more than twenty-five years.J
July 2016 - Under Pastor LeMay's leadership, an ordination service was conducted for Deacons Robert Holden and Tony Perry and also Deaconesses Geneva Boyd, Clara Brunson, Juanita Holden, Ellender LeMay, Sudie Lewis, and Ruth Yancey.
Since its inception, Grace has sought to be an active part of the community of faith. Blessed with effective teaching and preaching from its two dynamic leaders -- Pastors Morrison and LeMay, Grace has realized significant growth in its membership, the spirituality of its members and finances. Steady support has been maintained for the ministry of Christ through the General Baptist State Convention of NC, Inc.; the Woman's Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary Convention of North Carolina, Inc.; the National Baptist Convention of USA, Inc.; the Vance County Sunday School Convention and the Middle Baptist Association.
During Pastor LeMay's tenure, Grace has increased its commitment to supporting missions, especially through the Middle Baptist Woman’s Missionary Auxiliary and the Vance County Missionary Union. The
Death has claimed faithful, loving, cherished members. Yet, as we reflect on the past and resolve to continue moving forward, let us hear the words as recorded in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Pastor LeMay and each member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church, present ourselves available and willing, always affirming our faith in God and His will for this church called GRACE.
"The Lord has done great things for us; and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3