From permitting a cow to graze as long as it was not a nuisance to the actual moving of the building which had served not only as the church but as Port Orange’s first city hall, the history of Grace Episcopal Church is rich with interesting details as it is a testament to the perseverance and strength of the people of this great city.
For 125 years, Grace Episcopal Church has served the Port Orange Community offering Christ and his redemption ministries to those in need of wholeness, healing, and guidance. Our church is a family of caring people who minister to one another and who reach out to our community.
Grace Episcopal Church was founded in 1890 as a mission church. Although Port Orange had its beginning in the 1790’s, it wasn’t until 1838 that there was a general store, a hotel, a winery, and a doctor. Numerous missionaries came to the area to adminster to the spiritual needs of the residents. By 1881, regular services conducted by the Rector of St.Mary Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach, were being held in the area of Port Orange. The missionary church of Port Orange continued to grow along with the commnunity. By 1890, there were twenty communicants consisting of founding families such as the Millburns, the Meekers, the Haydens, the Vieullaumes and the Hammonds. The Rev. Charles Arnold rode his bicycle or walked from Daytona Beach to Port Orange to conduct services.
New Worship Center
One of the historic treasures of our community is the Chapel of Grace Church which was constructed in 1893 according to the “carpenter gothic” building plans used frequently in that era. Native cypress and heart pine form the fiber of the structure. The building’s windows were originally filled with shaded and clear glass.These were later replaced (front and rear) near the turn of the 19th to 20th century when major building restoration was accomplished, the side memorial windows, crafted by Willet Studios, were added. The structure was used as the primary worship space for thecongregation from 1893 through 1984.
The beautiful new church of Grace was completed in 1893 and largely made possible through the generosity of the Meeker family who donated the land for the new church to be built on the southwest corner of Church St. and Ridgewood Ave. Today, this building functions as the chapel and is used for weekly services and small weddings.
The former parish hall known as Ridgewood Hall served as the Port Orange City Hall, Community Hall Recreation Center, and a place where things happened. It was built in 1897 and given to Grace Church by the Meeker family. This structure was literally moved one mile down the road during the late 1920’s. Grace weathered the depression due to the dedication of the Grace Church Guild, a forerunner of the Episcopal Church Women who played a major role in the services and maintaining the buildings and grounds. It was during this time period as gleaned from the minutes of the Guild that it was decided to allow Mrs. Morgan to pasture her cow on the grounds of the guild hall provided that the cow did not prove to be a nuisance. Another interesting fact was the installation of electricity in 1924 for $68 and the bill for the first month was $1.25.
In 1954, Grace Church signed a Resolution of Incorporation and now would stand alone and no longer be connected to St. Mary or St. Paul Churches. The church continued a slow but steady growth and by 1960 the average Sunday attendance was near 100 people.
The growth of both parish and community in the latter decades of the 20th century led to construction of the adjacent worship center which was built in 1985. Some notable features of the new building were the windows depicting the twelve apostles. They were designed and executed by J. Piercey Studio, Inc. in Orlando. The Risen Christ wood carving that hangs on the wall above the alter was designed by Kenneth C. Pacetti of St. Augustine. The design features the hands of Christ extended as a welcome and invitation to “Come unto Me.” To this day, Grace is known as the church with open arms and is inviting and welcoming to all. The first services in the new church were held on March 17, 1985. At the centennial anniversary, a congregational gift of thanksgiving for 100 years was unveiled. This beautiful five foot mosaic hangs on the wall in the narthex of the Church.
During the last 25 years, the parish has focused on Christian education for our young people, a praise band to add a new element to our worship services, and extended facilities of the sacristry, and a Parish Life Center consisting of offices, meeting rooms, classrooms and space for fellowship including a kitchen. The building was ready for use on August 20, 1999.
There have been many changes and much growth in the first 125 years of Grace and it continues with the gift of the Holy Spirit. From the original five families, Grace Episcopal Church has grown to more than 300 families.
The mission statement of Grace Church is “We are the church of open arms. We are a community that celebrates Jesus. We are disciples committed to growth in membership, in outreach, and in stewardship. We glorify God and empower people for service.”
Grace Episcopal Church continues to minister to its members while giving to the community through various outreach programs. There is a ministry for everyone at Grace.
Our worship offers ministries for music, lay eucharistic ministers, lectors, and acolytes. We continue to serve our parishioners through Bible studies, fellowship events such as Lunch Bunch, parish breakfasts, and social events. We offer Christian education to children through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Soul Juice, a youth group. The members can also choose to join with various groups such as the Episcopal Church Women and Daughters of the King.
Outreach programs consist of Sophie’s Circle, Halifax Urban Ministries, Angel Tree which supports children at Chrismas, Baby Bottles for the Resources for Women Agency, School Supply Drive, Kairos Ministry, and T-Bags which provides a nutritious meal for the needy of our community.
As Grace Episcopal Church is the church of open arms, we invite you to join us in recognizing our 125 Anniversary with a Community Celebration event to be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015. From 11 AM until 3 PM, enjoy a complimentary lunch with afternoon refreshments along with crafts, games, and face painting for children. Tours of the campus and the 1893 historic Chapel with Tiffany Stained Glass windows will be offered. At 6 PM, an old fashioned Pioneer Dinner featuring pulled pork and chicken along with all the fixings will be served. Tickets are $10 per person.
On Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 9 AM, you are invited to an 1890 Liturgical Service and Music. Rev. Chris Gray, our first Rector, will be Celebrant and Preacher. An elegant brunch will follow the service.
Grace Episcopal Church is located at 4110 S. Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange. For information, please call 386-767-3583.