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. Grace was founded in 1890 as a mission church with five founding families and has grown to more than 300 families today.

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 popular in that era. Native cypress and heart pine form the frame 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 20th century, when major building restoration was accomplished. At that time, the side memorial windows, crafted by Willet Studios, were added. The structure was used as the primary worship space for a struggling congregation from 1893 through 1984. Today this building functions as our chapel and is used for weekly services and small weddings.

The growth of both parish and community in the latter decades of the 20th century led to construction of the adjacent worship center in 1985. Some of the notable features of the new building are the stained-glass windows depicting the 12 apostles. The risen Christ wood carving that hangs on the wall above the altar 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, 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 our first 100 years was unveiled. This beautiful five-foot mosaic hangs on the wall in the narthex.

There have been many changes and much growth in the first 125 years of Grace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit allows these to continue. Grace Episcopal Church still ministers to its members while giving to the community through various outreach programs. There is a ministry for everyone at Grace.

On Sunday, November 1, 2015, the Rev. Chris Gray, our first rector, celebrated an 1890 liturgical service with music from the era. An elegant brunch followed this special service.

We celebrated our 125th anniversary on January 23, 2016, with a community event that included a complimentary lunch with afternoon refreshments, crafts, games, and face painting for children. The event continued with tours of the campus, including the 1893 historic chapel featuring Tiffany stained-glass windows, and an old-fashioned Pioneer Dinner featuring pulled pork and chicken with all the fixings.

On November 1, 2016, at the conclusion of the anniversary year, church members placed a time capsule in the narthex wall behind a plaque instructing the future parishioners not to open until 2066.

The body of Christ at Grace Episcopal enjoyed celebrating God’s goodness and grace through our first 125 years.