From the Desk of The Rector

Dear People of Grace Church,

On March 7, 1846, the doors of Grace Church were opened to the public. The rector at the time was Thomas House Taylor, who had guided the congregation out of the old building downtown and inspired the vision for this new, magnificent edifice, designed by James Renwick, Jr.

At the consecration service, Taylor described how the glory of the place fit into a grand and godly plan. People would set foot inside this building and it would fill their minds with awe. It would inspire within them “a secret determination always to love what is great, holy, and divine.” Taylor believed in the power of sacred space to lift us all “above the fascinations of base and brutal joys,” and even set us on a “journey along the narrow way toward the gate of heaven.”

For 178 years, this glorious assembly of stones we call Grace Church has been fulfilling the mission that Thomas House Taylor envisioned it would. The building has lifted our eyes towards heaven and also directed our gaze upon the poor and homeless who come inside for rest and warmth. Here in this church we gather in the name of Christ, who is in the midst of us. Here we sing the praises of God, partake of the Word and Sacraments, and learn of God’s loving purposes towards us. Here we baptize our children, celebrate the weddings of our daughters and sons, and bury our beloved dead. Grace Church is truly our forever home.

Nevertheless, all things that were once new grow old. In the twenty years that I have been the Rector, we have restored stained glass, wood, stone, and plaster. We installed the Bicentennial Organ, and are making progress on repaying what we borrowed from the endowment to do it. Now we are hearing again the voice of the Lord who declares, “Behold, I make all things new (Revelation 21:5).” As the city recovers from the pandemic, so also is it time for us to participate in another phase of renewal. No longer can we overlook certain areas of severely damaged plaster inside the church. No longer can we call ourselves good stewards if we pass by the deteriorating façades of the parish house and rectory outside the church and do nothing about them.

This site outlines how we will raise the funds to accomplish the work God has set before us. Please prayerfully consider your part in this important effort.

May God bless Grace Church, in this great challenge ahead, and always.

The Rev. J. Donald Waring
14th Rector, Grace Church

I am ready to make my Pledge