About the churchAbout the churchSharing the life, love, and laughter of Jesus Christ.
We exist that people may come to know and share the love of God through worshiping ministries, learning opportunities, and avenues of service, all in the context of God's family.
Begun in 1873 as a Sunday School Mission in an abandoned ice house at West 13th and Delaware Street.
In 1878, a worshiping community was begun. Evans Chapel was completed at Bannock and West 13th. Membership included the Governor John Evans and Mrs. Wesley Iliff.
In 1889, Grace Methodist Episcopal Church was built next to Evans Chapel. One of the original stained glass windows is in our narthex.
From 1900-1902, through advertising, Grace became known to the transient population as the "Homelike Church." Large crowds at the Sunday evening service came to see what the minister "had up his sleeves." Hand clapping and whistling at the close of any portion of the service which had audience appeal was permitted. Games and social functions hinted that God has a sense of humor. Changing times changed the character of the church. Grace Church adapted to the needs of people by inviting Denver Labor College to hold classes in Economics and Parliamentary Law on its premises. The Denver Open Forum dealt with labor disputes. Sunday evening lectures between persons of other religions and cultures began to win over racial bigotry and industrial agitation in the 1920s.
The 1930s saw the church become not only a community recreational center, but a relief agency for many homeless. Cabbage was donated and made into sauerkraut that was stored in the church basement and so Grace became known as the "Sauerkraut" Church.
By 1948, some 135,000 people a year entered Grace to participate in activities.
December 1953 marked the last service in the church at 13th and Bannock.
From 1952-1973, the "old" Grace Church members joined the Methodist Church in University Hills on a site in a farmhouse at 4800 East Vassar. Some Sunday School classes where held in the chicken coop (the site of the present Scout building).
In 1954, the new Grace Methodist Church (our present Fellowship Hall) was dedicated.
In 1962, ground was broken for our present sanctuary.
Grace continues to provide for the spiritual needs of members and friends, offers learning opportunities to old and young, and reaches out in love and concern for those who are in need. Jesus said "Come and see." Come and see how sharing the life, love, and laughter of Jesus can make a difference in our lives.