A Short History of
Grace United Methodist Church

1984

A decision was made by the South Carolina Annual Conference in 1984 to start a new church in Northwest Columbia.

The Reverend Paul Wood moved to Columbia in June 1985 and began to lay groundwork for the new Church.

Land was purchased on September 29, 1985, through the Conference New Church Fund, down payment and bank loan.

The worship life of Grace United Methodist Church began on September 19, 1985 in the auditorium of Irmo Elementary School.  Our publicity and advertising referred to "A new United Methodist Congregation forming in the Irmo-Harbison Area."

On Sunday, October 27, 1985, Sunday School Started.

Paul announced that the congregation would chose a name for itself in December, 1985.  He asked those making nominations to avoid any name that was already being used by a United Methodist Church in the Columbia District or any name which honored a living person.  Also, because of the fear that the public might perceive the church as being the exclusive domain of Harbison residents, he asked to avoid making suggestions which incorporated the name of "Harbison."

The church had no members on the roll at that time, so all members, including children could vote.  Twelve nominations were received and published in the bulletin and church newsletter.  A vote was taken during worship on the first Sunday of December.  Susan Jennings, our Communications Chairperson, counted the votes.  She announced at the end of the service that there would be run-off between the names of 'Grace,' 'Faith,' and 'Church of the Good Shepherd.'  The following Sunday we voted again.  Susan announced there would be a second run-off between 'Grace' and 'Faith.'

The third Sunday, December 22, 1985, we voted again.  At the close of the service Susan made her announcement of the winning name, but I don't think she ever really called the name of Grace United Methodist Church.  Instead, she asked that we stand and sing "Amazing Grace."  Many of us found it difficult to sing the old hymn because we also were crying.  Our hearts were rejoicing that our new Church had a name.

On May 18, 1986, Grace Church officially chartered with 107 Charter Members.

In August 1986, the debt on the land was retired.  I have to say that during this time, Union United Methodist Church was very kind and supportive.  We had many meetings there at Union.

It was on April 2, 1989 that we held the Groundbreaking Ceremonial officiated by the Reverend Oscar Smith, District Superintendent, Columbia District of the South Carolina Annual Conference.

And, on October 15, 1989, with 233 members, we held our first service in our new building.

On December 3, 1989, we held the consecration of our new building.  Also officiated by Oscar Smith.

In 1995 Reverend Ed and Ann McWilliams came to minister at Grace.  Almost immediately it turned around.  New members started coming in.  Sunday School and Outreach were growing.  All other committees were going full-speed.  Ed wanted a choir.  We hired Susan Ritchey as Choir Director and she put together the Best Choir in South Carolina.  In 1998, our choir was asked to open the Session of Annual Conference in Spartanburg, SC.  Our church received the Bishop's Five Star Award in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 & 2002.

In June 2000 Alex, Melissa, Mary Joy and Kaitlyn Renee Stevenson came to minister Grace.

Again, Grace has received the Bishop's Five Star Award during Annual Conference in June.