Grace Baptist Church, Spartanburg, celebrated its 50th anniversary July 2, recognizing its history in the making. Grace Baptist began as a mission under Southside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, more than 50 years ago. At the time, John Huss was pastor of Southside Baptist. The church was well known for its yearly “Rose Service” as well as the Wednesday prayer service, “The Hour of Power.” The church voted to call its new mission “The Hour of Power Chapel.”
On Dec. 11, 1950, the chapel doors opened with a two-week revival, which was conducted by a young preacher, Roy Easterly, who launched this venture of faith as the first pastor. A week later, the Sunday school was formed with 44 people.
The chapel separated from Southside Baptist July 1, 1956, and became known as “The Hour of Power Baptist Church.” That same year, the church was incorporated and in 1958 the name was changed to Grace Baptist Church. In the time span of just three years, a new sanctuary was constructed and the first service was held there on Dec. 10, 1961.
The church recognized members and pastors, past and present, during the golden anniversary services. Between the first pastor, Roy Easterly, who served from 1950-1954, and the current pastor, Edwin Bolton, who has served since 2003, Grace Baptist has been under the leadership of 11 pastors.