Grace UMC History

In the late summer of 1897, a "brush arbor" revival was held near West Monroe and S. First Street.  It drew large crowds for two weeks and was heralded as the most successful revival ever held in Austin.

South Austin Methodist Episcopal Church was born as a result and the congregation built its first church building on West Johanna near Wilson Street, with volunteer labor. 

The cornerstone from that site, date October 14, 1897 was incorporated into the present site in 1914, along with some building materials from the first church.  Its name was changed to Fred Allen Memorial Methodist Church.

On October 8, 1939, the name changed again to Grace Methodist Church.  When the Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church joined together in 1968, it became Grace United Methodist Church.  In the 1950's, the sanctuary was remodeled and the education building was added.  Membership was at its peak.  The parsonage at 1906 Kenwood Avenue was also purchased at that time.  It has since been sold.

In recent years, the church has taken steps to become more inclusive (as reflected in the Mission Statement below), increasingly involved in outreach ministries, and is continuing to be sensitive to the needs of the community.  Grace has become known as "an old church with new ideas".

 Grace UMC Mission Statement

Grace United Methodist Church is a worshipping congregation called to serve all who are in need of spiritual nurturing and physical support.

In serving the local and global communities, we seek to embody Christian faith by providing an inclusive, joyful, loving and caring environment to bring strength and comfort to people in distress; provide a sense of family; work for justice; and offer opportunities for cultural enrichment.  We welcome participation by all persons, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, physical ability, or sexual orientation. 
 

Faith · Hope · Love

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