A BRIEF HISTORY OF GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

In 1893, Waynesboro Lutherans were forced to drive five or six miles to Zion, St. James or Bethlehem to worship. On November 24th of that year, ten charter members met at the Baptist church in Waynesboro with the help of the Rev. J.E. Schenck, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran at Ladd, and organized Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Schenck agreed to serve the new church while continuing his duties at Bethlehem.

Land was purchased for a new church in June of 1894 at the southeast corner of Wayne Avenue and Eleventh Street, and building began. On January 1, 1901, the Reverend E.C. Cronk accepted a call as the first full-time pastor of Grace Church.

On Easter Sunday, April 7, 1901, worship took place in the new sanctuary for the first time. A parsonage was built next to the church and was ready for occupancy in 1912.

During the summer of 1937, the steeple of the church was struck by lightning and was replaced with a simple copper cross.

By 1943, the membership of Grace had increased to 240 confirmed members and as time passed it became evident that the congregation had outgrown its space. Property was purchased on South Wayne, and Milton L. Grigg was selected to design a new building.

On September 7, 1958 the last service was held in the old church, and dedication of the new building was one week later. Groundbreaking was held on May 12, 1962 for an additional Education wing. The burning of the mortgage was celebrated in 1978.

For over 35 years Grace Church provided space for the United Church Nursery, an ecumenical ministry which provided quality child care, especially those most in need. As new daycare centers were developed the need diminished and the Nursery closed.

Currently as part of our local outreach mission Grace Church provides space for the Valley Music Academy and offices for three programs of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia. We operate a hostel during May and June for those who pass through Waynesboro during their 2000 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. We are also certified as a secondary site for the Red Cross as an emergency relief shelter.

Two sons and five daughters of the congregation have become pastors, including V.A. Moyer who went on to be elected Bishop of the Virginia Synod, LCA. He has retired to Grace Church and continues to serve in many capacities. The present pastor, Robert F. Humphrey, began his ministry at Grace on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990.

Grace Church has served as a meeting place for organizations, educational events and committees for several decades because of our central location and excellent facilities. Since 2000 over $750,000 in renovations and upgrades have been completed. The congregation membership now exceeds 500 and is still growing.