Grace Baptist turns 50

In the early 1960s, the congregation, with Rev. James McGraw as their pastor, purchased the Kyser property for a parsonage and the adjoining land at 555 NW Loop Road. May 25, 1962, was a groundbreaking for the first building of Grace Baptist on Loop Road, upon its completion, a dedication serviced followed, on Nov. 10, 1963.

The church grew and matured during the late 1960s through the ministry of Rev. William Newkirk, followed by 13 years of service by Rev. Dave Steckmann, a much-loved minister of the Gospel who encouraged ministry worldwide, especially for those in Tecate, Mexico. Associate Pastor Gary Cowden became the interim pastor following Pastor Dave's heart attack in 1982.

In the mid to late 1980s, during Rev. Robert Long's leadership, the church saw greater growth -- the AWANA children's program was first introduced to the community, the Crisis Pregnancy Center was founded, and five acres of land on W. Jewett, was purchased (on which the new building now stands).

Through much of the 1990s, Rev. Joel Hibbs blessed the Church with his dramatic presentations, focus on "God-sightings," and the development of discipleship with the Care Group ministries, as well as his community ministry with emergency services. The deteriorating church roof was replaced and the refurbishing of the interior was begun.

In November 1999, Rev. Dan Kennedy moved his family to White Salmon to continue leading the work that had been established. The congregation completed a new annex, which was opened for use in the spring of 2000. Attendance increased and two morning worship services were begun March 2003.

Pastor Bob Long retired in White Salmon, and became our much-appreciated Associate Pastor. Mark Long also became our first, part-time Youth Pastor (leading the way for the current youth ministry of Curtis and Debbie Schlegel). The AWANA children's club was reestablished and continues to serve the community

In January 2003, the congregation decided to sell the Loop Road property and pursue a new church building. In July of that year, church members contracted with "Building God's Way" under Daniel C. Cook & Assoc., to build the facilities. By December, the former church buildings had been sold and in April the congregation began meeting at the White Salmon Park Center as an interim facility, through the kindness of the White Salmon School District.

On May 26, 2004, groundbreaking for the construction of the new Church facilities began (43 years and one day after the groundbreaking for the first building on Loop Road). On Aug. 7, 2005, members met together in the new gym for a Celebration Service, at the completion of the first of three phases in their new Church complex!

This Sunday, April 15, 2007, the congregation joyfully celebrates its 50th anniversary in both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. service, with many special guests and a delightful brunch to be served at 10 a.m.!