Imagine five Lexington families meeting in a basement. This wasn’t just any gathering. It was the humble beginning of Grace Chapel.
Grace Chapel’s story starts in 1948. Nate and Jewel Hubley opened their home for worship. These families sought an evangelical witness in their community. Their meeting on Ledgelawn Avenue sparked a regular Bible study. It continued in different homes until 1953. They called themselves the Lexington Gospel Messengers.
Over time more people joined. The group took an offering in June 1949. In October 1949, the group defined their basic beliefs. They wanted to be an interdenominational Bible study. Participants could use any Bible translation. The group didn’t want anyone to feel pressured to switch churches.
In November 1949, they became the Lexington Open Bible Fellowship. But in 1953, they paused their meetings. They sensed God wasn’t leading them to start a church yet. They wanted more direction.
In March 1955, they decided to move forward again. They drafted articles of faith and bylaws. Weekly meetings resumed. The group formed a corporation. In July 1955, Grace Chapel became North Lexington Baptist Church Inc.
The first public services were in 1956. They rented the Old Belfry Club on Muzzey Street. Richard Reckard oversaw Sunday School. About 35 people attended the first week. Rev. Newton Schoenly led the worship service. Around 75 people were there.
Rev. Schoenly spoke about peace. He said Christ offered peace that the world couldn’t give. He emphasized the Bible’s historic message. In June 1956, the church changed its name to Grace Chapel. This marked a move away from denominational ties.
In 1958, Grace Chapel formed a missionary committee. They held their First Annual Missions Conference. In 1959, they sent Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bailey to West Pakistan. They dedicated their first chapel in May 1959. The building seated 200.
Nathan Goff became the full-time senior pastor in 1960. In the early 1960s, Grace Chapel joined the National Association of Evangelicals. The elders prayed for members daily. In 1964, construction began on a new sanctuary. It could seat 500 in the nave.
The first worship service in the new sanctuary was in July 1965. Membership was 303. Attendance reached 425. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Grace Chapel membership increased. The church invested in children’s programs. This attracted families. In 2005, the Community and Life building was added.
Today Grace Chapel continues its mission. It aims to make disciples for Jesus Christ. The church values vibrant faith. It embraces biblical teaching. Grace Chapel seeks to be a multicultural community. It welcomes everyone. Grace Chapel believes faith makes everyone better for the world.
Grace Chapel stands as a testament to faith. Its history is a story of growth. It started with a few families. Now it’s a vibrant community. Grace Chapel continues to evolve. It remains committed to its core values.