In the late 1930s, a small group of believers were meeting in a storefront room on West Fourteenth Street. The meeting place was known as the Fourteenth Street Mission. The original purpose was to evangelize the area, but the group soon saw the possibility of a permanent church in the west section of Huntington. They began to pray for guidance to establish such a work. In February of 1939, Melvin V. Efaw was called to become pastor. He accepted and preached his first sermon on the first Sunday of March in 1939.
After four months, the congregation had outgrown their storefront and a plot was purchased for $2,500. Services were held in tents until the building could be finished. Most of the work was done by church members under the direction of R.E. Curry, who was the builder and one of the original board members.
As far as anyone knew, it was the only independent fundamental church of its kind in Huntington at the time. Now, almost 70 years later, over twenty such churches exist in the Tri-State area. Men from our church have gone out and pastored some of these. The influence of Grace Gospel Church continues to reach out in Jerusalem.
Knowing that the value of Christian education is priceless and can have a huge impact on our world, the ministry of Grace Gospel Church felt burdened to expand their ministry by starting a school. In the fall of 1978, Grace Christian School opened for K4 - 3rd grade students. Adding a grade each year, GCS has grown to an enrollment of approximately 300 students. You can learn more about that ministry
Over the years, the heart of this church has beat for two things: our community and our world. Under the direction of our current pastor, Keith Wiebe Jr, a ministry has been started called Project 7650. Project 7650's goal is to minister to our surrounding community. Highlighting, praying for, and supporting missionaries has been a HUGE part of the church's program and financial plan. In 1943, the very first World Mission Conference was held. We are still hosting Missions Conferences each fall where we hear from many of our missionaries and do our best to bless them with rest, relaxation, encouragement, and gifts.
There is no greater hope than that that is found in God's grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We hope you will continue to learn about us through this website and hopefully in person, too!
