"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1: 3-6
Grace Brethren Church was founded in 1938 when several families began to meet weekly in Wooster for prayer. From its tiny beginning "The Family of Grace" has grown steadily. It stands today as a fulfillment of "an early vision" and a beacon of God's grace to the surrounding area.
1939 - Regular worship services began for the First Brethren Church of Wooster (as it was then called). Property was purchased at 536 North Market Street. John Squires was called as the first pastor.
1945 - Kenneth Ashman was called to serve as pastor. The congregation voted to purchase 1 3/4 acres at the corner of Burbank and Reed Roads. Several families mortgaged their farms in order for construction to begin.
1947 - Pastor Ashman inaugurated the first "Your Morning Devotions" radio broadcast which continued on WWST for 33 years. Construction on the building was delayed because of W.W. II, but a building permit was finally acquired with the help of U.S.Senator John Bricker.
1949 - Ten years after a humble beginning, "Wooster's Bible Teaching Center" dedicated its new place of Worship. Twenty-five charter members had seen the membership increase to around 140.
1959 - The church trustees approved the purchase of the "North House" for $32,250. Many missionaries were hosted during the 1950's, and the first families were commissioned to serve in foreign countries.
1966 - The church dedicated a 14,400 square foot Christian Education Annex at a finished cost of $165,000. Several missionary families were commissioned to serve the Lord in the 60's.
1981 - Pastor Ken Ashman was "Called Home to be with the Lord." Robert Fetterhoff was called to serve as the new senior pastor. Our name was changed to Grace Brethren Church in order to more closely associate with the Fellowship with Grace Brethren Churches.
1983 - The official board appointed a long range planning commission to determine facility options in order to accommodate future growth. Worship attendance now averaged 638.
1986 - The congregation voted to purchase 30 acres on Wooster's north side at a cost of $240,000. This property was subsequently exchanged for 40 acres at 4599 Burbank Road. In July the congregation voted to establish Wooster Christian School.
1991 - Construction began on the 55,000 square foot facility with an estimated cost of $3 million.
1992 - In November our new facility was dedicated. Morning worship attendance had grown to almost 900.
1997 - In January, our congregation approved an initial design and financial plan for a 40,000 square foot addition. Our Sunday morning worship attendance increased to nearly 1300.
