History

A Living Story of Grace

For more than 131 years, Grace Presbyterian Church has been a place where faith is lived out through worship, fellowship, Christian education, and deep commitment to serving both our community and the world beyond it.

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Our Beginnings

Grace’s story began on December 17, 1893, when 18 faithful believers organized what was then known as the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Temple. With hearts full of hope and determination, they gathered wherever space allowed. For the church’s first seven years, worship took place in Wagner Hall - a lodge located above a storefront at 1st Street and Avenue A.

In 1906, the congregation took on the name Grace Presbyterian Church following the union of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the United Presbyterian Church in the USA - a name that has beautifully reflected the spirit of the congregation ever since.

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Growing Together

As the church grew, so did its physical home. In 1900, a new sanctuary was dedicated on 3rd Street and Barton Avenue. That location served the congregation for more than six decades, until Grace moved to its current home at 57th Street and Loop 363 in 1965.

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Over the years, the church campus has evolved to meet the needs of a vibrant and active congregation. The Fellowship Hall, kitchen, and classrooms were expanded in 1991. An outdoor pavilion and recreation area were added in 1998, creating space for fellowship and fun. In 2001, a nearby home (affectionately called The Annex), was purchased to host classes and meetings, serving the church well until it was sold in 2023.

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Major renovations continued into the 21st century. The Sanctuary was remodeled in 2007, featuring a state-of-the-art sound booth, updated lighting, and the beautiful Allen organ. The Narthex was refreshed to include a welcoming coffee bar and a new home for treasured stained-glass windows from the original church building. Additional updates followed, including LED lighting throughout the church in 2017 and a kitchen renovation in 2018.

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A Spirit-Led Union

In 2018, Grace Presbyterian Church entered a meaningful new chapter when First Presbyterian Church - the first church established in Temple - joined with Grace through a Spirit-led assimilation. The joining of these two faith communities brought renewed energy, shared history, and a refreshed sense of purpose to the congregation.

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Faith Through a Pandemic

Like so many communities, Grace faced unexpected challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020 and 2021, in-person worship paused at times, but the church remained connected. Worship services continued online, and families gathered in their cars in the church parking lot, tuning in through their radios for music and sermons. On Easter Sunday in 2021, Grace joyfully reopened its doors for in-person worship and committed to continuing online services, extending the reach of the church beyond its walls.

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Continuing the Story

Today, Grace Presbyterian Church remains rooted in its rich history while looking boldly toward the future. Guided by faith and shaped by love, the church continues its mission to serve Jesus Christ—seeking to be a welcoming community, a place of spiritual growth, and a living reflection of Christ’s love in the world.