Church Office Phone: (620) 342-2240
About Us
Our Beliefs
Grace United Methodist Church is Christ-centered and People-oriented. We are the church with a love for God and a heart for mission.
In all we do, we choose to follow the example of Christ, reaching out to all people with love and grace of God through worship, Bible study, mission outreach, prayer, and fellowship--so that all nations may become disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our History
Grace United Methodist Church has a rich history as one of the oldest churches in Emporia, KS. It began in 1880 when it was organized as the Mission Railroad Sunday School to minister to the men of the railroad. By 1882 it was moved to 110 West Street and became known as the West Street Methodist Episcopal Sunday School of Emporia.
In 1885 Grace Methodist Episcopal Church was chartered.
1888 A New Church Building At 2 Neosho Street
By 1888 a new church building had been built at 2 Neosho Street, the church's present location. A springtime fire consumed and completely destroyed the church in 1925. While a new church was being built, worship services were held in a wooden tabernacle at First Avenue between Congress and State Streets. Maynard School was used for Sunday School services.
On December 12, 1926, a rebuilt and Grace was dedicated and established as a community gathering place, recreational center, and contained a Branch City Library and Gymnasium. In the years that followed many changes occurred. The sanctuary was remodeled, a kitchen added, the gymnasium was transformed into classrooms and the current Memorial Hall.
The Methodist conference united in 1968 changing the name of the church to Grace United Methodist Church. Between 1983 and 2008 the elevator was installed, the tower constructed, new offices, restrooms, a nursery and parlor built.
We are proud of the rich history of our church and its contribution to Emporia and our local neighborhood. We continue to strive to provide services to those around us through mission and the love of Jesus Christ.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King Jr.
