We are very grateful to be able to celebrate 60 Years of Grace United Methodist Church in Mesa!
Below you will find a timeline of major events from Grace’s past. Scroll down past the timeline to find more photos from the history of Grace.
June 1, 1964
Troutman Appointed
Jack Troutman appointed to start the 2nd Methodist church in Mesa.
August 2, 1964
First Service
First service held at Melcher’s Mortuary at 9:45am – 205 people in attendance.
August 9, 1964
Name Chosen
Grace Methodist Church was chosen as the name.
September 6, 1964
New Additions
A 2nd service was added (8:15am and 10:45am).
Sunday School classes first held at 1125 East Dana house.
September 27, 1964
New Space
Two banks were added as Sunday School space
February 14, 1965
Formally Established
Formal establishment of Grace Methodist Church (charter).
October 24, 1965
Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for Fellowship Hall and Sunday School classrooms A & B.
November 1965
Construction Begins
Construction officially begins on Fellowship Hall.
June 12, 1966
First Service in Fellowship Hall
First worship service held in the new Fellowship Hall – 560 in attendance.
October 9, 1966
Consecration Service
Consecration service for the new Fellowship Hall.
May 1968
Renamed
Renamed as Grace United Methodist Church due to merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
June 1973
New Minister
Magee Wilkes appointed to replace Jack Troutman as Senior Minister.
January 13, 1974
Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for the new Sanctuary.
December 22, 1974
First Service in the Sanctuary.
First service held in the new Sanctuary.
January 12, 1975
Consecration Service
Consecration service for the new Sanctuary.
June 30, 1984
New Minister
C. Edwin Daniel appointed to replace Magee Wilkes.
1990
New Building Additions
Education/Administration buildings completed.
May 2, 1999
Peace Pole
Peace Pole installed.
March 2000
Habitat for Humanity
Dedication of Habitat for Humanity home in Mesa for the Leon family that was co-sponsored by GUMC.
June 2002
Work Team to Chile
Work Team to Pachica, Chile to repair/improve a local school at the request of missionaries supported by GUMC (Luis & Janet Garcia).
April 2007
Work Team to Mississippi
Work Team to Bay St Louis, MS to repair/improve Valena C Jones UMC following Hurricane Katrina (team included retired minister Jack Troutman).
2008
Sidewalk Ministry
Sidewalk Ministry began.
2010
Adult Learning Center
Adult Learning Center established.
October 2014
Work Team to Oklahoma City
Work Team to Oklahoma City to repair a home belonging to two Choctaw Indian ladies following major tornados.
September 2023
Faith in Action Sunday
Grace members packed meals for East Valley Men’s Center and made cards for Disabled American Veterans.
December 2023
Sidewalk Christmas
Sidewalk Ministry had their annual Christmas celebration at Reed Park.
February 2024
UWF Royal Tea
Grace’s United Women in Faith held a Royal Tea.
Construction of Grace UMC
Past Gatherings at Grace UMC
Past Choirs at Grace UMC
Past Clergy at Grace UMC
