How it all started...
THE FIRST 100 YEARS 1848 - 1948
The early history of Redwood City dates back to the time that this area was part of a large Mexican land grant. California had long been under the governments of Spain and Mexico and it was the custom of both governments to issue large land grants to some of their people. Many large ranchos covered California. In 1850, California became a State of the Union. It was then that ranchos began to become smaller and smaller, largely due to high taxes. A grant of 12 square leagues, owned by the Arguello family was where Redwood City had its beginnings. The rancho was bounded on the north by San Mateo Creek, on the south by San Francisquito Creek, and extended from the bay to the hills.
On a corner of this sleepy, sprawling, Spanish ranch called Rancho del ray, (later called Rancho de las Pulgas), was a small Indian village that was called Embarcadero by the Spanish Californians.
Vast redwood forests covered the slopes of the mountains and acres of magnificent oak trees of many varieties dotted the landscape. Shipbuilding became the first local industry with wagon making, blacksmithing and lumbering following soon. In 1852, Captain Smith built the first home and soon more than 200 squatters rushed to settle on the Embarcadero. In 1854, the Arguellos hired S.M. Mezes to protect their land titles from the squatter invasion. When he succeeded, he was given the area around the Embarcadero. He laid out and plotted the town of Mezesville.
By the time San Mateo County was formed in 1856, the only bayside settlement that resembled a real town was Mezesville, formerly Embarcadero. By 1860, there were more than 400 inhabitants.
In 1867, the residents insisted the name be changed to Redwood in honor of the creek and the industry, and so on May 11,1867, the town was officially incorporated and became known as Redwood City. By the 1870's, there were over 700 people living in Redwood City. The population continued to climb steadily reaching 2,400 by the 1900's, 9,000 by 1930, and over 11,000 by 1940.
Not much is left of the sprawling rancho today except for a few redwood trees and an occasional oak. Centered half way in between San Francisco and San Jose, it extends into the bay tidelands and up into the coast range foothills.
Redwood City is the county seat and houses the county courthouse, government offices, the county Hall of Justice and Records, and the county jail.
Most residences are located west of the El Camino Real. Small homes are found on small lots in the older section of the city adjoining the downtown area. As the city moves into the foothills, it takes on a rural atmosphere, with winding tree lined roads, magnificent oaks with the hills rising in the background. Among the hills there is one that towers 1,000 feet surmounted by a gigantic cross.
It is in this beautiful setting that our founding members came searching for a new church home. They came from good, strong stock filled with that same early pioneering sprit as that of our country's founding fathers. Dedicated to the Lord and to what He had called them to do, Evangelize, they felt led to leave the local church they were part of. This small group of Evangelical Christians had become dissatisfied with the creeping liberalism in a local pulpit ministry and restrictive missionary emphasis which allowed no support of missionaries other than the denominational representatives of the denomination which owned the title to the church and dictated the policy to be followed in the local fellowship.
And so it was that a group of 34 people gathered together on the evening of May 7, 1948, at the home of Wayne MacAdam, to pray. They prayed long into the night and when that band of believers arose from their knees that memorable night, they were confident that the Lord was leading and would provide.
THE FIRST 40 YEARS 1948 - 1988
There was no meeting place to begin with -- no minister -- no organization, but with devoted love and trust in the Lord these obstacles were soon overcome.
The first church service was held May 9, 1948, at the MacAdam home and was composed of 53 people who acknowledged the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior and who were determined to serve their Lord and to worship Him in the freedom granted them in Galatians 5:1 and patterned through-out the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures. Following the evening service, the people elected seven men to form a Board of Deacons who were to represent the group as temporary officers.
FIRST OFFICERS:
Wayne MacAdam .... ChairmanJoe Spinella .... Secretary Chet Liddicoat .... Treasurer
Deacons: Justus Olsson, Walter Spohn, Marion Haight, Chuck Heidel
At the end of the month, the group asked brother Marion F. Haight, one of the members who was training for the ministry at San Francisco Baptist Bible College, to serve in the capacity of student-pastor until such time as the group felt able to call a regular pastor for the church. He accepted and carried on in this capacity for some time. It was early in June that the group voted on a name for their new church. Many names were suggested by the group of believers. A note from one of them to Joe Spinella reads as follows:
"We might call our group 'The Christian Gathering'. The way I feel now, I don't think I want to bear any sort of a 'label' of any denomination. I too was born of a Baptist father and a Baptist mother etc. But now I want only to be known as a Christian. Lets be completely independent, fed only by the Holy Spirit. I'm greatly enjoying hearing the brethren. They are fine and I wish we might continue as we are, led of the Spirit thru the 'Seven.' Let's meet with prayer, praise, and testimony, not just a mid-week service."
Signed, Martha Roberts.
The names that the group brought forth to be voted on were: The Christian Gathering, Immanuel Baptist Church, Grace Bible Church, Independent Baptist Church, Immanuel Bible Church, Immanuel Chapel, name with "Christ", (Christ Centered Church or Christ's Church), name with "Evangelical" in it, Church of the Open Bible, Independent Bible Church, Liberty Bible Church, Berean Bible Church, Free Bible Church, Faith Bible Church, Gospel Light Church, Victory Bible Church, Redwood Bible Church, Peninsula Bible Church, and Redwood City Bible Church.
By June 2,1948, they had narrowed it down to three names. Grace Bible Church, Redwood City Bible Church, and Immanuel Bible Church. Immanuel Bible received 16 votes, Redwood City Bible Church had 17 votes, and Grace Bible Church had a total of 35 votes.
In the beginning, they met in homes; the MacAdam home for Sunday services and the Joe Spinella home for Wednesday evening prayer meeting. By the time July rolled around, their attendance had risen to over 70 people and they had grown so large that the homes could hardly hold them. The first two Sundays in July, the Sunday services were held in the Franklin-Crowe-Lorentzen Mortuary on Middlefield Road in downtown Redwood City, while the prayer meeting still continued to meet in the Spinella home. After two weeks, the Lord opened up a church building belonging to the Seventh Day Adventist, at 1536 James Avenue. This they could rent for two days a week at $100 per month. The building was small, but very service-able and until they could build their own building, they believed this was God's provision for them.
From a humble beginning of 50 people, the church tripled in its attendance by the winter of 1949, in spite of the fact that they had to overcome prejudice against the building as well as some prejudice against doing nondenominational work. The Lord continued to bless them in a wonderful way.
The reasons for their measure of success were attributed to three definite sources as defined in a letter from Joe Spinella.
"The first source was the constant dependence upon the leading and guidance of the Holy Sprit in all that we do as a bible school. Our church was born in prayer and our bible school is carried on with the same dependence. Every teacher's and officer's meeting is begun with a season of prayer --- every teacher praying for the needs of the school as well as the church. Every class is begun and concluded with prayer. Every problem that faces our school is brought immediately to the throne of Grace -- God answers prayer.
The second source was the consecrated superintendent and teaching staff who are enthusiastic about their bible school and are constantly on the alert for new pupils. Each teacher takes a real personal interest in every member of his or her class --- calling on them in their homes and entertaining them in their own homes. To win them to Christ is their main purpose. Then too, all of our teachers work well together and with the superintendent. We have a wonderful spirit of unity and love --this means much.
The third source was the well developed Sunday School. Not one member of the family needs to stay home. A nursery is provided for the mothers and dads so that they can come and leave the little ones and attend the large adult class led by one of our ablest teachers. Every department is well staffed even though we are terribly handicapped for room. Our school takes an active interest in missions and supports a definite missionary project each month with a special offering.
Our school has doubled in the last year -- going from 70 to 150. We fully expect that it can be doubled again next year with the Lord's continued blessing and the consecrated effort of every teacher and pupil. Our satisfied pupils make our best advertisers, they like to go to Grace Bible Sunday School."
Late in September 1948, brother Marion Haight offered his resignation as student-pastor so as to carry on his work in the Friendly Acres area that he had been desiring to do for some time.
On December 1,1948, the group extended a call to Reverend James L. Austin, Jr. of the Robbinsdale, Minnesota First Baptist Church, to become its first pastor. He accepted this call and arrived late in January 1949, to assume his office by the first of February. It was on Sunday February 6, 1949, that Grace Bible welcomed Reverend James L. Austin as their pastor.
Early in December of 1948, the Board of Deacons started work on a church constitution, which would be the basis of a permanent organization. The new constitution was voted in as official by the members of the church on June 22, 1949. It was on December 22, 1949, that Grace Bible Church was incorporated under the laws of the State of California. The first election of officers, based on the church constitution, was held on December 31, 1949.
One of those early members has graciously written of her early memories of Grace Bible. Following, are some of those memories written by Anna Singsaas.
"On a lovely summer's eve, a friend, Mrs. Ruth Whitmyre, drove up to our place. She was so enthused, saying that Art Hollows had told her of a new church group in Redwood City. She wanted to visit their prayer meeting, but she didn't want to go alone -- would I go with her? I ran inside to tell Arthur, and then off we went to the old Seventh Day Adventist Church on James Street. She'd understood that it began at 8:00 PM so we were 30 minutes late. The group was about to break up into smaller groups for prayer, and we were led to a room to the left. After prayer, as we were about to rejoin the main group, a tall man spoke to us saying, 'You sound like one of us.' That was Chuck Heidel. When I returned home I excitedly told Arthur, 'I think we've found our church.' So we went to visit Sunday School and church service on Sunday. Marge Liddicoat was the Sunday School superintendent and won our hearts immediately.
I had been searching for a Sunday School that would have a class for Joann. At one church we visited I asked the Sunday School superintendent what they had for children. When she heard that Joann was three she said, 'Oh, they can't learn anything at three, we just let them color.' I looked at her rather coldly, I fear, and said, ' I don't know about your children, but my child has been learning since the day she was born.' Well, Grace Bible nursery had two teachers - one was Mrs. Austin, the other was a Mrs. Bridges - Joann grew very fond of both - and they did have a lesson for these children -- I was so pleased.
That was the first Sunday in July, 1949. The group was now over a year old and had organized -- they handed out the first copies of their constitution that morning. We were made to feel very welcomed and on our way home Arthur said, This is the church where the Lord wants us.'"
In the latter part of 1949, the Deacons heard about some property that was for sale. It was located in Redwood Terrace, part of the former Carson-Monckton ranch. There were six lots for sale, bounded by Roosevelt and two dirt roads that later would be called McGarvey and Euclid Avenues. It was on a Sunday afternoon that the group of believers met on this property and prayed asking God, if it be His will, to provide that site for the future residence of Grace Bible Church. An option was placed and in September of 1950, the six lots were purchased for $12,500. This parcel of land was strangely reserved for them, in spite of the efforts of many other cash buyers to purchase it. Architect Harvey E. Moehler of San Leandro was engaged to draw up plans for a building on the property. By February of 1951, the city of Redwood City had approved the use permit.
A short time later,Pastor Austin suffered a painful and dangerous accident. He fell backward, striking the back of his head at the base of the skull. This resulted in temporary loss of memory, pains, and distress in the head. Various kinds of treatment seemed to achieve very little relief, although there was gradual improvement. However, the matter finally culminated in his resignation as pastor of Grace Bible on June 8th. He left Redwood City the end of July 1951, for his brother's farm in Minnesota, where he remained with his family for over a year before reentering the ministry with a church in Middleton, Idaho.
In late October, the Deacons voted to build a building on the property regardless of the lack of a pastor. The thought was to build a structure which they would be able to erect themselves. It would serve as a worship place, Sunday School, and social hall, all in one, until such time as they could construct the main building. Since Harvey Moehler was attending Biola, the Deacons contacted his father, J. A. Moehler and commissioned him to draw up plans for this building.
On the last day of October, the church voted unanimously not only for the building project, but also to call Rev. Edwin Gillman as interim pastor until such time as the church called a permanent pastor. Reverend Gillman was from the headquarters of the World Evangelistic Crusade in El Monte. He arrived two weeks later. On February 13, 1952, the church called Reverend Gillman as full-time pastor of the church.
On the last Saturday in November of 1951, a crew of men from the church assembled at the church property site and started breaking ground for the erection of the first unit of the church building program. Richard Kingham, a local contractor, donated his services. Work on the building continued each Saturday from then on, weather permitting. When the days grew longer and evening work was possible, there was a group of men working on the building on Tuesday evenings as well as all day Saturday.
Ladies of the church served hot meals each Saturday noon and anywhere from eight to fifteen men of the church would be working on the structure each Saturday.
During the summer Pastor Gillman was confined to his home for about eight weeks, due to the recurrence of an old heart ailment, but the people rejoiced when the Lord saw fit to return him to his Pastoral activities once again.
The first worship service in the new building was held on February 1, 1953. The entire building was erected by the men of the church; with between $10,000 to $11,000 being paid out for materials, but none for labor. The only thing that was done by an outsider, was the sheet-metal work for the furnaces and flues.
One sad note followed the joy of being in a new building. Pastor Gillman gave his resignation on February 15, 1953, effective on April 1st, due to his age and poor health. It was with considerable regret that the church accepted his resignation as pastor, and once again began the search for God's man for the post.
On March 22,1953, the new building was dedicated with Pastor Jim Austin giving the dedicatory message.
More early memories of Grace Bible Church are recorded in a letter received from Grace Spinella, one of the founding members.
"Memories? After forty years, they're apt to be somewhat elusive and fragmentary - perhaps even a bit inaccurate.
Nevertheless, here are some that I recall from the early days of GBC. Nothing earth-shaking, just random recollections and impressions that may serve as very small brush-marks on the larger picture of the history of the church.
The first thing that comes to mind is how we came to be a church. At first we thought we were just five families desiring to make a change. I'm quite sure we had no thought of starting a new church, but of each going our own way, visiting other churches in the area to see where God would lead us.
But, to our surprise, we found there was a sizable group also looking for a place to worship,(about 50 people, I believe). Somehow, we all wanted to be together, at least that first Sunday, to pray for guidance and for mutual support. The Deacons, (or those who had been our Deacons), sensed the need and by unspoken consent of the group, assumed leader-ship roles. They met together later in the day for earnest and intense prayer for guidance for themselves in this unexpected situation. As a result, a meeting was scheduled that very afternoon for all who wished to come. It was held in a large family room in the Wayne MacAdam home.
After much prayer, it was strongly felt that the group should not scatter, but continue with regular services as a 'fellowship of believers,' ('Not a church'). The Deacons were to take turns in preaching and teaching the Word. There seemed to be a need for continuity and structure. I'm not sure why, but it was decided an offering should be taken. 'But we have no offering plates.' 'Here, use this.' - and little Judi's yellow straw bonnet with the blue ruffle was passed around. When in doubt, take an offering!
We used the MacAdam residence for morning services and the Spinellas' for the Sunday evening service and prayer meeting. Sunday School was at Macadam’s' using almost every room for classes. The toddlers' class was in the kitchen, and the teacher had the unusual duty of keeping her little students out of the refrigerator and stove in addition to her other responsibilities.
I can remember clearly how in the Spinella home, it was necessary on Wednesday evenings to have dinner as soon as dad got home from his job in San Francisco, eat quickly, and clear away the dishes so the furniture could be rearranged and chairs set up, in the living room and dining room as well as a few in the hall. As many as 50 or 60 could be expected. Nearly everyone came to prayer meeting; nearly everyone came to Everything! We were a close family and couldn't seem to get enough of each other's company. We were especially eager to share some experience in witnessing we'd had that week. Often on a Sunday evening we'd stay on for a 'sing-spiration' with joyful singing and then some light refreshments.
Another picture that comes to mind is that of sitting on the grass after a picnic lunch and writing down suggestions for a name for our group, as well as ideas as to what we would want or not want to see done in our new group.
We soon became aware that we could not remain an informal fellow-ship meeting in homes. We needed a place where a larger number of people could meet and where we could have a Sunday School for the instruction of our children. We needed a building. To purchase the land, we had to incorporate, with financially responsible officers, and a constitution and by-laws. Thus we gradually became a 'church'.
For a very short time, we met in a mortuary for our morning service. At least it was quiet!
We considered it a great blessing when we were able to rent the Seventh Day Adventist Church and use its excellent facilities. This was a period of much growth. We had many outstanding and challenging speakers. Evangelism and 'Victorious Life' were the main themes. There was always a great interest in missions. During one period, our regular monthly missionary meetings were held at the Rockman home in San Carlos. Both men and women came, and I can still see the men rolling bandages on a little wooden gadget designed by Henry Shakarian.
Another picture that comes to mind is of our first DVBS. We decided to put our newly acquired property to use, even though there was no building. We set up long tables out-doors to use for handwork, etc. One day after the teachers had laid out the workbooks and craft materials, a strong wind came up, causing a great scurrying around to retrieve the papers, etc. If I remember correctly, there were about 200 in attendance for a two-week period.
Our men worked very hard to build our first building,(now Fellow-ship Hall). It was all volunteer labor, as far as I know. Dick Kingham was a licensed contractor, a fine dedicated Christian with a heart for the Lord and His work. He did not attend Grace Bible, but freely gave his time and expertise to supervise the project. An average of 15 men gave up their Saturdays and often their holidays, setting aside recreation and home activities for over a year, if I remember correctly. Dr. Petersen found that digging into that 'solid rock' with a pick axe was a little different from the kind of digging he was accustomed to in his dental practice. The women supplied hot lunches for the men. How happy we were when we finally had our very own building. The women helped with the finishing and cleanup and joyfully made ready for our first service - an exciting, thrilling occasion!
It was soon evident, however, that the building was too small to accommodate our rapid growth. Many jokes were made about the crowded conditions in Sunday School. The hall was sectioned off by curtains for classrooms. There were two adult classes, and people would say with a smile, 'Oh well, if we get bored with our teacher's lesson, we can always listen to the one on the other side of the curtain.’ Several also expressed amazement that a kindergarten class of, I think 18 children, (can that be right?), plus one not-so slender teacher could function in that small room to the right of the platform in Fellowship Hall. And at Easter services, some members would stand in the kitchen, so that visitors could sit down in the hall. I also remember Baptisms held in swimming pools at the Petersen and McAbee homes.
Did you know that our first parsonage was on Valota Road? It was rented for the Austin family. What brave people they were, we thought, to move their family of four children from the mid-west to a small, young church in California, with very little to offer in the way of security or stability_ The ladies went to the house ahead of time to put food in the cupboards and some homey touches - a bowl of fruit on the table, etc. We awaited the arrival of our first full-time Pastor with much joy and anticipation.
There were many 'firsts' to make our church life exciting and happy. It was a close-knit, hard working and enthusiastic group_ We felt our Lord's presence and blessing all the way - perhaps it was a little bit like the early New Testament Church described in Acts 2:44-46. Sometimes it's good to look back."
The Reverend Charles Lemmex was called on April 19, 1953 to follow in the footsteps of Reverend Gillman, becoming the fourth pastor of Grace Bible Church on June 28, 1953.
A month before Pastor Lemmex's arrival, a great tragedy hit Grace.
The 12 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Stacy, members of Grace, was tragically killed in a fire. He and two of his friends had built a boy-style "clubhouse" on a vacant lot near his home. Late on the afternoon of May 7, 1953, the clubhouse caught fire and Frankie was burned to death. Money began to flow in immediately and the Frankie Stacy Memorial Fund was established. The family and other Grace members hoped to build a facility where young boys could meet for activities. It was first thought that the Memorial Clubhouse would be built on Redwood City Elementary School District property, however, Frankie's parents wished for the clubhouse to have Christian super vision. The church had started a building fund before the tragedy to add more classrooms and it was eventually decided to add that money to the memorial fund and add onto the Chapel.
A short while later the Stacy Memorial building was added to the Chapel. It consisted of two rooms, one of which has a fireplace and has come to be called the Fire-place Room. Many youth activities have been held in those rooms including Boys Brigade, Pioneer Girls, DVBS and Sunday School.
The Lord richly blessed Grace Bible with the opportunity to reach souls, through two sanatoriums, .jail services, Hillcrest Juvenile Correction Institution, LaHonda Home, Child Evangelism classes, etc.
Reverend Lemmex served as Pastor of Grace Bible until January 30, 1957 at which time the Church called Reverend Lon D. Hitchcock of the Central American Mission in Dallas, Texas. He began his ministry at Grace on October 6, 1957.
By February of 1958, there were 250 children enrolled in Sunday School, with 17 different classes being taught in two rooms plus the small church auditorium. The need for more classrooms was evident to all. As a tenth anniversary project, the Church decided to go ahead with plans for the addition. Everyone participated in raising the funds. No one solicited for funds or pledges, but everyone gave from their hearts. The Sunday School started a collection beginning on March 2nd and ending April 20th. On May 4, 1958, at the morning worship service, Linda Moyano presented a check to the church in behalf of the Sunday School for $1130.97. The children had more than done their part in helping to build their new classrooms. The ground breaking took place in August of 1958 and by February of 1959, the project was completed at a cost of $45,000 on a cash basis as the church did not have pledge, house to house canvas, or solicitations program. The new addition added 10 classrooms, a church office and pastor's study. The church began building up its cash reserve again for the erection of the main sanctuary.
The Board of Deacons, under the chairmanship of Harry MacAbee, made a study for a proposed new church building in the fall of 1962. Meetings were held during the next few months with experienced men in the field of building churches and raising money. A building committee was selected with John Crowe being appointed as chairman. The next move was to ask the Lord's leading to the architect of his choice and this proved to be Alfred Johnson, A.I.A. of San Mateo. After many months of planning and discussion, the commit-tee presented the architect with plans and ideas for the sanctuary. It was soon evident that because of wage and material increases during the past two years, they would have to eliminate a lot of things in the proposed new building in order to stick close to their commitment to the Congregation of $150,000. The Lord led them successfully through many obstacles in obtaining a use permit and finally, they were given a green light with $70,000 in the building fund. Architect Johnson was instructed to draw up plans for the new building. They figured they would need to borrow $100,000 to complete the building. But who would lend a small nondenominational church that kind of money? One man asked the Lord to lead him to the right place and with nothing else to go on, but this mans word, the Sequoia National Bank promised to loan them $90,000. Truly the age of miracles had not passed.
Bids and specifications were sent to eight general contractors in June of 1965. The low acceptable bid was submitted by Lippi Construction Co. of Redwood City. The bid was for $179,833 and the architect’s fee was to be 8% of that amount. The Congregation approved the bid and it was awarded to Lippi. History was being fulfilled for many old timers who gathered for this service. Frank Ruiz was selected as building coordinator to work with the architect and general contractor. On November 1, 1965, John Crowe transferred to New York City and Frank Ruiz was given the added responsibility of Chairman of the building committee.
The building of this new church building was truly the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and to Him must go all the praise and glory. However, as all thru the ages, the Lord used prayerful men of vision with their earnest prayers that were heard by the Almighty One in Heaven, and were answered. Sacrificial giving has been the rule, not the exception, and here lies the secret of God's blessing to them. The Congregation approved the bid of $179,833 plus the architects fee and $25,000 for furniture for a total of approximately $220,000. A $26,000 Saville organ was donated as a memorial to Mrs. Mabel MacAdam. The indebtedness of the church was about $80,000 to the Sequoia National Bank. In 1948, when Grace Bible Church had its humble beginning, it had one thing in its favor, they loved and trusted God fully. Without men of vision and their trust in the Saviour, this would not have been possible.
This account would not be complete without a word about Alfred Johnson, the architect. Mr. Johnson was God's man and they could not have made a better choice. Robert Lippi and his Construction Superintendent, Tom Coldwell, were most cooperative an helpful. In the construction field, tempers often flare, but they had none of that. They discussed the problems and settled them without difficulty.
The project had its romantic side. Tom Coldwell and Marge Coldwell, Mr. Johnson's secretary, remarried after having been divorced for four years. Their work on the new building drew them to one another and it was for sure the Lord had His hand on it as the ladies prayed that this would happen.
And so, on February 13,1966, the new sanctuary was dedicated, 18 years after that first meeting in the MacAdam home.
With the coming of 1968,came the sad news that Pastor Lon would be leaving Grace Bible. He had given so much of himself and many wonderful things had taken place during his ten years of pastorate. Not only the building of Sunday School classrooms and the main sanctuary, but it was during his service that for the first time Grace Bible would have a board of Elders. It was also during this time that a group called the Young 70's was started. It consisted of young married couples whose ages combined together did not go over 70. In reading through the newspaper publicity from that time it sounds like they had a great time together. They had many socials and provided a lot of help and support to the Church body. Pioneer Girls was also started during Pastor Lon's pastorate. Through the coming years many young girls would come to know the Lord as their personal savior because of the dedication of the leaders and helpers.
Here are more memories shared by one of our members from that time, Lucille Moyano. She writes:
"Rudy and I, along with Linda and Deborah, started attending Grace Bible Church November 1957, a month after Pastor Hitchcock came.
Rudy had been attending Sunday evening services prior to this time, having been invited by Jim McKay to hear Pastor Lon preach. Rudy was impressed with Lon's preaching and the Church, so we left Peninsula Bible Church and made Grace Bible our family church. I have never been sorry. Linda and Deborah grew in the Word through the teaching by dedicated Sunday School teachers and came to know the Lord personally. (They grew deeper in the Word as they attended Bible Camp at Mt. Hermon where many of G. B. C's young people attended each year.)
Rudy and I, too, grew in our faith, and served the Lord in various capacities through the years and were richly blessed by its ministries. We have had wonderful fellowship through all these years.
When Rudy went Home (to be with the Lord) in 1984, I realized how deeply each one in the body touched my life and how dear each one is to me, personally.
I do thank my Lord for Grace Bible Church."
So it was on April 30, 1968 the members of Grace said a sad farewell to Pastor Lon and Bess. It was equally difficult for them. They had many happy memories to take with them but some sad ones also. The Lord had called their 24 year old son, David, Home during their time at Grace and leaving those friends who stood by them was difficult.
Associate Pastor Clarence Nelson had come to Grace as Christian Education Director on September 1, 1966, and with Pastor Lon's leaving, CJ, (as he was affectionately called),and his wife Jan, filled in until such time as the church called Reverend Ron Blanc on March 3, 1969.
Through Pastor Ron and C.J's leadership, another new group emerged for the young people; Christian Service Brigade for the boys. Many activities were coordinated such as
backpacking and canoe trips for father and sons. Many memories were made that will last a lifetime.
It was during Pastor Ron's service to Grace that the church celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 4, 1973 with a dinner at the Elks Club in Redwood City. The membership of Grace had risen to 254 the highest it had ever been.
At the Sunday Service on May 6, 1973, many of the former pastors were able to come and speak; Pastors Marion Haight, Jim Austin, Chuck Lemmex, and Lon Hitchcock.
During the first 25 years of Grace, there was an active youth ministry and outreach program. There had always been a good attendance at Sunday School. During the 6O's there were 341 in attendance on one Easter Sunday alone. The average Sunday attendance was from 94 in the early years to 229 by the late 60's_ As the 7O's began to dawn and the flower children came into being, interest in Church began to wane and attendance began to decrease. The Vietnam War was going full force and young people began to lose confidence in their government. Riots became the norm and anyone who loved the Lord, was called a Jesus Freak. A new and painful era had emerged and the church and the country would never be the same again.
Pastor Ron resigned as Pastor and left Grace on November 28, 1973.
About 6 months later, the Church called Pastor Ray Barrett to serve as its Pastor. Pastor Ray and his family arrived September 1, 1974.
During Pastor Ray's pastorate church attendance began to increase again. Many of those attending were from Stanford University. Young people that had grown up at Grace were now on the Mission Field. Others were getting ready to serve the Lord as Doctors and Ministers. Around the first part of January 1977, C.J. and Jan decided it was time to leave Grace so that C. J. could pursue his career as a Christian Education Director. He joined the Evangelical Free Church in Walnut Creek, Ca. Many tears were shed January 30, 1977, the day C.J. and Jan said goodbye to their many friends.
Pastor Ray remained as Pastor until May 8, 1977.
Grace had been without a Pastor for almost 6 months when the Elders called Pastor Norm Chapman and his wife Florence.
Grace had been through a turmoil and was in need of healing. Pastor Norm's coming was the balm of Gilead. With his gentle ways he ministered to the old and young. Thru his ministry, weekly Bible studies began again. Many young people were of marrying age and Pastor Norm was more than thrilled to unite them in marriage. Soon a whole new crop of little ones began to arrive. Pastor Norm affectionately referred to Grace Bible as "Grace Baby Church." During his time as Pastor, there were a dozen babies born. The nursery was remodeled to make room for the newest additions. It looked like Grace was on the move again. During this time Grace also had quite a few young people of high school age. A Friday night Bible study had begun for the College Career and was growing by leaps and hounds.
It was about this time that, Pastor Norm felt the need to retire. His lovely wife, Florence, was not too well and so they sadly left Grace on November 24, 1981.
On December 1, 1981, Pastor Stephen and Diane Rice came to Grace.
Pastor Steve had been a Youth Pastor and Christian Ed. Director before coming to Grace.
Diane has continued to bless us with her special singing abilities, and watching their son Justin grow has been a source of joy.
Through Pastor Steve's leader-ship, Grace has a Family Camp for the whole church one weekend a year, home Bible study groups. annual servant's suppers, and many other activities. Pastor Steve is the tenth Pastor and the third longest that has served Grace Bible.
The first was an interim Divinity student, but all others have been ordained men. Three, (Rev. Gillman, Hitchcock and Chapman) served extensively on the mission field, serving in Canada, Peru and Zaire.
Throughout Grace Bible's history there has been a strong emphasis on home as well as foreign missions. The first gift to Missions, was $25 which was given to New Tribes.
Today Grace has two families serving with New Tribes, both having grown up at Grace, The Jerry Kennell family and the Bob Kennell family. Jerry and Gloria are serving, with three of their five children, in Brazil, while their other two are preparing to go where God leads them.
Bob and Noby are serving with their daughters, Karrie and Kristie in Papua New Guinea.
Also serving our Lord is Nancy Ashcraft, currently in San Mateo. Nancy has served in Thailand and is with the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade. Nancy is also the sister of Neil Ashcraft who was at one time one of Grace's missionaries and who also served as Summer pastor for Grace.
Child Evangelism has been a part of Grace Bible longer than any other organization. Grace supports the Golden Gate Chapter under the direction of Sharon Flack and the Peninsula Chapter under the direction of Jeanne Stenfort. Another Director of Child Evangelism, Isabel Roberts, was Grace's first Sunday School Superintendent.
Another way Grace has chosen to spread the Gospel, is by supporting Far East Broadcasting Co., Radio Station KGEI, in Redwood City, both through their radio ministry and through Steve Overstreet and family serving in the Philippines.
Two daughters of a former Pastor, Rev. Gillman, have served on the mission field.
Ellen Gillman is serving in Thailand with World Evangelization Crusade. Her sister Betty Woodward and husband David have served in Tibet, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. They are now retired and live in Pasadena, Ca. Dave and Betty's children are now carrying on the work of their parents and grandparents.
Grace Bible also supports Jews For Jesus in San Francisco and at different times has had its director, Efraim Goldstein, speak at Sunday Service.
Delores Stewart, a charter member of Grace, became interested in the "Children of Shadows", as the occupation babies were called in Japan. As a young woman she went to serve in Japan with the "World Missions to Children". She and her husband John Lusk are still serving the people of Japan, but are not currently with a mission board.
During the 1960's, Grace saw the Dick Jones family off to the Mission Field in Ecuador, where they would work with HCJB, a missionary radio station in Panama. At the beginning of their second term, July 19, 1966 Dick was killed in a car accident, leaving Carol with four small children to raise. Later Carol married Dr. Bob Wenninger and they went to serve in Zambia, Africa, where they are serving the Lord with the Africa Evangelical Fellowship. They have a daughter, Debbie.
In the late 60's George and Beth Raney came to Grace Bible. Soon they and their three children were on there way to the Philippines, to serve with Mission Aviation Fellow-ship. On December 23, 1968, George was killed in a plane crash while serving his Lord, leaving Beth with three little ones and another one on the way. Beth has continued to serve the Lord in many ways and is looking forward to where the Lord will send her now that all four children are married and serving the Lord in various capacities.
1952 found another couple leaving for the mission field in Japan. John and Mary Reid would serve for 35 years in Japan, with TEAM before retiring. John and Mary had three children, Danny born in the US, and Lou Anne and Mary Beth both born in Japan_ In 1973, when Mary Beth was only 16 years old, the Lord called her Home. John and Mary are now serving the Lord in the United States and Danny and Lou Anne have followed in their parents, (and grandparents), footsteps and are now on the mission field Grace has supported hundreds of Missionaries through the years, both at home and abroad. There has always been a missionary committee since Grace's beginning_ Only the Lord knows how many souls have been saved through the dedicated endeavors of our missionaries.
Many of our own young people have gone on to serve the Lord in various capacities. Some on the mission field and some as Ministers of the Gospel. The grandmother of one of those young men, who herself is a charter member writes of her memories and hopes for the future; "Henry, Joyce and I are Charter members of Grace Bible Church and have watched her grow. She has had many growing pains, but our Lord is in control.
Our Steve, (her grandson) has grown up in the Church and we are happy that he is serving our Lord in Hollywood as an Associate Pastor.
Watching the buildings being built has been a wonderful thing to see, after having no place of our own to worship in, God gave us these beautiful buildings to worship Him in, and let all of us be faithful to His work. "
Looking forward to our 40th. Sincerely with love,
Grandma Vickie
(A PS from the author. Grandma Vickie also shared with me in a telephone conversation that she had helped nail the floor boards down in what is now Fellowship Hall.)
As I bring to a close this writing on the history of the church, I think back to my travels through 40 years of memories and detailed accounts of the years of work here at Grace Bible.
I have knelt beside those early believers who prayed for guidance. I watched as they began to follow the plan the Lord had laid out before them. With joyful anticipation I saw them trusting the Lord for all their needs; not once doubting that He, The Almighty One, would be faithful even unto the end.
Were there problems? Of course there were problems. In fact some of them are the same, I might add, that we face today. Sunday evening attendance poor; personal witnessing and soul winning neglected; people not fulfilling responsibilities of commitment; people resigning; lack of attendance at the mid-week prayer meeting; people leaving when Pastor leaves. I)o any of these sound familiar to you? How is it then that our founding fathers and mothers were able to accomplish so much?
I believe there were three main reasons. The number one reason was because of their unending devotion to the Lord. He was number one in their lives both at home and work.
The number two reason was that they had a very active prayer life. EVERYTHING was taken to the Lord in prayer. They prayed BELIEVING that the Lord would answer and show them the way. They prayed in their homes, alone and with their families, and they prayed as a group of fellow believers. They meditated on His Word.
The third reason was that they had a goal - a vision. That goal was to bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ. The motto on their first annual report says "Holding Forth the Word of Life." Wayne MacAdam, the chairman, made this statement in his report: "May the good Lord continue to guide us into His perfect will and may we be sensitive to His leading at all times eliminating self-will; that in all things He might have preeminence'."
With God's help and if we labor together, we can increase the numbers of those who will sit at the feet of Christ.
It is up to you and me, as it was with those who came before us to propagate and disseminate the message of Jesus Christ. Each generation must determine its own strategy for announcing the changeless message. We hold the key to the future of Grace Bible and to our children and grand-children's future.
I'd like to share one more memory if you will allow me to; this from my own memory bank.
One day a few years back when I was suffering from deep depression over the loss of my son, I went to Joe Spinella for some advice. He told me that I needed to get my eyes back on Christ. He said that Christ alone was the healer, He alone could change me, He alone could give me hope for the future. Joe shared some scripture with me that he said had helped him many times when the worry and pressures of life threatened to overcome him. I hope it will do the same for you.
Psalm 121
God Is Our Keeper
T will lift up my eyes to the hills-From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand_
The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Psalm 121 NKJ)
JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY,TODAY, AND FOREVER. (Hebrews 13:8 NKJ)
The early history of Redwood City dates back to the time that this area was part of a large Mexican land grant. California had long been under the governments of Spain and Mexico and it was the custom of both governments to issue large land grants to some of their people. Many large ranchos covered California. In 1850, California became a State of the Union. It was then that ranchos began to become smaller and smaller, largely due to high taxes. A grant of 12 square leagues, owned by the Arguello family was where Redwood City had its beginnings. The rancho was bounded on the north by San Mateo Creek, on the south by San Francisquito Creek, and extended from the bay to the hills.
On a corner of this sleepy, sprawling, Spanish ranch called Rancho del ray, (later called Rancho de las Pulgas), was a small Indian village that was called Embarcadero by the Spanish Californians.
Vast redwood forests covered the slopes of the mountains and acres of magnificent oak trees of many varieties dotted the landscape. Shipbuilding became the first local industry with wagon making, blacksmithing and lumbering following soon. In 1852, Captain Smith built the first home and soon more than 200 squatters rushed to settle on the Embarcadero. In 1854, the Arguellos hired S.M. Mezes to protect their land titles from the squatter invasion. When he succeeded, he was given the area around the Embarcadero. He laid out and plotted the town of Mezesville.
By the time San Mateo County was formed in 1856, the only bayside settlement that resembled a real town was Mezesville, formerly Embarcadero. By 1860, there were more than 400 inhabitants.
In 1867, the residents insisted the name be changed to Redwood in honor of the creek and the industry, and so on May 11,1867, the town was officially incorporated and became known as Redwood City. By the 1870's, there were over 700 people living in Redwood City. The population continued to climb steadily reaching 2,400 by the 1900's, 9,000 by 1930, and over 11,000 by 1940.
Not much is left of the sprawling rancho today except for a few redwood trees and an occasional oak. Centered half way in between San Francisco and San Jose, it extends into the bay tidelands and up into the coast range foothills.
Redwood City is the county seat and houses the county courthouse, government offices, the county Hall of Justice and Records, and the county jail.
Most residences are located west of the El Camino Real. Small homes are found on small lots in the older section of the city adjoining the downtown area. As the city moves into the foothills, it takes on a rural atmosphere, with winding tree lined roads, magnificent oaks with the hills rising in the background. Among the hills there is one that towers 1,000 feet surmounted by a gigantic cross.
It is in this beautiful setting that our founding members came searching for a new church home. They came from good, strong stock filled with that same early pioneering sprit as that of our country's founding fathers. Dedicated to the Lord and to what He had called them to do, Evangelize, they felt led to leave the local church they were part of. This small group of Evangelical Christians had become dissatisfied with the creeping liberalism in a local pulpit ministry and restrictive missionary emphasis which allowed no support of missionaries other than the denominational representatives of the denomination which owned the title to the church and dictated the policy to be followed in the local fellowship.
And so it was that a group of 34 people gathered together on the evening of May 7, 1948, at the home of Wayne MacAdam, to pray. They prayed long into the night and when that band of believers arose from their knees that memorable night, they were confident that the Lord was leading and would provide.
THE FIRST 40 YEARS 1948 - 1988
There was no meeting place to begin with -- no minister -- no organization, but with devoted love and trust in the Lord these obstacles were soon overcome.
The first church service was held May 9, 1948, at the MacAdam home and was composed of 53 people who acknowledged the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior and who were determined to serve their Lord and to worship Him in the freedom granted them in Galatians 5:1 and patterned through-out the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures. Following the evening service, the people elected seven men to form a Board of Deacons who were to represent the group as temporary officers.
FIRST OFFICERS:
Wayne MacAdam .... ChairmanJoe Spinella .... Secretary Chet Liddicoat .... Treasurer
Deacons: Justus Olsson, Walter Spohn, Marion Haight, Chuck Heidel
At the end of the month, the group asked brother Marion F. Haight, one of the members who was training for the ministry at San Francisco Baptist Bible College, to serve in the capacity of student-pastor until such time as the group felt able to call a regular pastor for the church. He accepted and carried on in this capacity for some time. It was early in June that the group voted on a name for their new church. Many names were suggested by the group of believers. A note from one of them to Joe Spinella reads as follows:
"We might call our group 'The Christian Gathering'. The way I feel now, I don't think I want to bear any sort of a 'label' of any denomination. I too was born of a Baptist father and a Baptist mother etc. But now I want only to be known as a Christian. Lets be completely independent, fed only by the Holy Spirit. I'm greatly enjoying hearing the brethren. They are fine and I wish we might continue as we are, led of the Spirit thru the 'Seven.' Let's meet with prayer, praise, and testimony, not just a mid-week service."
Signed, Martha Roberts.
The names that the group brought forth to be voted on were: The Christian Gathering, Immanuel Baptist Church, Grace Bible Church, Independent Baptist Church, Immanuel Bible Church, Immanuel Chapel, name with "Christ", (Christ Centered Church or Christ's Church), name with "Evangelical" in it, Church of the Open Bible, Independent Bible Church, Liberty Bible Church, Berean Bible Church, Free Bible Church, Faith Bible Church, Gospel Light Church, Victory Bible Church, Redwood Bible Church, Peninsula Bible Church, and Redwood City Bible Church.
By June 2,1948, they had narrowed it down to three names. Grace Bible Church, Redwood City Bible Church, and Immanuel Bible Church. Immanuel Bible received 16 votes, Redwood City Bible Church had 17 votes, and Grace Bible Church had a total of 35 votes.
In the beginning, they met in homes; the MacAdam home for Sunday services and the Joe Spinella home for Wednesday evening prayer meeting. By the time July rolled around, their attendance had risen to over 70 people and they had grown so large that the homes could hardly hold them. The first two Sundays in July, the Sunday services were held in the Franklin-Crowe-Lorentzen Mortuary on Middlefield Road in downtown Redwood City, while the prayer meeting still continued to meet in the Spinella home. After two weeks, the Lord opened up a church building belonging to the Seventh Day Adventist, at 1536 James Avenue. This they could rent for two days a week at $100 per month. The building was small, but very service-able and until they could build their own building, they believed this was God's provision for them.
From a humble beginning of 50 people, the church tripled in its attendance by the winter of 1949, in spite of the fact that they had to overcome prejudice against the building as well as some prejudice against doing nondenominational work. The Lord continued to bless them in a wonderful way.
The reasons for their measure of success were attributed to three definite sources as defined in a letter from Joe Spinella.
"The first source was the constant dependence upon the leading and guidance of the Holy Sprit in all that we do as a bible school. Our church was born in prayer and our bible school is carried on with the same dependence. Every teacher's and officer's meeting is begun with a season of prayer --- every teacher praying for the needs of the school as well as the church. Every class is begun and concluded with prayer. Every problem that faces our school is brought immediately to the throne of Grace -- God answers prayer.
The second source was the consecrated superintendent and teaching staff who are enthusiastic about their bible school and are constantly on the alert for new pupils. Each teacher takes a real personal interest in every member of his or her class --- calling on them in their homes and entertaining them in their own homes. To win them to Christ is their main purpose. Then too, all of our teachers work well together and with the superintendent. We have a wonderful spirit of unity and love --this means much.
The third source was the well developed Sunday School. Not one member of the family needs to stay home. A nursery is provided for the mothers and dads so that they can come and leave the little ones and attend the large adult class led by one of our ablest teachers. Every department is well staffed even though we are terribly handicapped for room. Our school takes an active interest in missions and supports a definite missionary project each month with a special offering.
Our school has doubled in the last year -- going from 70 to 150. We fully expect that it can be doubled again next year with the Lord's continued blessing and the consecrated effort of every teacher and pupil. Our satisfied pupils make our best advertisers, they like to go to Grace Bible Sunday School."
Late in September 1948, brother Marion Haight offered his resignation as student-pastor so as to carry on his work in the Friendly Acres area that he had been desiring to do for some time.
On December 1,1948, the group extended a call to Reverend James L. Austin, Jr. of the Robbinsdale, Minnesota First Baptist Church, to become its first pastor. He accepted this call and arrived late in January 1949, to assume his office by the first of February. It was on Sunday February 6, 1949, that Grace Bible welcomed Reverend James L. Austin as their pastor.
Early in December of 1948, the Board of Deacons started work on a church constitution, which would be the basis of a permanent organization. The new constitution was voted in as official by the members of the church on June 22, 1949. It was on December 22, 1949, that Grace Bible Church was incorporated under the laws of the State of California. The first election of officers, based on the church constitution, was held on December 31, 1949.
One of those early members has graciously written of her early memories of Grace Bible. Following, are some of those memories written by Anna Singsaas.
"On a lovely summer's eve, a friend, Mrs. Ruth Whitmyre, drove up to our place. She was so enthused, saying that Art Hollows had told her of a new church group in Redwood City. She wanted to visit their prayer meeting, but she didn't want to go alone -- would I go with her? I ran inside to tell Arthur, and then off we went to the old Seventh Day Adventist Church on James Street. She'd understood that it began at 8:00 PM so we were 30 minutes late. The group was about to break up into smaller groups for prayer, and we were led to a room to the left. After prayer, as we were about to rejoin the main group, a tall man spoke to us saying, 'You sound like one of us.' That was Chuck Heidel. When I returned home I excitedly told Arthur, 'I think we've found our church.' So we went to visit Sunday School and church service on Sunday. Marge Liddicoat was the Sunday School superintendent and won our hearts immediately.
I had been searching for a Sunday School that would have a class for Joann. At one church we visited I asked the Sunday School superintendent what they had for children. When she heard that Joann was three she said, 'Oh, they can't learn anything at three, we just let them color.' I looked at her rather coldly, I fear, and said, ' I don't know about your children, but my child has been learning since the day she was born.' Well, Grace Bible nursery had two teachers - one was Mrs. Austin, the other was a Mrs. Bridges - Joann grew very fond of both - and they did have a lesson for these children -- I was so pleased.
That was the first Sunday in July, 1949. The group was now over a year old and had organized -- they handed out the first copies of their constitution that morning. We were made to feel very welcomed and on our way home Arthur said, This is the church where the Lord wants us.'"
In the latter part of 1949, the Deacons heard about some property that was for sale. It was located in Redwood Terrace, part of the former Carson-Monckton ranch. There were six lots for sale, bounded by Roosevelt and two dirt roads that later would be called McGarvey and Euclid Avenues. It was on a Sunday afternoon that the group of believers met on this property and prayed asking God, if it be His will, to provide that site for the future residence of Grace Bible Church. An option was placed and in September of 1950, the six lots were purchased for $12,500. This parcel of land was strangely reserved for them, in spite of the efforts of many other cash buyers to purchase it. Architect Harvey E. Moehler of San Leandro was engaged to draw up plans for a building on the property. By February of 1951, the city of Redwood City had approved the use permit.
A short time later,Pastor Austin suffered a painful and dangerous accident. He fell backward, striking the back of his head at the base of the skull. This resulted in temporary loss of memory, pains, and distress in the head. Various kinds of treatment seemed to achieve very little relief, although there was gradual improvement. However, the matter finally culminated in his resignation as pastor of Grace Bible on June 8th. He left Redwood City the end of July 1951, for his brother's farm in Minnesota, where he remained with his family for over a year before reentering the ministry with a church in Middleton, Idaho.
In late October, the Deacons voted to build a building on the property regardless of the lack of a pastor. The thought was to build a structure which they would be able to erect themselves. It would serve as a worship place, Sunday School, and social hall, all in one, until such time as they could construct the main building. Since Harvey Moehler was attending Biola, the Deacons contacted his father, J. A. Moehler and commissioned him to draw up plans for this building.
On the last day of October, the church voted unanimously not only for the building project, but also to call Rev. Edwin Gillman as interim pastor until such time as the church called a permanent pastor. Reverend Gillman was from the headquarters of the World Evangelistic Crusade in El Monte. He arrived two weeks later. On February 13, 1952, the church called Reverend Gillman as full-time pastor of the church.
On the last Saturday in November of 1951, a crew of men from the church assembled at the church property site and started breaking ground for the erection of the first unit of the church building program. Richard Kingham, a local contractor, donated his services. Work on the building continued each Saturday from then on, weather permitting. When the days grew longer and evening work was possible, there was a group of men working on the building on Tuesday evenings as well as all day Saturday.
Ladies of the church served hot meals each Saturday noon and anywhere from eight to fifteen men of the church would be working on the structure each Saturday.
During the summer Pastor Gillman was confined to his home for about eight weeks, due to the recurrence of an old heart ailment, but the people rejoiced when the Lord saw fit to return him to his Pastoral activities once again.
The first worship service in the new building was held on February 1, 1953. The entire building was erected by the men of the church; with between $10,000 to $11,000 being paid out for materials, but none for labor. The only thing that was done by an outsider, was the sheet-metal work for the furnaces and flues.
One sad note followed the joy of being in a new building. Pastor Gillman gave his resignation on February 15, 1953, effective on April 1st, due to his age and poor health. It was with considerable regret that the church accepted his resignation as pastor, and once again began the search for God's man for the post.
On March 22,1953, the new building was dedicated with Pastor Jim Austin giving the dedicatory message.
More early memories of Grace Bible Church are recorded in a letter received from Grace Spinella, one of the founding members.
"Memories? After forty years, they're apt to be somewhat elusive and fragmentary - perhaps even a bit inaccurate.
Nevertheless, here are some that I recall from the early days of GBC. Nothing earth-shaking, just random recollections and impressions that may serve as very small brush-marks on the larger picture of the history of the church.
The first thing that comes to mind is how we came to be a church. At first we thought we were just five families desiring to make a change. I'm quite sure we had no thought of starting a new church, but of each going our own way, visiting other churches in the area to see where God would lead us.
But, to our surprise, we found there was a sizable group also looking for a place to worship,(about 50 people, I believe). Somehow, we all wanted to be together, at least that first Sunday, to pray for guidance and for mutual support. The Deacons, (or those who had been our Deacons), sensed the need and by unspoken consent of the group, assumed leader-ship roles. They met together later in the day for earnest and intense prayer for guidance for themselves in this unexpected situation. As a result, a meeting was scheduled that very afternoon for all who wished to come. It was held in a large family room in the Wayne MacAdam home.
After much prayer, it was strongly felt that the group should not scatter, but continue with regular services as a 'fellowship of believers,' ('Not a church'). The Deacons were to take turns in preaching and teaching the Word. There seemed to be a need for continuity and structure. I'm not sure why, but it was decided an offering should be taken. 'But we have no offering plates.' 'Here, use this.' - and little Judi's yellow straw bonnet with the blue ruffle was passed around. When in doubt, take an offering!
We used the MacAdam residence for morning services and the Spinellas' for the Sunday evening service and prayer meeting. Sunday School was at Macadam’s' using almost every room for classes. The toddlers' class was in the kitchen, and the teacher had the unusual duty of keeping her little students out of the refrigerator and stove in addition to her other responsibilities.
I can remember clearly how in the Spinella home, it was necessary on Wednesday evenings to have dinner as soon as dad got home from his job in San Francisco, eat quickly, and clear away the dishes so the furniture could be rearranged and chairs set up, in the living room and dining room as well as a few in the hall. As many as 50 or 60 could be expected. Nearly everyone came to prayer meeting; nearly everyone came to Everything! We were a close family and couldn't seem to get enough of each other's company. We were especially eager to share some experience in witnessing we'd had that week. Often on a Sunday evening we'd stay on for a 'sing-spiration' with joyful singing and then some light refreshments.
Another picture that comes to mind is that of sitting on the grass after a picnic lunch and writing down suggestions for a name for our group, as well as ideas as to what we would want or not want to see done in our new group.
We soon became aware that we could not remain an informal fellow-ship meeting in homes. We needed a place where a larger number of people could meet and where we could have a Sunday School for the instruction of our children. We needed a building. To purchase the land, we had to incorporate, with financially responsible officers, and a constitution and by-laws. Thus we gradually became a 'church'.
For a very short time, we met in a mortuary for our morning service. At least it was quiet!
We considered it a great blessing when we were able to rent the Seventh Day Adventist Church and use its excellent facilities. This was a period of much growth. We had many outstanding and challenging speakers. Evangelism and 'Victorious Life' were the main themes. There was always a great interest in missions. During one period, our regular monthly missionary meetings were held at the Rockman home in San Carlos. Both men and women came, and I can still see the men rolling bandages on a little wooden gadget designed by Henry Shakarian.
Another picture that comes to mind is of our first DVBS. We decided to put our newly acquired property to use, even though there was no building. We set up long tables out-doors to use for handwork, etc. One day after the teachers had laid out the workbooks and craft materials, a strong wind came up, causing a great scurrying around to retrieve the papers, etc. If I remember correctly, there were about 200 in attendance for a two-week period.
Our men worked very hard to build our first building,(now Fellow-ship Hall). It was all volunteer labor, as far as I know. Dick Kingham was a licensed contractor, a fine dedicated Christian with a heart for the Lord and His work. He did not attend Grace Bible, but freely gave his time and expertise to supervise the project. An average of 15 men gave up their Saturdays and often their holidays, setting aside recreation and home activities for over a year, if I remember correctly. Dr. Petersen found that digging into that 'solid rock' with a pick axe was a little different from the kind of digging he was accustomed to in his dental practice. The women supplied hot lunches for the men. How happy we were when we finally had our very own building. The women helped with the finishing and cleanup and joyfully made ready for our first service - an exciting, thrilling occasion!
It was soon evident, however, that the building was too small to accommodate our rapid growth. Many jokes were made about the crowded conditions in Sunday School. The hall was sectioned off by curtains for classrooms. There were two adult classes, and people would say with a smile, 'Oh well, if we get bored with our teacher's lesson, we can always listen to the one on the other side of the curtain.’ Several also expressed amazement that a kindergarten class of, I think 18 children, (can that be right?), plus one not-so slender teacher could function in that small room to the right of the platform in Fellowship Hall. And at Easter services, some members would stand in the kitchen, so that visitors could sit down in the hall. I also remember Baptisms held in swimming pools at the Petersen and McAbee homes.
Did you know that our first parsonage was on Valota Road? It was rented for the Austin family. What brave people they were, we thought, to move their family of four children from the mid-west to a small, young church in California, with very little to offer in the way of security or stability_ The ladies went to the house ahead of time to put food in the cupboards and some homey touches - a bowl of fruit on the table, etc. We awaited the arrival of our first full-time Pastor with much joy and anticipation.
There were many 'firsts' to make our church life exciting and happy. It was a close-knit, hard working and enthusiastic group_ We felt our Lord's presence and blessing all the way - perhaps it was a little bit like the early New Testament Church described in Acts 2:44-46. Sometimes it's good to look back."
The Reverend Charles Lemmex was called on April 19, 1953 to follow in the footsteps of Reverend Gillman, becoming the fourth pastor of Grace Bible Church on June 28, 1953.
A month before Pastor Lemmex's arrival, a great tragedy hit Grace.
The 12 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Stacy, members of Grace, was tragically killed in a fire. He and two of his friends had built a boy-style "clubhouse" on a vacant lot near his home. Late on the afternoon of May 7, 1953, the clubhouse caught fire and Frankie was burned to death. Money began to flow in immediately and the Frankie Stacy Memorial Fund was established. The family and other Grace members hoped to build a facility where young boys could meet for activities. It was first thought that the Memorial Clubhouse would be built on Redwood City Elementary School District property, however, Frankie's parents wished for the clubhouse to have Christian super vision. The church had started a building fund before the tragedy to add more classrooms and it was eventually decided to add that money to the memorial fund and add onto the Chapel.
A short while later the Stacy Memorial building was added to the Chapel. It consisted of two rooms, one of which has a fireplace and has come to be called the Fire-place Room. Many youth activities have been held in those rooms including Boys Brigade, Pioneer Girls, DVBS and Sunday School.
The Lord richly blessed Grace Bible with the opportunity to reach souls, through two sanatoriums, .jail services, Hillcrest Juvenile Correction Institution, LaHonda Home, Child Evangelism classes, etc.
Reverend Lemmex served as Pastor of Grace Bible until January 30, 1957 at which time the Church called Reverend Lon D. Hitchcock of the Central American Mission in Dallas, Texas. He began his ministry at Grace on October 6, 1957.
By February of 1958, there were 250 children enrolled in Sunday School, with 17 different classes being taught in two rooms plus the small church auditorium. The need for more classrooms was evident to all. As a tenth anniversary project, the Church decided to go ahead with plans for the addition. Everyone participated in raising the funds. No one solicited for funds or pledges, but everyone gave from their hearts. The Sunday School started a collection beginning on March 2nd and ending April 20th. On May 4, 1958, at the morning worship service, Linda Moyano presented a check to the church in behalf of the Sunday School for $1130.97. The children had more than done their part in helping to build their new classrooms. The ground breaking took place in August of 1958 and by February of 1959, the project was completed at a cost of $45,000 on a cash basis as the church did not have pledge, house to house canvas, or solicitations program. The new addition added 10 classrooms, a church office and pastor's study. The church began building up its cash reserve again for the erection of the main sanctuary.
The Board of Deacons, under the chairmanship of Harry MacAbee, made a study for a proposed new church building in the fall of 1962. Meetings were held during the next few months with experienced men in the field of building churches and raising money. A building committee was selected with John Crowe being appointed as chairman. The next move was to ask the Lord's leading to the architect of his choice and this proved to be Alfred Johnson, A.I.A. of San Mateo. After many months of planning and discussion, the commit-tee presented the architect with plans and ideas for the sanctuary. It was soon evident that because of wage and material increases during the past two years, they would have to eliminate a lot of things in the proposed new building in order to stick close to their commitment to the Congregation of $150,000. The Lord led them successfully through many obstacles in obtaining a use permit and finally, they were given a green light with $70,000 in the building fund. Architect Johnson was instructed to draw up plans for the new building. They figured they would need to borrow $100,000 to complete the building. But who would lend a small nondenominational church that kind of money? One man asked the Lord to lead him to the right place and with nothing else to go on, but this mans word, the Sequoia National Bank promised to loan them $90,000. Truly the age of miracles had not passed.
Bids and specifications were sent to eight general contractors in June of 1965. The low acceptable bid was submitted by Lippi Construction Co. of Redwood City. The bid was for $179,833 and the architect’s fee was to be 8% of that amount. The Congregation approved the bid and it was awarded to Lippi. History was being fulfilled for many old timers who gathered for this service. Frank Ruiz was selected as building coordinator to work with the architect and general contractor. On November 1, 1965, John Crowe transferred to New York City and Frank Ruiz was given the added responsibility of Chairman of the building committee.
The building of this new church building was truly the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and to Him must go all the praise and glory. However, as all thru the ages, the Lord used prayerful men of vision with their earnest prayers that were heard by the Almighty One in Heaven, and were answered. Sacrificial giving has been the rule, not the exception, and here lies the secret of God's blessing to them. The Congregation approved the bid of $179,833 plus the architects fee and $25,000 for furniture for a total of approximately $220,000. A $26,000 Saville organ was donated as a memorial to Mrs. Mabel MacAdam. The indebtedness of the church was about $80,000 to the Sequoia National Bank. In 1948, when Grace Bible Church had its humble beginning, it had one thing in its favor, they loved and trusted God fully. Without men of vision and their trust in the Saviour, this would not have been possible.
This account would not be complete without a word about Alfred Johnson, the architect. Mr. Johnson was God's man and they could not have made a better choice. Robert Lippi and his Construction Superintendent, Tom Coldwell, were most cooperative an helpful. In the construction field, tempers often flare, but they had none of that. They discussed the problems and settled them without difficulty.
The project had its romantic side. Tom Coldwell and Marge Coldwell, Mr. Johnson's secretary, remarried after having been divorced for four years. Their work on the new building drew them to one another and it was for sure the Lord had His hand on it as the ladies prayed that this would happen.
And so, on February 13,1966, the new sanctuary was dedicated, 18 years after that first meeting in the MacAdam home.
With the coming of 1968,came the sad news that Pastor Lon would be leaving Grace Bible. He had given so much of himself and many wonderful things had taken place during his ten years of pastorate. Not only the building of Sunday School classrooms and the main sanctuary, but it was during his service that for the first time Grace Bible would have a board of Elders. It was also during this time that a group called the Young 70's was started. It consisted of young married couples whose ages combined together did not go over 70. In reading through the newspaper publicity from that time it sounds like they had a great time together. They had many socials and provided a lot of help and support to the Church body. Pioneer Girls was also started during Pastor Lon's pastorate. Through the coming years many young girls would come to know the Lord as their personal savior because of the dedication of the leaders and helpers.
Here are more memories shared by one of our members from that time, Lucille Moyano. She writes:
"Rudy and I, along with Linda and Deborah, started attending Grace Bible Church November 1957, a month after Pastor Hitchcock came.
Rudy had been attending Sunday evening services prior to this time, having been invited by Jim McKay to hear Pastor Lon preach. Rudy was impressed with Lon's preaching and the Church, so we left Peninsula Bible Church and made Grace Bible our family church. I have never been sorry. Linda and Deborah grew in the Word through the teaching by dedicated Sunday School teachers and came to know the Lord personally. (They grew deeper in the Word as they attended Bible Camp at Mt. Hermon where many of G. B. C's young people attended each year.)
Rudy and I, too, grew in our faith, and served the Lord in various capacities through the years and were richly blessed by its ministries. We have had wonderful fellowship through all these years.
When Rudy went Home (to be with the Lord) in 1984, I realized how deeply each one in the body touched my life and how dear each one is to me, personally.
I do thank my Lord for Grace Bible Church."
So it was on April 30, 1968 the members of Grace said a sad farewell to Pastor Lon and Bess. It was equally difficult for them. They had many happy memories to take with them but some sad ones also. The Lord had called their 24 year old son, David, Home during their time at Grace and leaving those friends who stood by them was difficult.
Associate Pastor Clarence Nelson had come to Grace as Christian Education Director on September 1, 1966, and with Pastor Lon's leaving, CJ, (as he was affectionately called),and his wife Jan, filled in until such time as the church called Reverend Ron Blanc on March 3, 1969.
Through Pastor Ron and C.J's leadership, another new group emerged for the young people; Christian Service Brigade for the boys. Many activities were coordinated such as
backpacking and canoe trips for father and sons. Many memories were made that will last a lifetime.
It was during Pastor Ron's service to Grace that the church celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 4, 1973 with a dinner at the Elks Club in Redwood City. The membership of Grace had risen to 254 the highest it had ever been.
At the Sunday Service on May 6, 1973, many of the former pastors were able to come and speak; Pastors Marion Haight, Jim Austin, Chuck Lemmex, and Lon Hitchcock.
During the first 25 years of Grace, there was an active youth ministry and outreach program. There had always been a good attendance at Sunday School. During the 6O's there were 341 in attendance on one Easter Sunday alone. The average Sunday attendance was from 94 in the early years to 229 by the late 60's_ As the 7O's began to dawn and the flower children came into being, interest in Church began to wane and attendance began to decrease. The Vietnam War was going full force and young people began to lose confidence in their government. Riots became the norm and anyone who loved the Lord, was called a Jesus Freak. A new and painful era had emerged and the church and the country would never be the same again.
Pastor Ron resigned as Pastor and left Grace on November 28, 1973.
About 6 months later, the Church called Pastor Ray Barrett to serve as its Pastor. Pastor Ray and his family arrived September 1, 1974.
During Pastor Ray's pastorate church attendance began to increase again. Many of those attending were from Stanford University. Young people that had grown up at Grace were now on the Mission Field. Others were getting ready to serve the Lord as Doctors and Ministers. Around the first part of January 1977, C.J. and Jan decided it was time to leave Grace so that C. J. could pursue his career as a Christian Education Director. He joined the Evangelical Free Church in Walnut Creek, Ca. Many tears were shed January 30, 1977, the day C.J. and Jan said goodbye to their many friends.
Pastor Ray remained as Pastor until May 8, 1977.
Grace had been without a Pastor for almost 6 months when the Elders called Pastor Norm Chapman and his wife Florence.
Grace had been through a turmoil and was in need of healing. Pastor Norm's coming was the balm of Gilead. With his gentle ways he ministered to the old and young. Thru his ministry, weekly Bible studies began again. Many young people were of marrying age and Pastor Norm was more than thrilled to unite them in marriage. Soon a whole new crop of little ones began to arrive. Pastor Norm affectionately referred to Grace Bible as "Grace Baby Church." During his time as Pastor, there were a dozen babies born. The nursery was remodeled to make room for the newest additions. It looked like Grace was on the move again. During this time Grace also had quite a few young people of high school age. A Friday night Bible study had begun for the College Career and was growing by leaps and hounds.
It was about this time that, Pastor Norm felt the need to retire. His lovely wife, Florence, was not too well and so they sadly left Grace on November 24, 1981.
On December 1, 1981, Pastor Stephen and Diane Rice came to Grace.
Pastor Steve had been a Youth Pastor and Christian Ed. Director before coming to Grace.
Diane has continued to bless us with her special singing abilities, and watching their son Justin grow has been a source of joy.
Through Pastor Steve's leader-ship, Grace has a Family Camp for the whole church one weekend a year, home Bible study groups. annual servant's suppers, and many other activities. Pastor Steve is the tenth Pastor and the third longest that has served Grace Bible.
The first was an interim Divinity student, but all others have been ordained men. Three, (Rev. Gillman, Hitchcock and Chapman) served extensively on the mission field, serving in Canada, Peru and Zaire.
Throughout Grace Bible's history there has been a strong emphasis on home as well as foreign missions. The first gift to Missions, was $25 which was given to New Tribes.
Today Grace has two families serving with New Tribes, both having grown up at Grace, The Jerry Kennell family and the Bob Kennell family. Jerry and Gloria are serving, with three of their five children, in Brazil, while their other two are preparing to go where God leads them.
Bob and Noby are serving with their daughters, Karrie and Kristie in Papua New Guinea.
Also serving our Lord is Nancy Ashcraft, currently in San Mateo. Nancy has served in Thailand and is with the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade. Nancy is also the sister of Neil Ashcraft who was at one time one of Grace's missionaries and who also served as Summer pastor for Grace.
Child Evangelism has been a part of Grace Bible longer than any other organization. Grace supports the Golden Gate Chapter under the direction of Sharon Flack and the Peninsula Chapter under the direction of Jeanne Stenfort. Another Director of Child Evangelism, Isabel Roberts, was Grace's first Sunday School Superintendent.
Another way Grace has chosen to spread the Gospel, is by supporting Far East Broadcasting Co., Radio Station KGEI, in Redwood City, both through their radio ministry and through Steve Overstreet and family serving in the Philippines.
Two daughters of a former Pastor, Rev. Gillman, have served on the mission field.
Ellen Gillman is serving in Thailand with World Evangelization Crusade. Her sister Betty Woodward and husband David have served in Tibet, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. They are now retired and live in Pasadena, Ca. Dave and Betty's children are now carrying on the work of their parents and grandparents.
Grace Bible also supports Jews For Jesus in San Francisco and at different times has had its director, Efraim Goldstein, speak at Sunday Service.
Delores Stewart, a charter member of Grace, became interested in the "Children of Shadows", as the occupation babies were called in Japan. As a young woman she went to serve in Japan with the "World Missions to Children". She and her husband John Lusk are still serving the people of Japan, but are not currently with a mission board.
During the 1960's, Grace saw the Dick Jones family off to the Mission Field in Ecuador, where they would work with HCJB, a missionary radio station in Panama. At the beginning of their second term, July 19, 1966 Dick was killed in a car accident, leaving Carol with four small children to raise. Later Carol married Dr. Bob Wenninger and they went to serve in Zambia, Africa, where they are serving the Lord with the Africa Evangelical Fellowship. They have a daughter, Debbie.
In the late 60's George and Beth Raney came to Grace Bible. Soon they and their three children were on there way to the Philippines, to serve with Mission Aviation Fellow-ship. On December 23, 1968, George was killed in a plane crash while serving his Lord, leaving Beth with three little ones and another one on the way. Beth has continued to serve the Lord in many ways and is looking forward to where the Lord will send her now that all four children are married and serving the Lord in various capacities.
1952 found another couple leaving for the mission field in Japan. John and Mary Reid would serve for 35 years in Japan, with TEAM before retiring. John and Mary had three children, Danny born in the US, and Lou Anne and Mary Beth both born in Japan_ In 1973, when Mary Beth was only 16 years old, the Lord called her Home. John and Mary are now serving the Lord in the United States and Danny and Lou Anne have followed in their parents, (and grandparents), footsteps and are now on the mission field Grace has supported hundreds of Missionaries through the years, both at home and abroad. There has always been a missionary committee since Grace's beginning_ Only the Lord knows how many souls have been saved through the dedicated endeavors of our missionaries.
Many of our own young people have gone on to serve the Lord in various capacities. Some on the mission field and some as Ministers of the Gospel. The grandmother of one of those young men, who herself is a charter member writes of her memories and hopes for the future; "Henry, Joyce and I are Charter members of Grace Bible Church and have watched her grow. She has had many growing pains, but our Lord is in control.
Our Steve, (her grandson) has grown up in the Church and we are happy that he is serving our Lord in Hollywood as an Associate Pastor.
Watching the buildings being built has been a wonderful thing to see, after having no place of our own to worship in, God gave us these beautiful buildings to worship Him in, and let all of us be faithful to His work. "
Looking forward to our 40th. Sincerely with love,
Grandma Vickie
(A PS from the author. Grandma Vickie also shared with me in a telephone conversation that she had helped nail the floor boards down in what is now Fellowship Hall.)
As I bring to a close this writing on the history of the church, I think back to my travels through 40 years of memories and detailed accounts of the years of work here at Grace Bible.
I have knelt beside those early believers who prayed for guidance. I watched as they began to follow the plan the Lord had laid out before them. With joyful anticipation I saw them trusting the Lord for all their needs; not once doubting that He, The Almighty One, would be faithful even unto the end.
Were there problems? Of course there were problems. In fact some of them are the same, I might add, that we face today. Sunday evening attendance poor; personal witnessing and soul winning neglected; people not fulfilling responsibilities of commitment; people resigning; lack of attendance at the mid-week prayer meeting; people leaving when Pastor leaves. I)o any of these sound familiar to you? How is it then that our founding fathers and mothers were able to accomplish so much?
I believe there were three main reasons. The number one reason was because of their unending devotion to the Lord. He was number one in their lives both at home and work.
The number two reason was that they had a very active prayer life. EVERYTHING was taken to the Lord in prayer. They prayed BELIEVING that the Lord would answer and show them the way. They prayed in their homes, alone and with their families, and they prayed as a group of fellow believers. They meditated on His Word.
The third reason was that they had a goal - a vision. That goal was to bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ. The motto on their first annual report says "Holding Forth the Word of Life." Wayne MacAdam, the chairman, made this statement in his report: "May the good Lord continue to guide us into His perfect will and may we be sensitive to His leading at all times eliminating self-will; that in all things He might have preeminence'."
With God's help and if we labor together, we can increase the numbers of those who will sit at the feet of Christ.
It is up to you and me, as it was with those who came before us to propagate and disseminate the message of Jesus Christ. Each generation must determine its own strategy for announcing the changeless message. We hold the key to the future of Grace Bible and to our children and grand-children's future.
I'd like to share one more memory if you will allow me to; this from my own memory bank.
One day a few years back when I was suffering from deep depression over the loss of my son, I went to Joe Spinella for some advice. He told me that I needed to get my eyes back on Christ. He said that Christ alone was the healer, He alone could change me, He alone could give me hope for the future. Joe shared some scripture with me that he said had helped him many times when the worry and pressures of life threatened to overcome him. I hope it will do the same for you.
Psalm 121
God Is Our Keeper
T will lift up my eyes to the hills-From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand_
The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Psalm 121 NKJ)
JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY,TODAY, AND FOREVER. (Hebrews 13:8 NKJ)
