"O God, when all who here hear your Word
Are so awakened that they truly turn to Thee
And offer Thee their hearts and souls and very all
Within such people Thou dwellest
That is the Lord's house."
By 1957 the
mainline denominations present in Geneva had begun to falter under the
influence of the German liberal movement that infiltrated the United
States in the 1800's. The local Baptist churches had all been
organized into conventions, and Neo-Orthodoxy, Ecumenism, and
Neo-Evangelicalism were widespread. Because of this, many local
residents began to desire a return to historic Baptist principles.
Rev. Albert Williams responded to the yearning of these residents, and
began to once again articulate the historic doctrine and practice of
Baptists in accordance with the Word of God. In the fall of that year
a church was organized, and by spring the following year a
constitution, covenant, and articles of faith were adopted that were
consistent with these original, or "regular" Baptist beliefs - beliefs
that represented a unique blend of Particular Baptist and General
Baptist teachings throughout history.
In the light of the prominence of conventionism and compromise among other congregations locally, and with a desire to remain unspotted by apostasy and sin, the doctrine of separation was a central concern to this congregation. Realizing, however, that it was but a tiny corner of Christ's kingdom, and that such an emphasis upon holiness can lead to isolationism, Grace Baptist Church sought to officially associate with other Baptists of like faith and practice. In May, 1958 it was recognized as a fellowshipping church of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. The church also continues a longstanding relationship with the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches, as well as various other local church fellowships and ministries.
In January 1958 a missionary budget was approved which has served as the cornerstone of the church's finances ever since. While a particular focus has been upon home and foreign missions, as well as Christian camps, children's ministries, and colleges, our current interest also includes supporting foreign nationals in ministry. Several hundred thousand dollars has been contributed and carefully distributed by this church since our inception, and many of our own members have committed themselves to the Lord's work in full time service. Bible scholars, Christian school teachers, foreign and home missionaries, even full time leaders of children's ministries have resulted from the church's ambitious pursuit of the Great Commission.
Our facility includes seating for 200, multiple classrooms, offices, restrooms, a nursery, a library, a gymnasium, and a dining hall (w/ kitchen). Most are handicapped accessible.
As you enter the auditorium you will notice that a pulpit stands at the very front and center.
For the past 50 years, preaching has been the focus of our public services. Singing provides a vital tool as a reinforcement for teaching. We use a piano and organ for instrumental accompaniment. Hymn books containing words and music are available in pews. Electronic sound amplification assists the hearing impaired, and most services are digitally recorded. Generally, our Sunday morning service is more formal, in both structure and attire. Evening services are somewhat less so.
For those with toddlers, a staffed nursery is provided during Sunday school and Sunday morning services. Expect Sunday morning service to end about 12:10pm. While most visitors initially start out with this service, many have found that they like our other ministries even better, as they are less formal, allow for more interaction, and provide a better opportunity to become acquainted with our individual members. The opportunity to ask questions and carry on discussion draws many to our Sunday school. Our extended music service on Sunday evening, combined with opportunity to sing favorite song requests, and hear about our missionaries, is a favorite time of many. And our midweek service is especially refreshing to those who need an extra spiritual boost in the middle of their hectic work week.
Visitors are asked to fill out a visitor information card and leave it with us so that we may have a record of their visit for possible follow-up (you can indicate on the card whether you are interested in this service or not). Offering plates are passed during each service for the convenience of our members only. While visitors are not forbidden from making a contribution, Grace Baptist does not solicit funds from anyone but church members for its support.
In the light of the prominence of conventionism and compromise among other congregations locally, and with a desire to remain unspotted by apostasy and sin, the doctrine of separation was a central concern to this congregation. Realizing, however, that it was but a tiny corner of Christ's kingdom, and that such an emphasis upon holiness can lead to isolationism, Grace Baptist Church sought to officially associate with other Baptists of like faith and practice. In May, 1958 it was recognized as a fellowshipping church of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. The church also continues a longstanding relationship with the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches, as well as various other local church fellowships and ministries.
In January 1958 a missionary budget was approved which has served as the cornerstone of the church's finances ever since. While a particular focus has been upon home and foreign missions, as well as Christian camps, children's ministries, and colleges, our current interest also includes supporting foreign nationals in ministry. Several hundred thousand dollars has been contributed and carefully distributed by this church since our inception, and many of our own members have committed themselves to the Lord's work in full time service. Bible scholars, Christian school teachers, foreign and home missionaries, even full time leaders of children's ministries have resulted from the church's ambitious pursuit of the Great Commission.
Our facility includes seating for 200, multiple classrooms, offices, restrooms, a nursery, a library, a gymnasium, and a dining hall (w/ kitchen). Most are handicapped accessible.
As you enter the auditorium you will notice that a pulpit stands at the very front and center.
For the past 50 years, preaching has been the focus of our public services. Singing provides a vital tool as a reinforcement for teaching. We use a piano and organ for instrumental accompaniment. Hymn books containing words and music are available in pews. Electronic sound amplification assists the hearing impaired, and most services are digitally recorded. Generally, our Sunday morning service is more formal, in both structure and attire. Evening services are somewhat less so.
For those with toddlers, a staffed nursery is provided during Sunday school and Sunday morning services. Expect Sunday morning service to end about 12:10pm. While most visitors initially start out with this service, many have found that they like our other ministries even better, as they are less formal, allow for more interaction, and provide a better opportunity to become acquainted with our individual members. The opportunity to ask questions and carry on discussion draws many to our Sunday school. Our extended music service on Sunday evening, combined with opportunity to sing favorite song requests, and hear about our missionaries, is a favorite time of many. And our midweek service is especially refreshing to those who need an extra spiritual boost in the middle of their hectic work week.
Visitors are asked to fill out a visitor information card and leave it with us so that we may have a record of their visit for possible follow-up (you can indicate on the card whether you are interested in this service or not). Offering plates are passed during each service for the convenience of our members only. While visitors are not forbidden from making a contribution, Grace Baptist does not solicit funds from anyone but church members for its support.
