About GMBC

A rich history. A living hope.

For more than four decades, Grace Missionary Baptist Church has been teaching the Word and serving Markham and the surrounding communities.

Members of Grace MBC worshipping in the sanctuary
1980Faithful since

The beginning

It started with Friday night Bible class.

Grace Missionary Baptist Church was founded in February 1980, when Dr. Robert J. Patten ministered to the residents of Markham and surrounding communities during Friday evening Bible classes.

The doors of the church officially opened for Sunday morning worship on the first Sunday of June 1980. Over the years a garage, a church van, and a food pantry were acquired, and Dr. Patten’s vision continued as the Word of God was taught through Sunday School, Bible Study, and Sunday Morning Worship.

Our journey

Milestones of grace

1980

Grace is founded

Founded in February by Dr. Robert J. Patten. Sunday morning worship begins the first Sunday of June.

1990

Building for the future

A Building Committee is established in January to expand the physical plant.

1994

A new sanctuary

The new sanctuary is completed in April.

2003

Mortgage burning

The church rejoices in a Mortgage Burning Celebration on August 24, 2003.

2005

Rev. Larry D. Scott joins Grace

Rev. Scott and his wife, Eloise, join in November. He later serves as Assistant Pastor and becomes Grace’s second Senior Pastor.

2020

A new generation

On March 1, Rev. Edward Jones IV becomes the third Senior Pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastoral legacy

Built on faithful leadership

Each generation of leadership has built on the foundation laid before it.

01
Founding Pastor

Dr. Robert J. Patten

Founded Grace in 1980 through Friday evening Bible classes and led the church through its growth, the new sanctuary, and the mortgage burning.

02
Second Senior Pastor

Rev. Larry D. Scott

Served as Assistant Pastor, Director of Christian Education, and Director of the Dr. Robert J. Patten Leadership Institute, and was instrumental in completing the Robert J. Patten Educational Annex.

03
Senior Pastor · Today

Rev. Dr. Edward Jones IV

With his wife La Tanya and their five children, he is dedicated to building on Dr. Patten’s ministry and legacy to reach a new generation.

Read his story

Our vision & mission

Transforming Lives
& Building the Kingdom

Making Grace a place where people can learn of the Lord, and see Him in action.

Come and see

Experience Grace in person.

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