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GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
Phil. 2:16 Holding forth the Word of Life; that I might rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
The founding Pastor of Grace Baptist Church was Pastor Dewey Ring. He moved to DeLand with a burden to start an independent Baptist church in 1977. Along with his wife, Kay, the church was organized on May 24, 1977. The church met in a garage at the home of Mrs. Helen Swainston in Orange City, Florida.
In 1982, the church purchased the property for its present location: 3170 Howland Blvd, Deltona, Florida.
In December 1982, Pastor Charles Reynolds was called as the second pastor after Brother Ring resigned due to health issues. Pastor Reynolds and his family moved to DeLand in January 1983.
In 1984, the church started work on the new building, which is now our Sunday School rooms and fellowship hall. Ernie Senez Builders was the contractor. The church held its first service in the new building on the first Sunday in August 1984.
In 1985, the church held the first revival meeting with Evangelist Harold Boyd. That same year Brother Boyd preached a mission conference on Faith Promise giving. The first missionary to be sponsored by Grace Baptist Church was Miss E. Bennett. GBC sponsored Miss Bennett over 36 years now. GBC sponsors other missionaries around the world..
In 1996, the church started construction on the new auditorium. It was completed in August of that same year.
Brother Charles Reynolds resigned from GBC in June 2002. He faithfully pastored GBC over 19 years. Today he and his wife, Charlene, enjoy traveling around the USA.
Pastor Steve Darrow became the pastor in July 2002. Along with his wife, Vivian, the church continued to grow and become a strong, family-oriented church. In October 2009, Brother Darrow resigned to follow the Lord’s calling to go back to New York to work with a small church that was in need of a pastor. He was a faithful pastor at GBC over 8 years.
Pastor Dr. Daniel S. Riggs was the pastor of GBC from Dec. 2009 to Feb. 2015. He and his wife, Christy, have twin girls, Courtney and Jessica, a son, Jett, and a daughter, Mary Beth.
In May 2015 Dr. Robert L. Davis became our pastor. He and his wife, Toni, moved to Deltona from Jacksonville, FL.
As GBC continues to grow and implement new ministries, we look forward to all the blessings God has for us. With a spirit of family and love, the members continue to work and strive to do God’s will. It is our goal to stay faithful to God’s Word until Jesus comes. Thank God for His watchful care over Grace Baptist Church. May He find us faithful.