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A BRIEF HISTORY OF GRACE UMC
Grace United Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in Manassas, tracing its roots to 1867.The move from "Old Town" to our current location in 1994 enabled the church to have additional parking, greater visibility, and embark upon new ministries. A detailed history of the church is recorded in the book, By Grace We Are Saved: The History and People of Grace UMC, 1867 - 1997, which may be purchased or checked-out from the church library.
Growth Through Reflection
During the years 1867-68, services may have been held in private homes, but Hixson Hall is identified as the first known meeting place of Southern Methodists in Manassas. Located on the corner of Main Street and Quarry Road, and built by George Washington Hixson, a wheelwright and furniture designer, the building housed his woodworking shop and retail store on the lower level and a meeting room, known as Hixson Hall, on the upper level. In 1887-88 the membership was 211.
The building of Zebedee Church was completed in 1890. Its official name was Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, South, but it took its more familiar name from its location at the corner of Center and Zebedee Streets. The church had only one room. Sunday school classes were separated by curtains strung on wires. There was no plumbing, and electric lights were added many years later. In 1918 the membership was 319.
The Last Century
A lot on the corner of Church and Main Streets was purchased in 1911 for $1500. In 1923, during the pastorate of Robert L. Eustler, plans to erect the Grace Church building on the Main Street lot were initiated. Ground was broken in 1926. The congregation met in the basement for services until the interior work on the upper floors was completed. In 1957, adjoining property was purchased, and an education building was added. The structure underwent an extensive renovation and modernization in 1977. A fire of undetermined origin caused significant damage in 1981. In 1984 membership was 1350.
The ground-breaking service for the Hendley Road church took place in 1990. The cornerstone and bell from the Main Street church were relocated to the new property. Our current building was completed in August, 1994. Sunday, September 11, 1994, saw the last service at the Main Street church and the first service at our new eight-acre site, a gift of the Johnson family.
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