Our History
A little about us
Over 50 years ago, Grace Baptist Church began under the vision of Dr. Ray Kaffenbarger. In 1956, he and his family met with another couple in the Ohio National Guard building to start church services. This lasted for two months, until the owners told them they could no longer use the facilities.
With a passion for the cause of Christ and an unwillingness to quit, they located an old paint store now called the Sycamore House. It was here that the blessings of God began to show on the efforts and labour of the Kaffenbargers. They continued meeting in this building until there was no more room. They filled the upstairs, downstairs, and even the basement. It was evident that God was blessing in a great way. Souls were saved and families found strength in the Word of God.
Eight years later, they purchased a large warehouse on Bloomfield Avenue to hold more Sunday school classrooms and a larger auditorium. After many renovations, the church again outgrew its building.
Dr. Kaffenbarger retired from his pastorate in 1993. Dr. Fortna pastored for 11 years leading the church in the building of a new auditorium. Property was purchased on Children’s Home Road in 1999 to build a new Auditorium and Sunday School classrooms.
In 2004 the church called George W. Riddell IV to be the pastor. Pastor Riddell pastored for 6 years and helped the church in many ways.
In November of 2010 the church called Aaron Samples to be the new pastor. We are looking forward to many wonderful years as God leads us along.
With a passion for the cause of Christ and an unwillingness to quit, they located an old paint store now called the Sycamore House. It was here that the blessings of God began to show on the efforts and labour of the Kaffenbargers. They continued meeting in this building until there was no more room. They filled the upstairs, downstairs, and even the basement. It was evident that God was blessing in a great way. Souls were saved and families found strength in the Word of God.
Eight years later, they purchased a large warehouse on Bloomfield Avenue to hold more Sunday school classrooms and a larger auditorium. After many renovations, the church again outgrew its building.
Dr. Kaffenbarger retired from his pastorate in 1993. Dr. Fortna pastored for 11 years leading the church in the building of a new auditorium. Property was purchased on Children’s Home Road in 1999 to build a new Auditorium and Sunday School classrooms.
In 2004 the church called George W. Riddell IV to be the pastor. Pastor Riddell pastored for 6 years and helped the church in many ways.
In November of 2010 the church called Aaron Samples to be the new pastor. We are looking forward to many wonderful years as God leads us along.