From humble openings more than 24 years ago, Grace Church is now hosting multitudes.

Yesterday, the long-time pillar of Dumfries celebrated the opening of their newest facility on Van Buren Road. Hosting several vendors, including the town’s mayor Derrick Wood’s Dyvine BBQ, and joined by several visitors, it was an opportunity for everyone to see just how much the church has grown over the years. Featuring music, dancing, and even a tour of the building, it was a beautiful day for the community to be a part of something, as founder Bishop Derek Grier would say, “Life is Bigger than Yourself.”

He spoke with the PW Perspective shortly before addressing the congregants. “I’m excited that we are able to do this for the community,” said Grier, who started with only 12 members when they opened at a high school back in 1998. “We’ll be able to work with families, it will be a place for our youth to come together, and most importantly, on the spiritual part, helping to ensure that lives are being changed. It’s not about the building, but it’s about lives being changed.”

“It’s been an amazing journey. Our congregation is full of incredible people. During the past two years, we’ve had to say goodbye to many people, but we’ve also seen many babies come into the world, and it has been an honor to serve.”

One advantage of the new facility will be the ability to host more events for families, as sometimes in which they had to turn upwards of 30 people away due to lack of adequate spacing. “Tomorrow, to be able to worship under one roof and to see the smiles on people’s faces is going to be amazing. I’m so proud of this congregation.”

Those comments were echoed by a long-time parishioner named Kevin, who has been with the church for 12 years, and he talked about what it means to have the facility in its new location.

“It’s a joy to be here, especially in that we’re able to work with the community, and aid anyone that is in need. As partners with Dumfries, that is what our goal is to strengthen those who need encouragement.”

As for the youth wing, the KidsQuest ministry had to be placed across the street due to the aforementioned overcrowding. Now, they have their own multi-purpose area that will allow for several rooms of worship, learning, and other activities. The heads of the ministry, Cedric and his wife Camille, spoke about its importance of having the youth all together.

“The team are really dedicated to serving our children to ensure that they have a deep understanding of who God is, and to lead them into salvation,” said Cedric.

“Knowing that the lives that are being able to come together as one body,” said Camille, “there will be a handoff of older children to help the younger ones. Having the space where they can all worship is incredible, and we’re really excited.”

Grace Church will host their annual turkey giveaway on Saturday 11/19 at 10am at their facility, located at 17100 Van Buren Road in Dumfries.