The History of Grace Independent Baptist Church (Concise Edition)

The property now occupied by Grace Independent Baptist Church was first recorded in 1911 as part of Section 28, Township 3 South, in Bay County, Florida. Originally subdivided into five-acre tracts, the land changed ownership several times before becoming connected with the church’s history. In 1958, Lot 53—the tract where the mission house now stands—was purchased by Carl and Ruth Martin, Christians who desired the property to be used for the Lord’s work. In August 1959, they sold it to Grace Bible Church, Inc. Trustees John P. Jackson, W.C. York, and Bill Holliman secured a loan to finance the purchase. Later, Lot 44, the site of today’s sanctuary, was given to the church in 1971 by Judge and Mrs. Sapp to ensure the church would have “good neighbors.” Over time, existing structures were removed to make way for future expansion.

The Church’s Beginning (1957)

Grace Bible Church was born out of doctrinal conviction. In the mid-1950s, Cove Baptist Church faced internal division when its pastor sought to affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention. On May 1, 1957, a congregational vote resulted in the conservative group losing by six votes. Ninety-five members chose to withdraw and form an independent church free from denominational ties.

Dr. and Mrs. Brewer graciously provided an empty house on Harrison Avenue—where McDonald’s now stands—as the church’s first meeting place. A prayer meeting was held May 9, 1957, and the first regular service took place May 12, with C.E. Gibson preaching. Bill Holliman, former choir director at Cove Baptist, provided key leadership in these early months. Dr. Thurwald Johnson and Billy Griffin helped fill the pulpit while the church searched for a pastor.

From the beginning, the church demonstrated strong evangelistic zeal. Young people canvassed neighborhoods and bus stations, inviting others to services and fellowship gatherings. Mrs. R.L. McKenzie opened her home for youth fellowship, where many unsaved young people heard the gospel and were converted.

Military Ministry and Early Growth

Grace quickly developed a fruitful ministry among military personnel from Tyndall Air Force Base. Several servicemen were saved or strengthened in their faith and later entered Christian ministry. Among them were Daniel Compas, who went to South America as a missionary; Lee Larson, who became the church’s fourth pastor; and others who served faithfully in various Christian works. This military connection became a lasting part of the church’s ministry.

Music was central from the beginning. Under Bill Holliman’s direction, the choir enthusiastically prepared hearts for the preaching of God’s Word. Even in those early years, the choir performed substantial works such as Mendelssohn’s Elijah. God-honoring music continues to be a hallmark of Grace.

Pastor Melvin Moody and the First Building (1958–1964)

In June 1958, the church called Pastor Melvin Moody of Maine. He accepted and began a seven-year pastorate remembered for strong, compassionate preaching. During this time, the church sought permanent property. In August 1959, the congregation unanimously approved purchasing five acres on Highway 77 and constructing a modest masonry building, much of the labor to be donated by members.

Construction became a labor of love. Men worked long hours after their regular jobs, while ladies prepared meals for the workers. Buck Revels provided invaluable oversight and assistance. The building was completed and dedicated on November 29, 1959, with Dr. Bob Jones, Jr. preaching. It was a season of unity, sacrifice, and thanksgiving.

In 1964, Pastor Moody resigned to help establish Dublin Christian Academy in New Hampshire, leaving behind a strong spiritual legacy.

Pastoral Transitions and Improvements (1964–1974)

Ralph McGilvra became the second pastor in November 1964. During his ministry, improvements were made to the parsonage. He was followed in 1967 by Moody Roberts, under whose leadership plans were made for additional facilities, including a Sunday School building and baptistry, funded largely through the generosity of Judge and Mrs. Sapp.

In July 1970, Lee Larson became the fourth pastor. During his tenure, the church changed its name to Grace Independent Baptist Church. In March 1971, the mortgage was burned after a $10,000 loan from a friend of the church was later forgiven. Once again, Dr. Bob Jones, Jr. participated in the special service. Pastor Larson departed in 1972 to serve in Christian education.

Billy Baugham followed briefly as the fifth pastor before leaving to serve as a U.S. Army chaplain.

Pastor Jim Jones (1974–1993)

In August 1974, Pastor Jim Jones arrived, beginning nearly twenty years of faithful service. A former Navy chaplain, he was known for compassion, strong biblical preaching, and personal involvement in church life. Under his leadership, Grace maintained a robust missions program supporting thirty-eight missionary families.

In 1993, a portion of the property along Highway 77 was sold to fund future expansion. Tragically, Pastor Jones passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 22, 1993. His long pastorate left a profound impact on the church.

Pastor Larry Curtis and Expansion (1994– )

Pastor Larry M. Curtis became the seventh pastor in 1994. During his early years, the church experienced significant growth, necessitating expanded facilities. Groundbreaking for a new sanctuary took place in 1996, and after approximately eighteen months of construction—assisted greatly by Neal Hultstrom—the new sanctuary was dedicated on May 3, 1998. The project was marked by harmony and God’s evident blessing.

Further improvements followed: the original building became a Fellowship Hall with a large kitchen; a playground and patio were added; and the parsonage was converted into a mission house for visiting missionaries. Landscaping projects enhanced the property’s appearance and testimony.

Missions remained central under Pastor Curtis. Building on the existing foundation, the church increased both the number of supported missionaries and the level of financial support, expanding from thirty-eight to forty-seven missionary families.

In June 2001, Assistant Pastor Mike Jones and his wife Susie joined the ministry, meeting needs in youth, music, and piano ministry. Their service strengthened the church’s next generation.

In 2008, Pastor Curtis retired and in 2009 the church called Pastor Mike.  He has served as Senior Pastor to this current moment.  In his first year of ministry, he led the church in calling Darrell Bevis as his assistant in music and education.

A Continuing Testimony

From its birth in doctrinal conviction to its seasons of sacrifice, growth, and pastoral transition, Grace Independent Baptist Church has sought to remain faithful to the Word of God. Through evangelism, military outreach, missions support, Christ-honoring music, and strong pastoral leadership, the church has maintained the solid foundation laid by its founding members.

Trusting in the Lord’s continued guidance, Grace Independent Baptist Church presses forward, seeking to remain faithful to the task God has given—to preach the gospel, disciple believers, and glorify Christ in Bay County and beyond.