ABOUT US

OUR CHURCH HISTORY...

Grace African Methodist Episcopal, located at 67 1/2 Winters Lane had its beginning in an old schoolhouse on the corner of Winters Lane and Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, Maryland in 1868. It was known as St. John AME Church. Prior to 1868, black residents of Catonsville would travel to Mount Gilboa AME Church in Oella to worship.

There is conflicting evidence about when and how the old building was constructed It is believed that the black community was helped by Ibertus Van Bokkelen (Rector of St.Timothy). After 11 years, property on a beautiful knoll high on Winters Lane was purchased. A wooden frame building was moved from Fulton Avenue, in Baltimore to the current location in Catonsville.

The pastor and congregation changed the church’s name to Grace AME Church. The seating capacity was 150 people. In 1912, the church was destroyed by fire. A larger edifice was built from 1916 to 1918. The church’s pipe organ was later installed in 1928. Many other improvements were made over the years. Today our congregation is growing. There are four buildings. One was used in the past as a residence for our many pastors and is now our Literacy Outreach Center. Another of our structures has been placed on the historic register as a commemoration of the lives of the late Rev. Ida Torsell, and her husband, Samuel Torsell. The third building serves as a Mission Outreach and Multipurpose facility, and the fourth building is being developed into a Youth Outreach Center.

MINISTRIES...

BOARD OF STEWARDS

The Grace A.M.E. Church Board of Stewards serves as spiritual advisors for the congregation and representatives of the pastor and ministerial staff. The board’s role is to foster and support spiritual growth and well-being and financial accountability in the church. We welcome your presence at Grace,

and encourage you to worship and become a part of God’s family.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEPARTMENT

The Young People’s Department (YPD) represents the youth division of the

Fields, Hayes, Young Missionary Society. The YPD’s motto is “Grow, Glow and Go for Christ” and the uniform is forest green, which is symbolic of growth and Christian vitality, and white, which represents purity, light and faith. The YPD consists of the Sunbeams, ages 2-6; the Allen Stars, ages 7-12; the Young People’s Auxiliary, ages 13-17; and the Young Adult Division, ages 18 and over.

MEN’S MINISTRY

The Men’s Ministry is dedicated to uplifting and strengthening the men of God while motivating them to take their rightful places in their homes, churches and communities.

AUDIO-VISUAL MINISTRY

The Audio-Visual Ministry handles the audio-visual needs of the church during worship services, activities and special events.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Being a trustee in God's church is an honor and comes with great responsibility. The Trustee Board manages all of the temporal concerns of the church to include all the real estate such as parsonages and other church properties. When authorized, the Trustee Board also can make improvements to these church properties.

ESTELLE B. BACON LAY ORGANIZATION

The Estelle B. Bacon Lay Organization stimulates and educates the laity in the

doctrine, discipline and practice of the African Methodist Episcopal church. The organization strives to teach, train and provide historical knowledge about the AME church in an effort to reach and bring souls to Christ.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

The Women’s Ministry is Jesus-centered and is focused on helping other women to come to Christ and grow in Christ. It's about encouraging them to understand the gospel, respond to the gospel and apply the gospel to every aspect of life.

FIELDS, HAYES, YOUNG MISSIONARY SOCIETY

The Fields, Hayes, Young Missionary Society provides services to both congregants and the community at large, particularly in times of crisis. In addition to humanitarian work, missionaries often go outside the church to share their faith and convince others to join. According to Mark 16:15, “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM

The Intercessory Prayer Team meets each month to pray for the concerns of the church and for requests made by members, their family and friends. Intercessory prayer is ongoing during the week for spiritual and physical healing and deliverance. It is believed that prayer changes the people praying and the ones being prayed for.

HEALTH MINISTRY

The Health Ministry provides activities and services that encourage and support the physical well-being of Grace A.M.E. Church members. The ministry offers blood pressure screenings, health and wellness fairs, and presentations on health issues that impact the community. Your body is your temple. Taking

care of your health is an important part of your spiritual growth and allows you to worship in good health.

Get Involved In A Ministry

GRACE AME COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (GCDC)...

The Grace AME Community Development Corporation (GCDC), a service-based, non-profit organization, strives and remains viable because of dedicated members who lead, collaborate, and uphold a vision of community improvement. A range of needs persist in the Grace AME (Catonsville) and surrounding communities, and the GCDC exists to do its part in providing targeted support. As we enter 2025, and face times of uncertainty, we ask that you consider how important it is to share your skills, gifts, talents, and experiences with and on behalf of others.

Throughout the 22 years of the GCDC’s history, the organization has provided programs and services in healthcare, youth development, entrepreneurship, and facility improvements. In addition, state and local grant funds allow the GCDC to work towards the rehabilitation of the Torsell Historical Home which houses artifacts highlighting African American life in Catonsville. Visit the website to learn more: https://grace-cdc.square.site/

While we don’t engage in stirring up fear, there exists a sentiment that anticipating the needs of people in our communities is an important proactive approach at this time. The GCDC needs your help to both continue and prepare to provide specific services in Catonsville and surrounding areas. No specific skills are required, as what is most important at this time is commitment to serve! As a 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) organization, the GCDC is uniquely situated to assist our community - with your help.

Email us at gcdc4com@gmail.com to express your interest or for any questions you may have.

Thank you! Tracy B. Jones, President, GCDC