Grace Apostolic celebrates 45th anniversary

Grace Apostolic Family Worship Center recently celebrated its 45^th anniversary, the promotion of Pastor A. John McCoy to suffragan bishop, and birthday of the Co-Pastor Norma McCoy

On September 13 through 16, Grace Apostolic Church and Family Worship Center celebrated 45^th years of service in the St. Louis area. This was an extraordinarily special milestone.

Achieving 45 successful years as a church and in church leadership is commendable. In April, the founder, District Elder A. John McCoy, was consecrated and promoted to suffragan bishop in the Pentecostal Assembly of the World organization. And this 45^th Church Anniversary celebration began on the birthday of the Co-Pastor Evangelist Norma J. McCoy, September 13.

The Grace Apostolic Church Family was excited to celebrate its history and honor its founders and leaders, newly named Suffragan Bishop A. John McCoy and Evangelist Norma J, McCoy. 

Pastor Tanya Brown from Alton, Illinois and Bishop Larry Jones were the guest speakers on September 13,  Bishop James A. Johnson on September 14, and Suffragan Bishop Tommie Harsley and Pastor Joe Middleton on September 16.   Each of these leaders has supported Grace Apostolic Church throughout its impressive church history.

Grace Temple Church was founded in the year of 1967.  District Elder A. John McCoy and Evangelist Norma J.  McCoy after much prayer and fasting and counseling from  Bishop James A. Johnson and the late Diocesan, Bishop Phillip Lee Scott, said yes to the calling of the Lord.

On August 10, 1967, Grace Temple Church was officially organized by Bishop P L Scott and Rev. A. John McCoy was installed as pastor.  The church met and broke bread from house to house through November 1967. On December 1, 1967, Grace Temple Church observed its’ Grand Opening at our first location, 2525 North Taylor Ave. at Cottage St. Louis, Missouri. At that location, membership increased to over 50 parishioners. The church remained at that site until the end of December 1971.

In 1972, the congregation moved to 4319 North 20th St. as renters of part of the building for the first two years. In December of 1974 the church purchased the entire building, which included 4317 through 4323 and began extensive renovation. In 1979, the church purchased two lots adjacent to our building, had it paved and striped for parking and put a new cyclone fence all around the property. At that location, membership increased to over 150 parishioners. On December 6, 1982, the Lord blessed us to liquidate the mortgage of this property.

The church was incorporated in 1984 and given the new and current name, Grace Apostolic Church, Inc. Later in the same year plans were made and funds were raised to give the building a new face lift.  Because of the historical area the Hyatt Park officials would not grant a permit to change the structure of our building.  In January 1986, the church began capital campaign to create Christian Day Care Center. The campaign was a success.

Upon the approval of the State of Missouri and the City of St Louis, Evangelist Norma J. McCoy founded the Grace Christian Day Care Center and Monday, April 7, 1986 was the grand opening. In March of 2004, the church reorganized its third childcare center, a state licensed preschool with a 60-80 child capacity serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age, Grace Child Care Learning Center.

The church made a substantial down payment in Riverview on April 23, 1987. The contract for purchase of 520 Chambers Rd. was closed and finalized on June 29, 1987. In March of 1998, the church liquidated the mortgage five years ahead of schedule. The church celebrated a Mortgage Burning Ceremony on September 27, 1998, officiated by Bishop James A. Johnson.

With over 200 parishioners, the church sought a larger location. While the Pastor and First Lady were in the Holy Land, Calvary Lutheran Church became available at 11770 Seven Hills Drive in Florissant. On January 20, 1999, the church was able to purchase this site. On February 14, 1999, the church held a police motorcade from 520 Chambers to 11770 Seven Hills Dr. 

From 1999 to 2012, the church has completed major remodeling renovations to form the $1.3 million church and childcare complex that stands today. While at this location, Pastor McCoy has been elevated from a district elder to suffragan bishop in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Organization.