OUR STORY
Grace Community Church of Franklin Lakes began with a desire to worship, study God’s Word, and serve. In March 1950, a group of believers, having met for years in homes for Bible study and Sunday School, formally established the Franklin Lakes Gospel Church. As the town grew, so did the need for a local Christian witness, and under the leadership of early pastors like John Lusk and C. Herbert Hage, the church laid its physical and spiritual foundation.
Over the years, the church welcomed a succession of faithful pastors who helped shape its identity and ministry, including Rev. Charles Notson, Rev. Carl McConchie, and Rev. Merle Young. These years brought biblical teaching, musical growth, missions support, and physical expansion, including the construction of the sanctuary, parsonage, and facility upgrades. In 1974, the church became known as Grace Community Church, a name that reflected its evolving mission and heart for the local community.
Throughout its history, Grace Community Church has remained committed to outreach and discipleship, hosting tent meetings, missionary conferences, Vacation Bible School, and community events like Easter Sunrise Services and youth programs. Significant moments such as the 50th Anniversary celebration in 2000 and the mortgage burning in 1982 marked God’s continued faithfulness.
In recent years, the church celebrated its 75th anniversary and brought on John Dere as Lead Pastor, which has ushered forth a fresh, exciting chapter in the life of Grace Community Church. With hearts full of hope and a vision for growth, we are so excited for all that God has in store for the future of our beloved community church.