The History of Grace

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church was a plant church from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp  Hill.  On March 23, 1947, the first Sunday morning services were held in Gorgas Hall, the Lower Allen Township community building and fire hall.  Dr. W. W. Barkley was sent by the Lutheran Mission Board to be the leader of this mission project and was called as the first pastor of the church.  There were 144 charter members and 25 more were added before the rolls were closed.   Barkley Chapel was dedicated on November 13, 1949.  The Rev. C. Arthur Neal was called to serve at Grace on March 1, 1949 and led the church until his retirement in 1987.  During his tenure ground was broken for the building that is now Grace in November of 1955 and dedicated on January 20, 1957. 

Below are some images from Grace over the years.  If you are interested in reading more about the history of Grace, the Rev. C. Arthur Neal wrote a book "Reflections: A Memoir of the Life of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, 1949-1987" which can be picked up in the church office.