History of Grace Moravian Church
1923 - The Beginning
At the very beginning of this history of the establishment of a Moravian Congregation in Mount Airy, North Carolina, credit must be given to the late Brother Charles D. Crouch for his vision, enthusiasm, zeal and unceasing effort in bringing about the organization of Grace Moravian Church.
Brother Crouch's first report of activities was dated May 27, 1923. In it he said, "At night I preached to about sixty people in the Town Hall in Mount Airy. Some of the people are moving for a church lot in Mount Airy and regular preaching, which we hope to give them from now on."
A definite step forward had been taken when Brother Crouch could report in January of 1924, "A parsonage has been secured in Mount Airy on West Elm Street, and preparations are being made in earnest to begin work among these people."
Under the heading "New Congregation of Mount Airy, NC" the Wachovia Moravian of April 1925 stated that "Sunday, March 15, was a notable day for our Mount Airy people. In a store building Bishop Edward Rondthaler, Charles D. Crouch, pastor, and Edgar A. Holton, Field Secretary, conducted a two hour service. Ninety six were baptized and received, the largest number to be added at one time and at one place in our history."
The cornerstone for the new church building was laid September 13, 1925, and the erection of the building proceeded. At the close of the year 1925 Brother Crouch could report that the stonework of the church had been completed December 3rd. Services had been held inside the building since the building had been under cover and the subflooring installed on June 4th.
1929 - Brother John Sprinkle becomes pastor
On May 13, 1929, Brother John Sprinkle was installed as pastor, succeeding Brother Crouch who had taken over Mountain Mission work exclusively. The new pastor was a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, Illinois. Two circles of the Women's Auxiliary were organized and a choir was organized in October of the same year. Ill health brought the pastorate of Brother Sprinkle to a close in 1931.
Until the summer of 1933 Grace congregation was served be various ministers and laymen; principal among them was the Reverend Kenneth G. Hamilton.
1933 - Reverend Edward T. Mickey, Jr.
In 1933 the Reverend Edward T. Mickey, Jr. came to us for 11 years. His talent, enthusiasm and most every other attribute carried Grace Church through an important and difficult time. His work with young people carried a great influence into the community and is reflected even today. He organized the band, began the sunrise service, built the parsonage, installed the furnace, taught school, directed the Central Methodist Church choir, preached Sunday morning and evening services. He also Wednesday night prayer meetings, taught band lessons, installed the pipe organ, started Bible School and began an outreach program at Crooked Oak, a small rural church in Virginia.
On a Wednesday afternoon in 1942, Andy Griffith arrived at the back door of Grace Moravian to learn to play trombone. Reverend Mickey had started a band to play chorales for special services and the band at that time had about a dozen members. Even though Andy lived two miles across town, he rode rode his bicycle every Wednesday to "learn horn" from Reverend Mickey. Later learning several different instruments and singing in the choir, Andy was a great musical talent and. Reverend Mickey and Andy continued their friendship for many years after that. Reverend Mickey describes Andy as "an enthusiastic, wholesome individual, who always had a contagious wit and zest for life."
Reverend Mickey left Grace Church in 1944.
1955 - Sunday School Addition
As growth occurred and needs increased, a Sunday School wing was built in 1955. The Reverend Robert Iobst was pastor of Grace Moravian at the time, succeeding Reverend Herbert B. Johnson in 1954.
1962 - Sanctuary Renovation
The next large building project was the complete renovation of the sanctuary in 1962. The old sanctuary was very dark and outdated. Services were held in the basement as this work was being done. The project included new pews, pulpit furniture, lighting, carpet, ceiling and heating system. A slight enlarging of the sanctuary to the choir area was also done.
The Reverend Raymond T. Troutman was pastor of Grace at the time, having succeeded Reverend Iobst in 1959.
1965 - Christian Education Building
Plans were made in 1965 for a new addition to include Sunday School rooms, offices, restrooms, kitchen and a Fellowship hall. The steeple was also replaced at this time as it was very boxy and did not have a spire. The spire was added in 1966. Pastor Joe Gray had taken over after Reverend Troutman left in 1966.
1969- Reverend Harold Cole succeeds Reverend Joe Gray
1974 - Reverend Charles Fishel succeeds Reverend Harold Cole
1985 - Reverend Stuart Zimmerman becomes Pastor of Grace Moravian
1994 - Reverend Neil Routh becomes Pastor of Grace Moravian
1999 - Reverend Timothy Byerly becomes Pastor of Grace Moravian
Information for this history was gathered from the "Grace Moravian 75th Anniversary" church publication.
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