Our History
Church Establishment and Expansion
The East Williamson Free Methodist Church was established in 1886. In the late 1970s through the early 1980s, the church underwent a major expansion including the construction of the current sanctuary.
Fire and Renovation
In 2014 a fire destroyed 50% of the facility. The building underwent a $1 million renovation to rebuild. The newly renovated facility opened up its doors for a Grand Opening in the fall of 2018 with a new name: Grace Ridge Church.
Pandemic and Transitions
In 2020 the world experienced the Covid-19 Pandemic. Later that year Pastor Tedd Smith retired after 16 years of service at Grace Ridge. In 2021 Pastor Troy Bassett was appointed to the church.
A New Season of Growth
Post-pandemic, the church began to grow in attendance and had a new focus on completing the building renovations. 2021 saw the sale of the parsonage on Townline Rd. Capital funds from the sale allowed the church to finish some remaining renovations left from the 2014 fire including completion of the sanctuary, a new office wing, new classrooms, and a kitchenette.
To keep up with continued growth, the church purchased an abandoned house and property to the East allowing for expansion of the parking lot and adding a green space in the front of the church.
As God continues to direct the leadership of the church, we pray that Grace Ridge will continue to be a light to the surrounding community, helping people take one step closer to Jesus.