01
Founding Pastor
Dr. Robert J. Patten
Founded Grace in 1980 through Friday evening Bible classes and led the church through its growth, the new sanctuary, and the mortgage burning.
About GMBC
A rich history. A living hope.
For more than four decades, Grace Missionary Baptist Church has been teaching the Word and serving Markham and the surrounding communities.
1980Faithful since
The beginning
It started with Friday night Bible class.
Grace Missionary Baptist Church was founded in February 1980, when Dr. Robert J. Patten ministered to the residents of Markham and surrounding communities during Friday evening Bible classes.
The doors of the church officially opened for Sunday morning worship on the first Sunday of June 1980. Over the years a garage, a church van, and a food pantry were acquired, and Dr. Patten’s vision continued as the Word of God was taught through Sunday School, Bible Study, and Sunday Morning Worship.
Our journey
Milestones of grace
1980
Grace is founded
Founded in February by Dr. Robert J. Patten. Sunday morning worship begins the first Sunday of June.
1990
Building for the future
A Building Committee is established in January to expand the physical plant.
1994
A new sanctuary
The new sanctuary is completed in April.
2003
Mortgage burning
The church rejoices in a Mortgage Burning Celebration on August 24, 2003.
2005
Rev. Larry D. Scott joins Grace
Rev. Scott and his wife, Eloise, join in November. He later serves as Assistant Pastor and becomes Grace’s second Senior Pastor.
2020
A new generation
On March 1, Bishop Dr. Edward Jones, IV becomes the third Senior Pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church.
2025
45 years of grace
The church celebrates its 45th anniversary with the theme “Advancing in Power” (Acts 1:8). See the photos
2026
Our pastor becomes a Bishop
On March 21, Dr. Edward Jones, IV is consecrated to the office of Bishop. Read the story
Pastoral legacy
Built on faithful leadership
Each generation of leadership has built on the foundation laid before it.
02
Second Senior Pastor
Rev. Larry D. Scott
Served as Assistant Pastor, Director of Christian Education, and Director of the Dr. Robert J. Patten Leadership Institute, and was instrumental in completing the Robert J. Patten Educational Annex.
03
Senior Pastor · Today
Bishop Dr. Edward Jones, IV
With his wife La Tanya and their five children, he is dedicated to building on Dr. Patten’s ministry and legacy to reach a new generation.
Read his story
Our vision & mission
Transforming Lives
& Building the Kingdom
Making Grace a place where people can learn of the Lord, and see Him in action.
Come and see
Experience Grace in person.
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SundaysSunday School 9:00a · Worship 10:30a
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Emailinfo@thegracembc.org