History of Grace ...

OUR ROOTS ...
The roots of Grace Lutheran Brethren Church can be traced back to confirmation classes held in Bottineau beginning in the late 1940s. Pastor Olaf Olsen from Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Antler, ND travelled to Bottineau every Wednesday to hold classes, and he confirmed his first class of three in 1949. Pastor Olsen was also asked to conduct a weekly Bible study and prayer time. He consented to do so, and a small group of believers began meeting at the old Church of God building (220 Ohmer St.—now the north drive of the hospital) from 1947-1953.
GETTING ORGANIZED ...
Several years later, Pastor Joseph Aarhus (Antler Lutheran Brethren) and Pastor Gaylord Jacobson (Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church, Rolette) alternated conducting Sunday evening services in Bottineau. Then, on March 23, 1954, fourteen adults officially organized Grace Mission Church with Joseph Aarhus as their pastor. By that time the church was meeting in the Seventh Day Adventist building at 1015 Ohmer Street (1953-1961).

OUR FIRST BUILDING ...
Growth was slow but steady and soon there were 50-60 people attending weekly. It was time for Grace to acquire its own facility. The congregation had $1601.18 in its building fund and used that money to purchase lots on Sinclair Street for $1100. The congregation then secured a $10,000 loan and work began on a new building in 1959. Volunteer labor was significant, and in February of 1961 Grace moved into its new facility—a simple building with seating for 120 (the current Community Bible Church at 125 Sinclair Street).

The Lord caused the ministry to grow because our congregation was not concerned about building an institution but in reaching the lost for Christ. In fact, a small prayer group met every Sunday morning in the small furnace room to pray for unsaved people and the ministry of Grace. Soon attendance reached 180 and it was time to build again.
  

BUILDING AGAIN ...
In 1972 the congregation purchased the present property, tore down the house located on the site, and leveled the hill to prepare the site for construction. Construction began in the fall of 1973, and the building was completed in the spring of 1974. The cost was $98,000 ($515,000 in 2010 dollars). Church attendance continued to grow to the point where there were two worship services each Sunday to accommodate the 350 in attendance (as well as 212 in Sunday school).

Even though Grace was excited about completing her own building, the church continued to have a mission vision that stretched beyond Bottineau. In 1972 for example, congregational income totaled $26,856.80. Of that amount, $4344.50 (16%) went to mission endeavors of various kinds.

Alvin Strand (1960-1966; 1969-1989) served as Grace’s pastor for 26 years. Evangelism was among his greatest spiritual gifts, and many people were saved as a result of his ministry. His pioneering work helped to lay the foundation for Grace and helped set the spiritual direction of the congregation in the years since.
RECENT YEARS ...
Since Pastor Al resigned in 1989, Grace has had four pastors. Times and styles have changed since 1954, but ministries have continued.  Lives are still being impacted for Jesus Christ, and we look forward to renewed vibrancy and growth in the years ahead.

In 2007 Grace completed its present addition, which doubled the size of the facility to 18,000 square feet (total cost: $805,000).
MILESTONES ...
1953 First Sunday school organized (45 students)
1954 First vacation Bible school held (rented room at Central School)
1955 Women’s ministry group organized (“Mission Workers”)
1956 Youth fellowship group organized with eight young people
1975 Current parsonage built
1979 First youth director called
1996 Radio broadcast began
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