As the Great Dam on the Merrimack River was being built in 1845, the Eastern Diocese of the Massachusetts Episcopal Church was divided into three districts: east, west and south. The Missionary Association of the Eastern District (Essex and Middlesex Counties) believed they should establish a church in the area to serve the men working on the dam and the mills. The Rev. George Packard had been a missionary at large to the towns of Beverly, Woburn and Merrimack. With the help of Samuel Lawrence and Rev. Packard, a church was established on land granted by the Essex Company. The site given became the present site of Grace Church at the corner of Jackson and Common Streets. The original building was wood-framed and built for a cost of $1350 with the proviso that the congregation would rebuild in stone within five years. Grace Church became the first church building in Lawrence. The first church service was held on October 11, 1846. This building was replaced by the present stone building and dedicated on May 2, 1852. The old wooden building was moved to Garden Street and served the church for weekday services and Sunday school until 1878. The church was enlarged, and a new organ was installed in 1896.

The congregation published the parish year book beginning in 1872. The Grace Church Monthly began publication in 1891. The church was composed of a number of groups: the Women’s Auxiliary (originally Parish Aid), the Mother’s Society, the Eureka Club (formerly the Junior Auxiliary), the Young Women’s Guild (a branch of the Girl’s Friendly Society), The Altar Guild (originally the Chancel Committee), The Men’s Club, The Dramatic Club, The Ben Ardens, The Grace Church Players, The William Lawrence Club (a branch of Young People’s Fellowship), Little Helpers, Married Couples Club and the Church Periodical Club. A number of troops of Boy and Girl Scouts used the church for their meetings. William Lawrence, a member of the Abbott Lawrence family, was pastor of Grace Church for a number of years in the 19^th century and went on to become the Episcopal Bishop of the State of Massachusetts. Grace still has a very active congregation. Esperanza Academy, a parochial middle school, is housed in the parish house.

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IN WORSHIP

Please join us for our weekly teachings. Every week, we strive to speak to you of life change, to exalt Christ, and to bring the Word to life.

Our Regular Church schedule is as follows:

Sunday Mass - 8 am

Domingo Misa - 10 am