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
For more than four decades, Grace Missionary Baptist Church has been teaching the Word and serving Markham and the surrounding communities.
The beginning
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
Founded in February by Dr. Robert J. Patten. Sunday morning worship begins the first Sunday of June.
A Building Committee is established in January to expand the physical plant.
The new sanctuary is completed in April.
The church rejoices in a Mortgage Burning Celebration on August 24, 2003.
Rev. Scott and his wife, Eloise, join in November. He later serves as Assistant Pastor and becomes Grace’s second Senior Pastor.
On March 1, Rev. Edward Jones IV becomes the third Senior Pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church.
Pastoral legacy
Each generation of leadership has built on the foundation laid before it.
Founded Grace in 1980 through Friday evening Bible classes and led the church through its growth, the new sanctuary, and the mortgage burning.
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.
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.
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