Thank you to writer Mike Kirby and to The Sun Chronicle for their kind and sensitive coverage of the sudden closing of Grace Episcopal Church in North Attleboro. ( ”Historic church in North condemned,” news story, July 18; “ A church that is so much more than its building ,” by Mike Kirby, column, July 27 ) To those who may have missed the original story, the bell tower at Grace Church collapsed internally, and the building has since been condemned. In his follow-up column, Kirby captured the spirit and determination of the Grace Church parish through the years, from its inception back in 1858, and from its 1930 rebirth as it literally rose again from the ashes.
And he is correct in saying that it is truly heart-breaking to look at what remains of what was once a vibrant church in the heart of the community. We often tell the story that a little boy once pointed to Grace Church and asked his mommy if they could go into that museum. Indeed, our stately structure, with its beautiful stained-glass windows, may have looked like a museum to that little boy but to us, it was as the headline on Kirby’s column stated, the church is so much more than its building.
Over the years Grace Church hosted countless fundraising events, many of them memorable, including Murder Most Mysteries, Festival of Trees, holiday fairs, turkey dinners, senior luncheons, lobster roll luncheons, concerts, and our annual holiday GALA’S. Through our outreach Grace Church supported many local charities, including Lenore’s Pantry, Fuel for the Weekend, Our Open Umbrella, and Christmas is for Kids (to name a few). Grace Church also became a part of the many DANA events, including the annual chocolate stroll, Halloween in the Park, the strawberry shortcake festival, gay pride, and the Back-to-School Shuffle.
Over time we hosted countless support groups, and proudly sponsored Boy Scout Troop 23 for over 90 years. More importantly, we at Grace Episcopal Church welcomed everyone to become part of our Grace Church family to worship with us and to learn more about us. We officiated at countless weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Yes, we were more than just a building. Wherever we may go from here, whether to All Saints Church in Attleboro or to St. John’s Church in Franklin, our priest, the Rev.
Kathy McAdams, will be right by our side, carrying the spirit of Grace Church in our hearts..
