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Grace Episcopal Church was originally organized by Episcopal lay reader, George Buzelle, in the late 1880’s. He began holding services in the loft of the Bowman Building (formerly Kalbus Office Supply). In 1889 he organized the construction of Nampa's first church building on 12th Avenue between First and Front Streets. The lot was donated by the town’s founder, Alexander Duffes. Buzzelle eventually completed his training for the priesthood, and the building was then consecrated as an Episcopal Church. The building was later moved to the corner of 3rd Street and 12th Avenue. Rev. Buzelle gave the church the name Grace Church, taken from the name of the church where he was baptized in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
During the tenure of Rev. C.A. McKay in 1936, the property on 10th and 4th Avenue was purchased for $5,000. Construction on the current church building was begun in July of 1940, consecration was on December 18th, with services starting on Christmas Eve of 1940. The church altar was donated by the Jennings family in memory of Arch Deacon Samuel Jennings who served Grace Church from 1891 to 1893 and again from 1895 to 1910. The first pews were installed and used in June of 1942 while Bishop Frank Rhea was rector. The previous church building at 3rd and 12th was demolished, but the parish hall and rectory building (called in its time a recreation hall) was moved and is now the Nampa Grange Hall on 1st Street South.
On February 13th, 1945 the congregation approved a petition to become a self-supporting parish and a vestry was created. Their first act was to elect the Rev. McKay as the parish’s first rector.
The church celebrated its 100th anniversary on March 26th 1989 and Mayor Winston K. Goering and the city council named that Month of May as Grace Episcopal Church month. The resolution also cited the members for being “an integral and viable part of the community” during those 100 years.
Worship times
Holy Eucharist with Coffee Hour fellowship following the service
Volunteer opportunities
As Episcopalians we are clear that all persons are empowered and called to ministry at their baptism. Here at Grace, we have come to believe that profound transformation comes from servant ministry with “people not like us”. To that end, we encourage everyone to be involved in this ministry in some way. We would like everyone to find a ministry that matches their passion, their need, and the place where they are. If you want to march for immigration reform, let us know. We have a place for you. If you want to send a bag of fruit for snacks for the After School Program, or come and help plant Grace Garden, we are glad to have you. If you just want to attend worship and by your presence, minister to all those gathered, we are grateful. While we have a particular call to ministry and mission in this place, we strive to be open to the individual call of each person who enters our door. We believe that everyone comes with a gift to share.
Ministries
The House Next Door
The House Next Door
Our mission is to accompany and assist single mothers and their children as the mothers pursue appropriate educational degrees, in part, by providing rent-free housing. It is our goal to help young women become successful and self-sufficient, and thereby improve the quality of life for themselves, their children, and the community.
Single Mothers
Our ministry provides housing and help for single mothers and their children. We have a diaper bank and a children's clothing exchange.
Helping Children
We have a Wednesday afternoon/evening program for church and community children.
We also have an Adventure Hiking Club that is held during the summer.
Learning Peace
We are partners with the community in sponsoring Learning Peace, a camp for kids. This is a free four-day camp that teaches peaceful living for over 100 children each summer. The dates for this summer are July 30 - August 2. The camp will be held at the Hispanic Cultural Center.
Grace Community Garden
Five years ago, members of Grace built raised beds on the unused lawn of Grace House and planted a garden. This garden continues to be planted and tended by members. We grow vegetables and fruit and share the food with our neighbors and the migrant/immigrant people in our area.
C-A-T-C-H
What is CATCH?
Charitable Assistance To Community’s Homeless (CATCH), Inc. is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to re-housing and serving homeless families with children. CATCH, Inc. programs support families for up to six months with rental assistance and intensive case management. The CATCH program model represents an unprecedented public/private partnership between regional government, area congregations of faith, local businesses, and strategic charitable organizations.
411 10th Avenue South
Nampa, ID 83651-4137
United States
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