Church History
Grace Baptist Church was “born of God” in 1960 by a handful of Godly men and woman. These dedicated Christians who were burdened to establish a solid, Bible-preaching, missionary-minded, Christ-centered Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC.
The first pastor was Rev. Moody Roberts. In 1962, Rev. Marshall Godfrey became pastor, followed by Rev. Floyd Paschall in 1965. In 1970, Dr. B. Clayton Shumpert became the pastor and served faithfully for almost twenty years. God brought Dr. Bob Kelley to Grace in 1991 and he pastored for 15 years until his death in October of 2006. In July of 2007, Dr. Bill Egerdahl became the 6th pastor and retired in January 2020. In August 2020, David Goforth become the senior pastor.
From humble beginnings in a small, wood frame white church building, God has seen fit to bless Grace Baptist Church with beautiful facilities on approximately 13 acres of land. Our most recent auditorium was built in 2000 and is able to seat 1,600 people. Thousands of souls have come to know Christ as their personal Savior through the various ministries of Grace Baptist Church.
Grace Baptist Church has a strong foundation, a rich history, and a bright future. It is a Bible-preaching church for a Bible-loving people. It is a meaningful ministry for a needy people. Columbia is in the heart of the state, and Grace Baptist Church has Columbia at heart. To God be the glory!