150th Anniversary of Grace Church

1871-2021

Grace Episcopal Church was officially established on March 27, 1871 – the fourth parish established by the Diocese of Central New York since its founding in 1868. At the time of its establishment, which followed a year as a mission, Grace Church occupied a small frame building at the corner of University Avenue and Madison Street. The cornerstone of the present building was laid on June 16, 1876.

**Grace Church looking northwest across University Avenue, ca. 1895.**

Grace Church held two celebrations in honor of its 150th anniversary, which were scaled down from initial plans given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On June 13, 2021, Bishop Dede Duncan Probe officiated at an anniversary service that began in the Welsh Garden. On All Saints Day, November 7, 2021, an anniversary celebration began with a service of remembrance in the Welsh Garden for Grace parishioners whose ashes are interred there. Mother Christine Day led the service and photos of deceased parishioners were set up on the high altar. A city and county proclamation in recognition of Grace’s 150th was read, and a reception was held afterward in the parish hall, where parishioners viewed historical displays, heard recollections from Grace parishioners, and viewed videotaped remembrances that were made during the year (see links below).

Anniversary Posters

A collection of photographs and other images through the years (Susan Keeter)

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150th Anniversary Program – November 7, 2021

Photographs, remembrance of parishioners interred in the Welsh Garden, the city and county proclamation, and recollections of Grace parishioners (Susan Keeter)

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