OUR STORY

In early 1955, a small group of people felt called to start a church in the Glendora-North Covina area. Led by Arnold Pearson, Frank Johnson, and Roy Plummer, they began gathering in the home of Fred and Louise Boyd. Just months later, on July 24, 1955, Grace Church was officially founded at a meeting in Glendora’s Recreational Park.

As the church quickly grew, it became clear that more space was needed. In September 1955, Grace held its first baptism at a neighboring church in West Covina. By October, a church constitution was adopted, and the search for a permanent location began. God provided, leading the congregation to our current property at 1515 S. Glendora Ave in Glendora.

On December 29, 1955, Arnold Pearson was ordained as Grace’s first pastor. Construction of the original sanctuary—now known as the Worship Arts Center—began in September 1956, and the church’s first Vacation Bible School was held the same year. Throughout the 1960s, Grace continued to expand, adding Sunday School programs, Missions Conferences, and the Pioneer Girls program. In 1965, construction began on a larger sanctuary, now called Building A, which was dedicated in October 1966. During this time, attendance grew from just 18 people in 1955 to 325 regular attendees by 1969.

In 1983, Grace Church became a multilingual community with the addition of a Spanish-language service, led by Pastor Lew Whittle. This ministry flourished, further expanding Grace’s reach.

Since 1955, Grace Church has been led by nine Senior Pastors. In 2024, Pastor Kevin Finkbiner became our Lead Pastor, continuing the mission to help people find and follow Jesus.

We’d love for you to be part of our story! Join us at Grace Church of Glendora and experience the community, faith, and purpose that have shaped us for nearly 70 years.