Grace Baptist Church was founded in 1914 by Rev. James A. Sutherland. The original sanctuary building sat on the corner of 7th and Santa Clara, and was called “The Lighthouse Church” for the prominent lighthouse that sat atop its architecture. This lighthouse symbolized how the church served as a beacon of hope to the downtown community, particularly to those suffering from the Great Depression. 

 

On July 26th, 1941, the church officially relocated to its present building on the corner of 10th and E. San Fernando. It was formally dedicated with the statement, "The church must be a servant of the community, and a fine building means nothing if it does not meet the needs of the community." Throughout its history, Grace Baptist Church has remained a “lighthouse” to its downtown neighbors. During the 1950s, Grace promoted peace and protected those who suffered from all forms of injustice. Through the Shorty Collins Ministry, the church protested the Vietnam War and supported the Civil Rights Movement. 

 

In the 1960s, when San Jose was suffering from urban blight, many churches started leaving downtown for the suburbs. Grace Baptist Church made the decision to stay downtown, using its facilities to serve the neighboring community. Under the leadership of Rev. John Akers, Grace Baptist Church helped start San Jose Urban Ministry in the early 1970s. Urban Ministry went on to become InnVision Shelter Network, and is still active as LifeMoves.

 

When the Reagan Administration cut funding for the Lanterman Act, Grace Baptist Church formed the Grace Community Center, which served the homeless and mentally ill who had been displaced to the streets. The church also became involved in community programs that would eventually lead to an affiliation with PACT: People Acting in Community Together.

 

In the present day, Grace Baptist Church provides shelter and other services to the homeless and disadvantaged from its facility that has existed for over 80 years. Through its extensive community service and ecumenical work, Grace continues to be a lighthouse to its neighbors in San Jose. Its sanctuary currently listed as a historic resource in the Historic Resources Inventory.