Grace Presbyterian Church began in 2003 as a result of the prayers of believers in Oklahoma as well as all over the United States. The founding pastor, Jonathan Dorst, wanted to plant a church that would speak grace to both believers and unbelievers and unite people from all walks of life in worship and service.
The church began in the Dorst's living room on Sunday nights and then started meeting in a storefront on Main Street. Sunday morning meetings began in February of 2004 at the Best Western hotel in Stillwater. In October of that year, the church was able to relocate to Westwood Elementary School, where they stayed until January of 2018.
One of the founding principles of Grace is outreach through the arts. In the early years this was done through open mic nights, concerts, guitar clinics, and a songwriter's circle.
In November 2006, the church ordained its first set of elders, who shepherd and oversee the congregation. In 2008, the church purchased land on 12th street for a future church buiding. In the spring of 2010, the church ordained its first group of deacons, who lead the mercy and service aspects of the church.
We have always had a strong college student presence, which continues to grow through RUF (Reformed University Fellowship).
We have also had a robust women's ministry with weekly Bible studies and practical help for those newly-married, expecting, or in need.
In early 2014 Jonathan felt a call to a different aspect of ministry and took the role of Executive Pastor at RiverOaks Presbyterian Church in Tulsa in June.
Ryan Baker then took over as pastor in the summer of 2014, and continued until he resigned in 2022 to pursue a full-time counseling ministry, StoryMatters.
Jason Averill been the Assistant Pastor since 2020.
Our Senior Pastor, Wilson Van Hooser, came on staff April 30, 2023.
We moved into our new building on January 14th, 2018. Grace is growing numerically; may God continue to make us grow spiritually through the gospel as well!