Our Story

The story of The Grace Center Church begins with Eric Simmons, who dedicated 15 years of his life as the lead Pastor to a remarkable church in Philadelphia. This church had deep roots tracing back to 1935 and was known as the First Baptist Church of Paschall.

Eric had a vision to create a unique church experience, one that welcomed all seeking a profound connection with God. He envisioned a place for those who were hurting, broken, and lost, and he aimed to infuse this vision with a non-traditional approach to church.

Simultaneously, Eric was also assisting another prominent Philadelphia church, the Word Tabernacle Church, which had been without a leader for several years. This presented the perfect opportunity to unite a passionate Pastor, a dedicated church, and a thriving community.

Pastor Eric decided to merge these two congregations, resulting in the birth of The Grace Center Church, a contemporary Christian community centered around the values of community and family.

The church acquired a former medical office complex encompassing over 4 acres near the airport. This facility now includes a community wellness center with more than 40,000 square feet of space, featuring a daycare, medical offices, mentoring and counseling programs, as well as a small auditorium. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a 35,000 square foot new church and multiplex on the site.

On March 1st, 2020, the very first service was held at this new location. The church was founded on the principles of grace and free worship, blended with an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and love.

The Grace Center Church is a place where individuals both on and off-campus come together to pursue God, find a sense of belonging within a loving family, connect with meaningful causes, and prosper in their journey to make a positive impact on the world. Through its ministry, the church has touched and transformed many lives.

We extend an invitation to experience firsthand the excitement of church life when the focus is kept simple, and individuals are encouraged to freely seek their spiritual path. Come and discover the unique journey of The Grace Center Church for yourself.