Grace Episcopal Church at the Corner of Second and Washington

From the Defiance Democrat, July 26, 1894...an article describing the beautiful churches and cemeteries of Defiance, Ohio

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

"One of the neatest and most charming churches in the city is the Grace Episcopal church, which stands at the corner of Second and Washington streets.  It is a small brick church, covered with pretty green vines, which make it extremely pretty, cool and attractive.  The interior is quite as inviting as the exterior.  It is nicely carpeted throughout, and some appropriate mottoes are upon the prettily frescoed walls.  The windows are of stained glass and, when open in summer, one can catch a glimpse of the quiet, peaceful river and the dark shadows of the wood beyond, while the soft, sweet breezes float in and the voice of the minister pronounces the words of God.

Grace Episcopal Church from the May 2005, Historic Homes Calendar

The first Episcopal service ever held in the city was in 1851 by Rev. Dr. Walbridge, of Toledo.  Until the year of 1858, various divines conducted services here.  On the first day of May, 1858, the Grace church parish was formed.  After the year 1858, no services were held here for many years, but in 1876, Rev. A. V. Gorrell, of Hicksville, held services here and in time, the present church was built at a cost of $4,000.

It was consecrated April 11th, 1878, by Bishop Bedell.  Under the laws of the Episcopal church of America, no debt must exist on a church or the ground upon which it stands at consecration.  There being a debt of $4,000 on this church, five gentlemen lifted the debt by borrowing the money and giving their individual bond for it in order that the church might be consecrated.  It was a kindly deed and will ever by held in grateful remembrance by the communicants of the church.

Rev. George S. May is the pastor at present, and was installed as minister in December of 1880.  Since that time, the debt has been paid.  Mr. May has worked hard and earnestly for the welfare of the church and much credit and praise is due him.  

A short time ago, one was borne for the last time from the beautiful little, vineclad church, who might almost be called its founder.  He loved it and labored for it.  I  speak of that noblest and best of men, Judge Jacob J. Greene.  Every true heart in the city was touched with sorrow for the loss of the great souled, noble hearted man, whom none knew but to love and to honor, and he was mourned by none more sincerely than the the communicants of the little church he had helped to found and had labored for with such patient enduring helpfulness. 

The rectory stands in the shadow of the church, and is a large and handsome brick building which costs $1,300."