OUR CHURCH HISTORY
Serving the Coldstream–Homestead–Montebello Community for Over 150 Years
Grace Baptist Church has been a steadfast beacon of faith in Baltimore’s Coldstream–Homestead–Montebello community for more than 150 years. Founded in 1872 under its first pastor, Rev. Miles Read, the congregation grew through the mission efforts of the High Street and Shiloh churches. As the church developed, pastors such as Rev. Charles Parker, Rev. John B. English, and Rev. J. C. Davidson helped establish Grace as a strong and faithful Baptist witness.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leaders like Rev. William H. Birylor, Rev. William H. Sledge, and Rev. A. R. Love guided the congregation through expansion and community impact. The lengthy pastorate of Rev. John W. Musson (1920–1938) brought stability, while Rev. Leslie M. Bowling (1938–1969) shepherded Grace for more than three decades during a period of growth and transformation. During Rev. Bowling’s tenure, Grace moved to its current location, 3201 The Alameda Baltimore, MD 21218, merging with Alameda Baptist Church. The relocation provided expanded space for ministry, discipleship, outreach, and service to the surrounding community. As with every move in Grace’s history, the transition was guided by prayer, unity, and the conviction that God was leading the congregation forward.
As the Coldstream–Homestead–Montebello community changed in the mid-20th century, so did Grace. A historic shift began when the family of Sister Sandy Wiggins and her husband became the first African Americans to join Grace Baptist Church. Their membership opened the door to a new, more diverse era of worship and congregational life, helping shape the Grace family as it is known today.
That evolution continued when, in 1981, Grace called Rev. Nathaniel “Rock” Milton, becoming the first African-American pastor in the church’s history. His leadership marked a significant step in Grace’s identity as a multicultural, multigenerational congregation. The church remained active and committed through the ministries of pastors such as Rev. Quay Rich, Rev. Trent Hayes, and Rev. Stanley Fuller.
A new era emerged in March 2010 with the installation of Rev. Eric Holder, whose nearly 15-year pastorate brought compassion, stability, and spiritual depth to Grace until his passing in February 2025. Pastor Holder made improvements to our edifice and added new ministries, including the Seniors’ Ministry, the Mighty Men of Grace Choir, the Young Levites, additional Bible Study Classes, and the Food Pantry. Under Pastor Holder’s tenure, Grace grew spiritually and numerically, continuing to fulfill God’s vision and mission for His church.
After prayerful discernment, Grace Baptist Church called Rev. Alan-Michael Carter as its 19th Pastor in October 2025, ushering in a renewed season of discipleship, community engagement, and spiritual revitalization. Pastor Carter’s calling marks both continuity and renewal—standing on the strong foundation built by generations while leading Grace into a revitalized season of worship, fellowship, service, generosity, and community impact.
Pastoral History
From 1872 until today, Grace Baptist Church has changed buildings, merged congregations, crossed racial and cultural lines, and walked through seasons of joy and sorrow. Through every chapter, God has kept Grace and provided Pastoral leadership, and by that same grace, the church looks forward to all that God still has in store.
Rev. Miles Read (1872–1877)
Rev. Charles Parker (1877–1883)
Rev. John B. English (1884–1888)
Rev. J. C. Davidson (1888–1899)
Rev. William H. Birylor (1899–1915)
Rev. William H. Sledge (1915–1917)
Rev. W. H. Carson (1918)
Rev. A. R. Love (1919)
Rev. Dr. John W. Musson (1920–1938)
Rev. Leslie M. Bowling (Sept 1938–1969)
Rev. Dowdy (1969–1977)
Rev. Dever (1978–1979)
Rev. Nathaniel “Rock” Milton (1981–Early 1983) — First African American Pastor of Grace Baptist Church
Rev. Quay T. Rich (1985–1988)
Rev. Trent D. Hayes (1990–1997)
Rev. Stanley Fuller (1999–2008)
Rev. Eric Holder (2010–2025)