the history of grace orthodox fellowship

In the fall of 1991 a group of Christians began a discussion about starting a new church in the Vineland area. The reason for such a discussion was not due to a lack of churches in the area. Rather, within existing churches there seemed to be a weakness in preaching, a rise in anemic church music, and worship was being replaced with entertainment. The preaching of the whole council of God was lacking.

Pastor E. James (Jim) and Chris DuBois were approached by a group of believers and serious consideration was given to establish a new church. In seeking God’s will for such an endeavor, Pastor DuBois challenged those in attendance to share their Christian testimony. While seated in a circle, each person gave his or her testimony. The circle was unbroken and God’s blessing was paving the way for the start of a new church.

The founding members undertook the official start of a new church on the third Saturday of November 1991. Pastor DuBois would lead the new church in worship. Susan Rushlow would lead in the music ministry. Penny DuBois would teach the children in a Sunday school class during the preaching portion of the worship service. The church began meeting in the Pastor’s home on Sunday mornings.

The name of the church was considered to be a statement of identity. The use of Grace was based upon a commitment to God’s work in our salvation… “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God – Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9) The use of Orthodox was based upon a desire to be accurate and faithful in preaching and teaching truth, which becomes sound doctrine… “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy, 2:15) The use of Fellowship was based upon a desire to focus on relationships… “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3) The theme of the church was established as “Living in and embraced by the sovereignty of God”. The official by-laws and incorporation papers for the state of New Jersey were developed for Grace Orthodox Fellowship, Inc. and the founding members voted and adopted these documents in the first official meeting on December 22, 1991. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the state of New Jersey, Secretary of State on January 6, 1992.

Grace Orthodox Fellowship conducted its worship services, student classes, and fellowship dinners at the Pastor’s home for the first couple of years. The church then moved to a community center in Belcoville, NJ. The move to a community center allowed for an expansion in numbers and activities. The community center allowed for the use of its baseball field for some recreational activities. The church then moved into a church building on Weymouth Road in Vineland, NJ. This church building was small and only available through a lease agreement. The building was not available for purchase or expansion.

A search for a church building finally led the purchase of a building in Minotola, NJ. This building was previously used as a rescue squad. The building was being sold through a real estate broker. The membership of Grace Orthodox Fellowship voted to purchase the building and offered the asking price $240,000.00. Steps were being taken to secure a title search, survey, and appraisal of the building. Unexpectedly, two things occurred which put a halt on the purchase. First, the realtor said the seller was technically the local municipality and, as such, the building could not be sold on the open market. The sale of municipal property must be sold in a closed bid process. Therefore, the lawyers for the municipality voided the original bill of sale. Secondly, while these matters were unfolding, the church received the appraisal of the building. The appraisal came in at only $200,000.00. Since the building was only appraised at $200,000.00 the church made a closed bid for that amount. Since the church was the only bidder, the building was purchased at $40,000.00 less than the original offer. The savings in the purchase price allowed for the church to secure needed furniture, sound equipment, and building alterations to convert the building from a rescue squad to a beautiful worship building with an educational center. The educational center also serves as an excellent fellowship area for luncheons and activities. The church celebrated Resurrection Sunday in its new building on April 2009. Only God could have created the circumstances to secure this building at a $40,000.00 savings.

Grace Orthodox Fellowship has witnessed the blessings of God in many ways. The church has conducted several baptism services. Many enjoyed a variety of weekly Bible studies. A choir was organized under the direction of the late Dorothy E. Wright. A choral Christmas Cantata was a favorite in celebrating the birth of our Savior. Susan Lutes became the director of a fantastic puppet ministry. Musical instruments expanded to include the organ (keyboard) with Katie DeMauro, and a variety of wind instruments with Jacob DuBois. The piano continues under the leadership of founding member Susan (Rushlow) Muller. The church has undertaken the support of missionaries Connant and Janice Carr. Connant serves as a Chaplain to law enforcement agencies in New Mexico. The greatest of all activities, and enjoyed by all, are the church dinners.

Grace Orthodox Fellowship was blessed to have one of its members follow the leading of God into the Pastorate. Lee Harrison requested consideration for his ordination to the Gospel ministry. Typically, a candidate for ordination would develop a comprehensive doctrinal statement. Pastor DuBois and Lee Harrison used the development of Lee’s doctrinal statement as a learning opportunity. Each week Lee would develop a portion of the doctrinal statement and present it to the church as a study during the Sunday evening service. The final outcome was a comprehensive doctrinal statement adopted by Grace Orthodox Fellowship and used by Lee Harrison as his personal doctrinal statement for ordination. The additional benefit to this process was the learning by church members on Sunday nights. Grace Orthodox Fellowship ordained Lee Harrison to the Gospel ministry. As this history of Grace Orthodox Fellowship is being written, Rev. Lee and Judy Harrison are serving in the pastorate of a church in their current hometown in Tennessee.

Pastor Jim and Chris DuBois announced their retirement in early 2018. They had served in ministry for a total of 42 years. This retirement would conclude 27 years of ministry with Grace Orthodox Fellowship. To prepare for Pastor DuBois’ retirement, a Pastor Search Committee was convened. The committee search resulted in the calling of Mark Gebhardt as Grace Orthodox Fellowship’s second pastor. Grace Orthodox Fellowship acknowledged Pastor Jim and Chris DuBois’ 50th wedding anniversary and retirement in November 2018.

Pastor Mark Gebhardt was called upon to lead Grace Orthodox Fellowship through the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. Pastor Mark and Lisa Gebhardt were creative in developing a virtual worship service experience to comply with the state shutdown guidelines.