Toledo Grace Brethren Church, Toledo, Ohio: A Historical Overview
The Toledo Grace Brethren Church, located in Toledo, Ohio, boasts a rich and storied history dating back to the late 18th century. Rooted in the United Brethren in Christ denomination, the church’s origins are deeply intertwined with significant religious movements and key figures in early American Christianity.
History & Denominational Background
Founded in 1800, the church’s lineage traces back to a revival movement beginning in 1767, centered around a “Great Meeting” at Isaac Long’s barn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This initial movement was spearheaded by Martin Boehm (1725–1812) and Philip William Otterbein (1726–1813), both influential figures in the burgeoning Christian landscape of the time. The church’s historical roots lie within the United Brethren in Christ denomination, which itself emerged from Wesleyan traditions. The church underwent mergers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, joining the Evangelical Church in 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB) and later merging with the Methodist Church in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Key Historical Elements
The church's early focus was on believer's baptism and the practice of Wesleyan theology, reflecting Arminian beliefs. A significant aspect of the church's early history was its strong stance against slavery, beginning around 1820. The congregation frequently expressed its faith through the memorable phrase “Wir sind Brüder!” (we are brethren!), a testament to the close bonds between Boehm and Otterbein. The church's historical activities also extended to missionary work, including engagement with activities in West Africa (United Church of Canada).
Current Information
The church is currently led by Pastor W. Ray Miller. Services are held at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM. The church’s address is 2533 W Central Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43606.
Frequently Asked Questions
*What is the Toledo Grace Brethren Church?
** The Toledo Grace Brethren Church is a historic Christian congregation rooted in the United Brethren in Christ tradition. The church has a long history of faith and community service.
*Where is the church located?
** The church is located at 2533 W Central Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43606.
*Who is the pastor?
** Pastor W. Ray Miller leads the congregation.
*What services does the church offer?
** The church currently holds services at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
*What is the church’s historical background?
** The church’s origins trace back to a revival movement in 1767, led by Martin Boehm and Philip William Otterbein. It has a long history of upholding Wesleyan theology and standing against slavery.
*What denominations are associated with the church?
** The church is part of the United Brethren in Christ tradition, which evolved through mergers with the Evangelical Church, the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and the Methodist Church, ultimately contributing to the formation of the United Methodist Church.
*Can I visit the church?
** Yes, visitors are always welcome! We encourage you to attend a service and experience our community.
History
Toledo Grace Brethren Church, located in Toledo, Ohio, boasts a rich and enduring history rooted in the United Brethren in Christ denomination, tracing its origins back to the late 18th century.
The church’s story began with a revival movement initiated in 1767, centered around a pivotal “Great Meeting” held in Isaac Long’s barn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
This foundational movement was shaped by influential figures like Martin Boehm (1725–1812) and Philip William Otterbein (1726–1813).
Initially, the church adhered to Wesleyan theology, specifically Arminianism, and practiced believer’s baptism.
A defining characteristic was the strong stance taken against slavery, commencing around 1820, reflecting a commitment to social justice.
The congregation embraced the phrase “Wir sind Brüder!” – “we are brethren!” – a testament to the close relationship between Boehm and Otterbein.
Throughout its evolution, the church experienced several significant mergers.
In 1946, it merged with the Evangelical Church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB).
Further consolidation occurred in 1968 when it joined forces with the Methodist Church, resulting in the creation of the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Despite these changes, the core values and historical dedication of Toledo Grace Brethren Church have remained steadfast.
The church’s story is a testament to resilience and a continuing commitment to faith and community.
Event Details
Est. Attendance:9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM
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Rooted in the United Brethren in Christ denomination, the church’s origins are deeply intertwined with significant religious movements and key figures in early American Christianity.</div>\n<div style="margin-top:1rem;text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">History & Denominational Background</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Founded in 1800, the church’s lineage traces back to a revival movement beginning in 1767, centered around a “Great Meeting” at Isaac Long’s barn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This initial movement was spearheaded by Martin Boehm (1725–1812) and Philip William Otterbein (1726–1813), both influential figures in the burgeoning Christian landscape of the time. The church’s historical roots lie within the United Brethren in Christ denomination, which itself emerged from Wesleyan traditions. The church underwent mergers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, joining the Evangelical Church in 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB) and later merging with the Methodist Church in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church (UMC).</div>\n<div style="margin-top:1rem;text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Key Historical Elements</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">The church's early focus was on believer's baptism and the practice of Wesleyan theology, reflecting Arminian beliefs. A significant aspect of the church's early history was its strong stance against slavery, beginning around 1820. The congregation frequently expressed its faith through the memorable phrase “Wir sind Brüder!” (we are brethren!), a testament to the close bonds between Boehm and Otterbein. The church's historical activities also extended to missionary work, including engagement with activities in West Africa (United Church of Canada).</div>\n<div style="margin-top:1rem;text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Current Information</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">The church is currently led by Pastor W. Ray Miller. Services are held at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM. The church’s address is 2533 W Central Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43606.</div>\n<div style="margin-top:1rem;text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Frequently Asked Questions</div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*What is the Toledo Grace Brethren Church?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** The Toledo Grace Brethren Church is a historic Christian congregation rooted in the United Brethren in Christ tradition. The church has a long history of faith and community service.</div></div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*Where is the church located?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** The church is located at 2533 W Central Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43606.</div></div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*Who is the pastor?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** Pastor W. Ray Miller leads the congregation.</div></div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*What services does the church offer?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** The church currently holds services at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.</div></div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*What is the church’s historical background?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** The church’s origins trace back to a revival movement in 1767, led by Martin Boehm and Philip William Otterbein. It has a long history of upholding Wesleyan theology and standing against slavery.</div></div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*What denominations are associated with the church?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** The church is part of the United Brethren in Christ tradition, which evolved through mergers with the Evangelical Church, the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and the Methodist Church, ultimately contributing to the formation of the United Methodist Church.</div></div>\n<div class="faq-block" style="margin-bottom:1rem;"><div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;">*Can I visit the church?</div><div class="faq-a" style="margin-top:0.25rem;">** Yes, visitors are always welcome! We encourage you to attend a service and experience our community.</div></div>', 'history': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;"><strong>Toledo Grace Brethren Church</strong>, located in Toledo, Ohio, boasts a rich and enduring history rooted in the United Brethren in Christ denomination, tracing its origins back to the late 18th century.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The church’s story began with a revival movement initiated in 1767, centered around a pivotal “Great Meeting” held in Isaac Long’s barn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">This foundational movement was shaped by influential figures like Martin Boehm (1725–<strong>1812</strong>) and Philip William Otterbein (1726–<strong>1813</strong>).</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Initially, the church adhered to Wesleyan theology, specifically Arminianism, and practiced believer’s baptism.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">A defining characteristic was the strong stance taken against slavery, commencing around <strong>1820</strong>, reflecting a commitment to social justice.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The congregation embraced the phrase “Wir sind Brüder!” – “we are brethren!” – a testament to the close relationship between Boehm and Otterbein.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Throughout its evolution, the church experienced several significant mergers.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">In <strong>1946</strong>, it merged with the Evangelical Church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB).</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Further consolidation occurred <strong>in 1968</strong> when it joined forces with the Methodist Church, resulting in the creation of the United Methodist Church (UMC).</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Despite these changes, the core values and historical dedication of <strong>Toledo Grace Brethren Church</strong> have remained steadfast.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The church’s story is a testament to resilience and a continuing commitment to faith and community.</p>', 'disclaimer': None, 'categories': ['Church', 'Holy', 'Christian'], 'admission': None, 'date_available': None, 'attendance_amount': '9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM', 'exhibitor_amount': None, 'delivery_services': [], 'social_media': {}, 'stocked_brands': [], 'inventory_categories': {}, 'customer_reviews': [], 'metadescription': None, 'slug': 'toledo-grace-brethren-church', 'distance': 803.4, 'main_image': {'data': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/6804/', 'is_main': True, 'alt': 'Toledo Grace Brethren Church in Toledo, Ohio', 'uploaded_at': '2025-04-23T02:33:27.862918+00:00'}, 'additional_images': [], 'shop_type_unslug': 'church', 'open_now': 'false'}
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