Grace Episcopal Church

In late 2018, a newly built Parish House adjacent to the church was dedicated at what has been said to be the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in the Diocese of Chicago. This long desired addition offers full accessibility to those who worship there. Access was not in the minds of those who built the historic church out of the limestone rocks of Galena in 1848. Consequently, many parishioners had been unable to take part in fellowship and formation events. Now, all people without regard to age or physical condition are able to worship, learn, and play together, and the joy is most evident on Sunday mornings as nearly the entire congregation remains after worship for coffee, refreshments, and conversation. 

Grace is a welcoming, inclusive, and inviting community of faith that had its beginnings in 1826 in the far northwest corner of Illinois that is part of what is known as the "driftless region"--a place of uncharacteristic hills, valleys, and bluffs that the glaciers missed. At that time, Galena was a frontier, a lead mining town, and the access for steamboats through Mississippi and then the Fevre (now, Galena) Rivers, made it a bustling place once expected to become the center of commerce. The railroads choosing different routes and the emigration of miners during the Gold Rush put an end to those dreams.

Now, Galena is a destination city, known for its preserved 19th century buildings that house restaurants, shops, entertainment, and places of historical interest. Grace Church has--and does--contribute greatly to the character of Galena. Its members are very active as board members and volunteers in civic, historic, and cultural arts organizations. Grace is a founding member of the United Churches of Galena and its successful Food Pantry.
Our church sanctuary is often used as a venue for musical concerts and presentations.

Today's vital congregation that began as a small group gathered on the riverbank in 1826 has endured through both lean and thriving years.  Starting by meeting in various homes whenever an Episcopal clergyman came to town, it was formally established as a parish and named Grace in 1835. Worship took place in a former stable where the DeSoto House Hotel now stands, in the county courthouse and later above a downtown storefront. In 1836, a wooden chapel located Bench Street served as its church. Soon after, an organ, purchased in 1838 from the Henry Erben Organ Company in New York, and a marble baptismal font were installed and are still in use. Both arrived in Galena by way of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River!

When the membership outgrew the chapel, plans were drawn to erect present stone edifice, completed in 1849 and consecrated in 1850. The building, constructed of limestone quarried on the site is filled with many precious objects. Some of the stained glass windows are of irreplaceable Belgian glass and a few of them are in Tiffany style. The chapel, altar area and sacristy were added in 1893 as the limestone hill behind the church was again excavated. Extensive stenciling and historic memorial plaques give Grace Church a unique character.

For 185 years, thousands of Galenians have called Grace Episcopal Church their spiritual home. Shepherded by 29 priests, they, and we today, are caretakers of the legacy while actively engaging the city, the country, and the world around them. Its ongoing story may be found on its website,  gracegalena.org