Grace Church has been a landmark in Freeport, Illinois since 1871, and has been fondly known as the Church with the Red Doors. We are a welcoming and prayerful community which celebrates the love of God for all people. Episcopalians are followers of Jesus Christ in worship and in mission. We are made one by the power of the Holy Spirit in Baptism as we “strive to respect the dignity of every human being.”
Grace Church is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, which is one of many Episcopal dioceses across the country. The Episcopal church is part of the word-wide Anglican Communion.
Our Sunday service is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist as found in the Book of Common Prayer, with the Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion. Every Sunday we faithfully observe our Lord’s commandment to “do this in remembrance of me”. Anyone wishing to receive Holy Communion in the name of Christ is welcome. We hope that you will feel God’s presence as you worship with us.
And, as to those red doors; One explanation (and the most common) is that they are painted red as a symbol of the Blood of Christ and the martyrs. Another is that red doors are a sign of sanctuary—a safe place for all people. Yet another is that red doors indicated that the mortgage for the church was paid off.
We invite you to worship with us, pray with us, and sing with us. Please join us for coffee following the service in St. Stephen’s Hall in the undercroft. As you browse our website, you’ll see many opportunities to help you get connected in a ministry that seems to fit your talents and skills or to actively serve in one of our community outreach programs. We can’t wait to meet you!