Members of Grace Presbyterian Church gather for their final service in downtown Las Vegas, reflecting on their memories and looking ahead.
Grace Presbyterian Church held its final service at its downtown location this Easter Sunday, marking the end of a 70-year era for the church community. As members celebrated both the holiday and their shared memories, they faced the bittersweet reality of relocating to a new campus. The move comes as increased access challenges due to highway expansion necessitate a fresh start. Though sadness looms, the congregation looks forward to a new chapter, scheduled to begin later this year.
In the heart of Las Vegas, a significant chapter came to a close this past Easter Sunday as Grace Presbyterian Church celebrated its final service at its long-standing location. After a remarkable 70 years in downtown, the community gathered to commemorate both the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the memories tied to this beloved spiritual home.
Dozens of worshippers filled the church, embracing both the joyous spirit of Easter and the bittersweet reality of leaving a place that holds so much significance in their lives. Emotions ran high as members reflected on countless Sundays spent in worship, milestones celebrated, and friendships forged within those walls. Associate Pastor Craig Sanders expressed enthusiasm for the new beginning while acknowledging the deep-rooted connections that make saying goodbye so challenging.
Grace Presbyterian Church is preparing to make its move to a new campus at the corner of Durango Drive and Oquendo Road due to challenges presented by the expansion of the I-15 highway. Access to the current location had become increasingly difficult, prompting the congregation to seek a fresh start. For many members, this church is not just a building; it’s a significant spiritual home that represents a community.
For longtime congregants like Mary Wolfsberger, the church has always been synonymous with being with God. Others shared similar feelings, expressing how pivotal the church has been in shaping their daily lives. Carl Seals, who has memories stretching back to his childhood in the church, spoke about how this place connects him to treasured family moments.
While the decision to leave is tinged with sadness, members remain optimistic about their future in the new location. The church’s final downtown service is slated for May 4, after which worship will temporarily move to their sister church in Summerlin. The new campus is projected to open by the end of November, offering fresh opportunities for growth and community engagement.
Tracing its roots back to the 1950s, Grace Presbyterian Church has built a vibrant community of approximately 450 members. The decision to relocate follows a series of challenges posed by highway construction. Project Neon, a major infrastructure initiative completed in 2019 with a budget of $1 billion, led to significant changes in the area and difficulties with access to the church. The financial strain of these developments prompted the church to file a lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and eventually settle for $18.5 million.
As part of the settlement, NDOT acquired the church property but initially leased it back to support the church’s transition. With a new 4-acre site purchased for $3.3 million in 2017, construction on the new building has already commenced, with plans for a spacious facility encompassing over 38,000 square feet.
As the congregation prepares for their final service at the downtown location, it is clear that Grace Presbyterian Church has left an indelible mark on the community. While members bid farewell to their historic home, they carry forward the teachings and friendships developed over the decades, ready to embrace the new experiences that await in their future sanctuary.
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