January 1981 – Bishop David C. Foster, Sr. accepted his commission to pastor
June 29, 1981 – Voice of the Lord came with specific instructions
July, 1981 – Corporate papers filed with the Secretary of State
September 6, 1981 – Grand Opening, Norwood Apostolic Community Church
The first building was a portion of a tin warehouse constructed of wood and sheet metal, located at 3540 Norwood Avenue. The church was named Norwood Apostolic Community Church.
We started in a small area that was formerly a Laundromat, seating about 60 folding chairs, one bathroom, and one small closet-sized office. It was not the most attractive place, but after faithful work by the Bishop, his two sons and daughter, the late Deacon S. G. Crawford and a friend, who was also a contractor, it served as a unique beginning for the ministry.
Church membership included Bishop, his wife, his 3 children and two others.
The dedication service was officiated by District Elder Robert B. Holman, Sr. Bishop Foster’s “Father in the Gospel.”
As the church began to grow, faithful members worked hard and tirelessly to expand and remodel the 3540 Norwood Ave.
The Lord blessed the church to move to its second location at 2994 Del Paso Boulevard, which was purchased in 1984. The church was subsequently renamed Greater Grace Community Church.
Our third location was a large leased facility on the corner of Norwood Avenue and I-80. We moved there in June of 1989 with the intention of purchasing the edifice. Once again, the church underwent a minor name change to better reflect the ministry – Greater Grace Worship Center.
After five years of leasing and coming to a realization that the owners would not sell the building at a reasonable market value, Bishop Foster asked God for permission to look for another building in December 1993. Within one week, a location was identified as a possible option. Against overwhelming odds, the Lord overturned logic and prejudice against loans to churches and on March 31, 1994 we closed escrow on 646 North Market Boulevard.
However, a desire for a larger edifice entered the pastor’s heart. We had intended to build from the ground up on property not far from the present edifice, but zoning ordinances and building restrictions would not allow that option.
However, we found a six-plex movie theater in South Sacramento. With repair, remodeling and some TLC, it would provide the space we needed to expand the ministry. That movie theater was transformed into the wonderful church complex we now occupy at 5550 Sky Parkway. There is additional space that will be refurbished for ministry. We look forward to utilizing all available space for the service of our Lord.
