North Attleboro’s skyline is changing as the iconic Grace Episcopal Church, a fixture of downtown for nearly a century, faces an uncertain future.
The partial collapse of its bell tower on May 18 has led to the building’s condemnation, and the congregation now seeks a new place of worship.
In the wake of this structural failure, the congregation finds itself at a crossroads. According to a recent newsletter, church leadership is considering a merger with All Saints Episcopal Church in Attleboro. This potential union could provide a new home for the displaced worshippers while preserving the community they’ve built over generations.
Visitors to downtown North Attleborough will notice changes at 104 N Washington St. Metal gates now block the front steps of Grace Church, which stands adjacent to the Richards Memorial Library.
Reverend Kathy Adams stated, “We don’t have answers yet. We’ll send out a press release when we do.”
Grace Episcopal Church, completed in 1931, has been a part of the community for 93 years. Its architectural beauty and historical standing earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, as part of the North Attleborough Town Center Historic District.
The church’s first service, led by the Rev. Albert Chafe, was held on Easter Sunday of 1931. A formal dedication ceremony followed on May 24 of the same year, marking the beginning of decades of spiritual gatherings and community events.
As the community waits for more information, the silenced bells of Grace Church echo the passing of an era.
The fate of this beloved local landmark remains uncertain, but the spirit of its congregation endures, seeking new ways to continue their legacy of faith and service in North Attleborough.
