About Us

Grace Baptist Church, an Independent, Fundamental, Baptist Church, was founded June 21^st, 1981, by Dr. Ernest Hodge. Dr. Hodge, raised in the Bear Creek area between Avinger and Linden, led the church as pastor for over 30 years from 1981 until his retirement. He was instrumental in purchasing the land, building the church auditorium and fellowship hall and was a loved and valued member until his passing in October, 2019.

The current Pastor of Grace Baptist Church is Bro. Jim Withers. Brother Withers was born and raised in Kilgore, TX, graduating from Leverett’s Chapel High School in 1971. A 1975 magna cum laude graduate of Gulf Coast Bible College, Houston, Texas. Ordained by Dr. Johnny Pope of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship, Bro. Withers has pastored in Illinois, upstate New York, and for the last 7 years at Grace Baptist Church, Gladewater, TX. He and his wife Barbara will be celebrating their 47^th wedding anniversary this August 16^th, 2022.

Check out our new seating!