Eric Reece
Did you know Robbinsville is the home of an amazing and pioneering ministry?
Grace Mountainside Church on South Main Street is a church affiliated with both the Episcopal and Lutheran churches, and served by the Rev. Steve Holcomb.
In the late 1970s, a mission was launched by the Grace Episcopal in Waynesville who sent a priest to the area. A few years later, the Rev. Dr. Reuben J. Swanson – a professor at Western Carolina University – met people interested in forming a Lutheran Church in the area.
From this, the Grace Mountainside Lutheran Church was born.
With two new churches meeting in homes in Robbinsville, it did not take long for them to connect. A discussion began. Instead of building two sanctuaries and hiring two pastors, why could they not combine their energies?
Thus, the first Episcopal/Lutheran fellowship in the United States was born. Each congregation remained distinct – yet joined together in the spirit of Christ to worship and work together in the community.
A fellowship like this had not occurred – and when the congregations approached both the synod and diocese, they were met with skepticism. Unsure of how to proceed, the denominational representatives told them to go for it.
As Gamaliel said in Acts 5, “If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”
It was June 17, 1982 when – with both denominations’ blessing – the churches worshiped together as the Grace Mountainside Episcopal-Lutheran Fellowship. It was 2001 when the Episcopals and Lutherans agreed to move toward full communion.
Holcombe is ordained by both the Episcopal and Lutheran churches to serve our community. A retired educator, he is an inspiration who gives leadership to the church and community. The church sings from the Episcopal hymnal one Sunday and the Lutheran the next. Everyone sings together.
In 1985, the old First Baptist Church building became available. Mountainside Grace helped renovate the building and it was donated to them and consecrated June 15, 1986.
Another blessing that echoed Gamaliel’s words happened when old church pews became available and were purchased to replace the folding chairs in the sanctuary.
It was discovered these were the original First Baptist pews returning home.
In the spirit of Christ, the church began to partner with other churches and agencies to help in the community.
One example is the birth of Church Mouse Ministries, which began in the fellowship hall before moving to its present location.
Another was when the furniture plant closed.
The church started serving meals and people were able to come together, fellowship and share a meal as they grieved the loss of a way of life.
When the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree had to move indoors because of rain back in December, Grace Mountainside graciously hosted the service. The methodists sang and the baptists preached in the Episcopal-Lutheran Church.
We may have created another 30 years of ecumenical dialogue.
Holcomb and the congregation invite you to worship with them on Sundays at 11 a.m., followed by a time of fellowship.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Baptist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.