About Us

Grace Baptist Church is located in Waterbury, CT, which was once known as the Brass City (brass capital of the world). This New England city has a population of approximately 110,000 persons, of which about 50% are minority composed of multiple ethnic backgrounds. Located in the central section of the state, Waterbury is easily accessible to several East Coast metropolitan cities by the interstate system. The church is located in the downtown Waterbury area.

Grace Baptist is composed of approximately 500 predominately African-American disciples. The history of this Bible-based church is a glorious story of self-sacrificing love and labor on the part of many members and others for God and His people. The disciples of Grace Baptist Church comprise a number of vital organizations as identified on the Ministries page of our website.

By faith in God, we will strive to win souls using Christian courage to further advance God's kingdom. Our mission is to be a worshiping, witnessing, teaching/learning, and serving community of believers.

Corner Maker for Church featuring an image of the church, the name of the church and Bible Verse Jos

Pastor Kristopher S. Reese

Pastor Kristopher Reese, installed on October 25, 2015, is the fifth pastor of Grace Baptist Church. Pastor Reese has been a blessing to the Grace Baptist Church since his arrival in September 2015. He has instituted a spiritual boot camp course designed for new beginners in ministry and seasoned disciples. Bible study classes on Wednesday and Thursday have increased in attendance. He led the church in many renovation projects adding a brand new roof, new front stairs, upgrades to heating and cooling systems, new landscaping for parking lot, and other repairs. Pastor Reese established a New Generation Choir and Mass choir enhancing the music ministry at Grace. In 2016, Grace held its first Community Fair under the leadership of Pastor Reese.

In 2017, Grace held its first annual book bag give away, distributing over 500 book bags filled with school supplies. In 2019, Pastor Reese started a Free Community Breakfast every first Saturday of the month that brings fellowship and education to the community of Waterbury. Grace also started its first Senior Center that meets every Tuesday and Wednesday of the month providing recreational activities such as chair yoga, bingo, karaoke, and other activities for seniors in the Greater Waterbury area. Pastor Reese has led Grace in many community outreach projects during his tenure as pastor.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Reese demonstrated his leadership by providing services to his congregation and the greater Waterbury area. Pastor Reese implemented parking lot worship services and brought several COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing to the Waterbury community. Pastor Reese worked with the USDA, farmers, distributors, and nonprofits to bring fresh produce, meat, and dairy to the community of Waterbury during the COVID-19 crisis. Pastor Reese launched free transportation for the residents in the Greater Waterbury area to COVID vaccination clinics, testing sites and medical appointments.

In 2021, Grace Baptist Church received over $1 million to provide COVID-19 education, trusted messengers events, and community events to bring awareness to the black and brown communities regarding the impact of COVID.

Pastor Reese is a board member for the following organizations: Interfaith Action Fellowship of Greater Waterbury, Western Connecticut Area Agency for Aging, Connecticut Community Foundation Pathways Committee, Social Justice Advisory Committee, Co-Chair Waterbury’s Diversity Committee, Chief State Attorney’s Community Engagement Board, and St. Mary’s Hospital Mentorship Board. Pastor Reese served as the former Educational Chair for the Greater Waterbury NAACP, Moderator for the Zebulun Association – Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, State Regional Vice President for the New England Missionary Baptist Convention, member of the Interfaith Action Fellowship of Greater Waterbury, and President of Grace Development Corporation.

Prior to accepting the call to Grace, Reese was the pastor at New Kingdom Baptist Church of Philadelphia, PA from 2011-2015. Pastor Reese served as Senior Pastor at the Greater Enon Baptist Church, Philadelphia PA from 2005-2009.

Diligent in his pursuit of knowledge and training, Reese was licensed to preach in 2000 and ordained to the ministry in 2004. He holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Studies from Community College of Philadelphia, a Professional Human Resource Management Certificate from Villanova University, a Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership, Masters of Science in Education, and Masters of Arts degree in Religion from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University) in Langhorne, PA. Reese has over 15 years of Human Resource experience working for varies companies in Philadelphia, PA. Pastor Reese also received teaching certification from the Sunday School Publishing Board, National Baptist Convention, USA Inc. in Biblical Backgrounds, Christianity and Contemporary Issues, History of Baptist and Foundation of Christian Ethics.

Pastor Reese is a well sought after and highly acclaimed national preacher known for capturing the attention of his listeners with unique sermon topics. One for which he is most famous is the “Best Day Ever” based on SpongeBob Square Pants. In July 2020, Pastor Reese released his first book titled The Morning Word with Pastor Reese. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes purchased this book and gave a copy to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and acknowledged Pastor Reese’s literary accomplishment.

Pastor Reese is happily married to the former Nicole V. Sparkman, and the proud parent of five children: Donte, Trynity, Eli, Zion, and Roman.

Pastor Reese with wife and children.

Official Board

Deacon Thomas B. Piland is the Chairman of the Official Board; Deacon James Harris is the Vice Chairman. Deacon Margie A. Wright is the Church Clerk. The members of the Official Board include the Deacons and the Trustees of the church.

Deacons

Rondell Bulls; Linda Chapman; Thelma M. Griffin; Lavern Jenkins; Elliott Johnson; Mary V. Rush; James Sanders and Margie A. Wright.

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Mission: to be dedicated caregivers, to use our spiritual gifts in a shared ministry of concern for the total well-being of God's people, to support the pastor in his ministry and the mission of Grace Baptist Church. Christ is our example and His ministry is our model

Trustees

Gene Council; Carrie Jackson; Ernest I. Mosley; Sharon Mulley; William Parkmond; and Joyce Petteway, Chair of the Trustees

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4: 1-2
Mission: to be spiritual-minded and always depending on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us to make decisions regarding the church by keeping the Pastor, official board, and members informed on all maintenance and related issues.

Church logo of man kneeling, raising right hand with the name of the church and a cross.

Grace Baptist Church Ministries

Adult Choir

Caring and Sharing

Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

Mission: to worship the Lord, offering the sacrifices of our lips, to minister the word of God through song.

Caring and Sharing

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4

Mission: to share goodness, faith, honor and love with the Sick and Shut-in. Sharing and acknowledging their love for God, continuous dedication and teaching of wisdom in the church from their earlier years to present.

Domestic Violence

Caring and Sharing

Domestic Violence

One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly, Proverbs 14:17a

Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Mission: to pray for, assist, support and educate victims of domestic violence. We accomplish is through forums and workshops while continuously networking with various agencies.

HIV/AIDS

Media Communications

Domestic Violence

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? Jeremiah 8:22

Mission: strive to create an environment of compassion, love, trust and acceptance where individuals can get help. We offer a family of faith, commitment and support to maintain a healthy community.

Male Chorus

Media Communications

Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:5

Mission: to worship through song, which draws all people together as one, by singing to the Glory of God. Provide music for various services and assist the Pastor when and wherever needed.

Media Communications

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.

Isaiah 61:1

Mission: make the Word of God available to all people through technology (i.e. internet, social media, Youtube, Instagram and Twitter) television, radio and other communication outlets.

Memorial Scholarship

Parent Teacher Association

Memorial Scholarship

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.

Proverbs 3:5-8

Mission: to recognize and reward active students of the church who are striving to achieve academic excellence and spiritual development as they matriculate towards their degree, diploma or promotion.

Men's Fellowship

Parent Teacher Association

Memorial Scholarship

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Mission: to uplift Christ through fellowship, service, and spiritual growth.

Parent Teacher Association

Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:13-16

Mission: to encourage parents and young people to become more involved in Sunday School Programs and activities, and to motivate young people to continue their education.

Security

Sunday School

Parent Teacher Association

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Mission: Designated volunteers provide a safe environment for Grace Baptist church worshippers and visitors during church se

Senior Choir

Sunday School

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another is all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

Colossians 3:16

Mission: to spread God's word through hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs while prayerfully trying to reach the hearts of all who hear.

Sunday School

Assemble the people—men, women, and children, as well as the aliens residing in your towns—so that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God and to observe diligently all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 31:12

Mission: to share the knowledge of God’s uncompromising word and to be committed to reach, teach, nurture, and to provide Christian Education classes to all members and age groups within the church and the community.

Ushers

Virtuous Women

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tent of wickedness.

Psalm 84:10

Mission: to greet each worshipper with a pleasant smile and warm welcome thereby putting the congregation in the right frame of mind to receive the message; to ensure that order is kept in and around the church at all times; and to do whatever possible to advance God's kingdom and this church.

Virtuous Women

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position Do not be conceited.

Romans 12:16

Mission: to bring all women together in Christ for encouragement, service and spiritual growth.

Wellness

Virtuous Women

Wellness

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is on body and on spirit, just as you were called to the on hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

Ephesians 4:1-5

Mission: to take a proactive role to educate and encourage our congregation and the community regarding disease processes, nutrition, preventive measures to develop a healthy lifestyle, and to honor their bodies as a Holy Temple.

Youth

Youthful Temptation Choir

Wellness

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Mission: to diligently study the word of God and to believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. We will love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our soul and with all our mind. Also, we will love our neighbor as our self. We must depart from evil and do well. We will strive to have a positive attitude and refrain from negative actions which defeat character.

Youthful Temptation Choir

O sing to the Lord a new song, Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Psalm 98: 1; 4

Mission: to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know that the Lord he is God: it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.