What Is the History Behind Resurrection Grace?

Updated

Resurrection Grace is a United Methodist congregation on Florida's Space Coast formed by the union of two older churches: First Church of Melbourne, rooted downtown since 1886, and St. Mark's, shaped by music and shoreline worship since the 1960s. The two became one church under the name Resurrection Grace, and the site describes the reason simply — they chose unity to serve their neighbors on the Space Coast. The merged community describes itself as "rooted in 140 years of faith" while "stepping forward together in new life."

The two stories behind the one church

The church's own framing is "Two Stories. One Soul." Each predecessor brought a distinct history and character.

First Church of Melbourne St. Mark's
Roots Downtown Melbourne, since 1886 Space Coast shoreline community, since the 1960s
Character Long-established downtown congregation Shaped by music and shoreline worship
What it contributes to the merger Deep local roots and continuity A music-centered and beachside worship tradition

Why the two churches merged

According to the site, the decision was deliberate: "We chose unity to serve our neighbors on the Space Coast." The stated purpose is not institutional consolidation for its own sake but a shared mission — the merged church summarizes its calling as "to love God, love people, and change the world."

The result is described as one church across beachside and mainland, "across sanctuaries and shoreline gatherings." That geography matters: rather than picking one location or one style, Resurrection Grace keeps both a mainland and a beachside presence.

What the merger means in practice today

  • Two campuses. The church describes itself as "one church across beachside and mainland," so worship is offered in more than one place.
  • Multiple worship expressions. The site lists Classic, Modern, and shoreline worship, plus an online live stream.
  • Smaller circles alongside large gatherings. Community Groups, Bible studies, and living room gatherings are presented as the place where "names are known and stories are held sacred."
  • Local service. Outreach includes efforts like The Church Has Left the Building, framed as service being "how our theology becomes visible in the city."

The posture the history produced

The merged congregation repeatedly uses the phrase "Belong Before You Believe" and calls itself "a safe harbor for honest faith and grace where your questions belong, and your story is held with care." That language is consistent with the merger story: two congregations with different styles and locations joining so that, in their words, "everyone is welcome."

If you want the fuller account in the church's own words, the site's "Our Story" and "More About Us" sections are the place to start; for practical details like service times and campus addresses, the Worship & Locations page is the next step.