The Early Years (1640s–1728)
Baptist believers from Folkestone travel to Dover to worship with the Baptist congregation established there.
Thomas Carr opens his home in Folkestone for Baptist meetings, providing one of the earliest known regular meeting places for Baptists in the town.
The Folkestone congregation becomes an independent Baptist church, having previously been associated with the Dover congregation.
After more than thirty years meeting in Thomas Carr's home, the church moves to larger premises in William Kennet's house near the Bayle Pond.
The Particular Baptist Church (1728–1845)
Following doctrinal disagreements within the original General Baptist congregation, a group of Particular Baptists separates and begins meeting in the home of John and Bennett Stace. This marks the beginning of the Particular Baptist congregation from which Grace Chapel traces its history.
The congregation builds Mill Bay Chapel, its first purpose-built place of worship.
John Howe becomes pastor, also serving the associated Particular Baptist congregations at Canterbury and Shallows. He continues in this ministry until his death in 1750.
Following disagreements over communion, a group led by Daniel Gillard establishes Zion Chapel in Fenchurch Street (later St Michael’s Street). Two Particular Baptist congregations now worship separately in Folkestone.
The original Mill Bay congregation moves into the newly built Salem Chapel in Rendezvous Street.
The Establishment of Zion (1850s–1918)
A Strict Baptist congregation, known as Bethel, develops following a separation from Salem. After meeting in different locations, this congregation becomes the continuation of the Strict Baptist cause associated with the present Grace Chapel.
The Bethel congregation purchases the former Zion Chapel in Fenchurch Street for £200 and adopts the name Zion. The chapel's Articles of Faith are established, and Sunday School work is renewed.
Following the departure of Pastor William Denmee, the congregation continues for forty years without a settled pastor, sustained by its deacons and visiting ministers.
Thomas Hayler becomes pastor, beginning a lengthy ministry that brings renewed stability and growth to the congregation.
War, Decline and Restoration (1940–1983)
Zion Chapel closes during the Second World War as members evacuate Folkestone. The congregation nevertheless maintains contact during the war years.
The chapel reopens on 6th June, with Pastor Hayler preaching at the reopening service.
Following Hayler's serious illness, the congregation gradually declines. Herbert Dawson, Bernard Honeysett and others help sustain the remaining work. Eventually the chapel building closes, although meetings continue in members' homes.
Peter and Sue Howell move to Folkestone to re-establish the Baptist witness. The old Zion Chapel is restored and reopens at Easter under the name Grace Chapel. A Sunday School also begins, quickly attracting more than sixty children.
Grace Chapel (1983–Present)
The Well, a Christian coffee shop and bookshop, opens in Folkestone's Old High Street as part of the church's outreach to the town.
The church's youth work expands, and Grace Chapel Christian School is established.
Having outgrown its premises in St Michael's Street, Grace Chapel moves into the former technical college building on Grace Hill.
Peter Howell's pastorate comes to an end. The church continues under the leadership of Andrew Saywell, Chris Thomas and Tom Drion, who subsequently serve as elders.
Andrew Saywell is called to the pastorate, with his recognition service taking place on 12th June.
After sixteen years as pastor, Andrew Saywell leaves to take up the pastorate of Holywell Evangelical Church. Grace Chapel enters a new period of pastoral vacancy, continuing its witness in Folkestone as it approaches the 300th anniversary of the Particular Baptist congregation's establishment in 1728.