In November 1981 a notice was placed in the local newspaper by two Episcopalians inviting other local Episcopalians to attend a meeting with the intention of establishing a church in the
area. Thirty people responded. The local Catholic Church offered use of its facilities and the first services were conducted in December 1981. Services were conducted by Lay Readers and
visiting clergy. A vestry was formed and the determined congregation continued to establish its place in Southwest Utah.

In June 1983 Grace was accepted as a mission of the Diocese of Utah. For the next five years diocesan priests came for services and Lay Readers filled in. Attendance averaged 15 to 20 at
Sunday services.

The Rev. Ron Winchell was called as Missioner of Southwest Utah in October 1988. Under his leadership the congregation embarked on a telemarketing program to increase membership. In 1989 services were moved to the VFW/Lions Club Hall. In February 1990, 22 members made 13,600 telephone calls inviting people in the rapidly growing St. George area to attend services. Attendance numbered 105 on kick-off Sunday.

Diocesan officers, encouraged by the growth, authorized the purchase of land for a new church home. 1992 saw the arrival of the Rev. John Day as vicar, and ground-breaking for our new church building. The structure was dedicated on August 7, 1993. At that time the congregation had 285 members and an average Sunday attendance of 105.

March 1994 saw the beginning of a Native American tutoring program on the Shivwits Indian Reservation which was very successful for several years. Tutors from several denominations took part. A youth group was formed and in the summer of 1995 six members spent two weeks on the Uinta Reservation working to improve the building site of the parish.

The year 1995 was eventful with the completion of our Memorial Rose Garden and the arrival of the Rev. Mary Allen as our new vicar. We began to offer our facilities to community groups for their meetings. Groups included Family Abuse Counseling, Parent Nurturing Program, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Over-eaters Anonymous. Some of these groups still meet here.

We have also extended a helping hand to other newly forming faith communities including the Unity Church and a Jewish Congregation which met in our building until they could find facilities that better met their needs.