In the year 1962, it was placed upon the heart of Bro. Jacob N. Underwood, Sr., a licensed minister, a member of Holy Sacred Baptist Church, and an assistant to the late Pastor, Rev. John H. Christopher, to evangelize in the East New York community. He sought unity of the people through Christ, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Mission. His plan for the community was for a church that would relate to the needs of the “Total Person”.

Given the blessings of Rev. Christopher, his Pastor, and the support of his family, his wife Thomasena and his children LaGhretta, Stephanie and Jacob, II. Bro. Underwood stepped out on faith for the purpose of organizing a church in East New York section of Brooklyn. He greeted people throughout the neighborhood and inspired them so much that it was not long before prayer meetings were being held in their homes. During this period, God gave Bro. Underwood his first member, Sis. Sidney Grey, a senior citizen who lived in the community. The Lord used her efforts and kindness to introduce the rest of her family to Bro. Underwood, and accept his vision of a church in the community that would teach God’s plan of salvation.

On June 22, 1962, Bro. Jacob N. Underwood, Sr. was ordained. before the end of June, a small Jewish Synagogue, located at 473 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, New York was purchased by Rev. Jacob N. Underwood and his wife, Thomasena. They used their entire savings, with the exception of $18.00, to purchase the initial building that would soon become known as Grace Mission. There was much labor put into repairing and reconstructing the building to prepare it for the initial prayer service. Bro. Major Cunningham and two of his sons joined Pastor Underwood in the cosmetic preparation. Thirty-eight persons attended the first prayer service, which was held on July 6,1962. Twenty-four hands were raised in support, and they gave their names as the initial members of Grace Mission. Sunday School was held for the first time on July 8, and Bro. Thomas Perkins was appointed Superintendent. It was agreed thereafter that Prayer Service would be held each Friday night.

On Sunday, July 15, 1962, the first full day of Worship Service was held. Praise be to God the first offering totaled $42.00, the amount needed for weekly operations was $41.50.

The next few months were dedicated to prayer and an abundance of “Street Evangelism”. On October 19^th, Grace Mission was recognized as GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH by the New York Missionary0 Association. The New York Missionary Association was under the leadership of the late Dr. John H. Nichols, who was moderator. The first three months of Worship Services blessed Grace Baptist Church with seventy-five candidates for Baptism. The congregation grew by leaps and bounds. By the end of 1962, the seating capacity of the church had been filled, and there was standing room only.