Grace Methodist Church was rooted in the late 1800s by many "unmanned pioneers" who had laboured in the North Shore vineyard, although its cornerstone was not laid until April 26, 1900.

The church's pastor, the Rev. Ronald K. Smith, B.Sc, M.Div., and members held a week-long celebration of its centennial that culminated on Sunday, April 25, with a spirited service and a reception in the adjoining church hall.

Officers and members of the church participated in a traditional march preceding the service, from the Ducking Stool led by the North Village youth band under Bandmaster Toki Dill.

Guest preacher was Bishop Neville Smith, founder and pastor of the Radnor Road Christian Fellowship. The worship leader was Bro. William Gerry Johansen, son and grandson of early church pioneers.

Theme of the week was "Standing on The Foundation which is Christ the Solid Rock."

A history of Grace Methodist was given by Mrs. Martica Legister, whose forebears were among the original pioneers.

A programme note stated: "We have come this far by faith and have overcome obstacles by adhering to the many themes of past anniversies such as "Celebrating Our Hope in God" and "Faith Restores The Potential for Greater Things".

One of the highlights of the centennial service was the addition of two more names to the distinctive Grace Honour Roll. On the 'In Honour Of' column at each anniversary is placed the name of a serving stalwart, which fell this year to Mrs. Myrtle Robinson. And on the 'In Memory Of' side the name is posted of a Grace icon who has deceased. The latter distinction fell to Mrs. Edna Thomas, an educator and long-serving organist and Minister of Music at the church.