In this day of the "mega-church" we may forget how powerfully God can work in a small fellowship. Beloit's Gridley Congregational is a church with a big heart that is a fine example of how God can work even in a small congregation.

In March of 1899, William B. Strong, a member of First Congregational Church of Beloit had a vision of a church for a blue-collar congregation. A month later, ground was broken and on August 25, 1899 Gridley Chapel was opened. Located on the corner of Strong and Partridge Avenues on Beloit's East Side. Gridley is a special church, both in architectural style and in fellowship.

In 1999, Rev. Karen Stubblefield was called to Gridley. This dynamic woman is a good fit for this one-of-a-kind church. Gridley is currently a small fellowship of 25 reaching out to the community in many ways. They are blessed with a strong music program, including a blue grass music ministry. (Pastor Karen is playing the mandolin!) Gridley hosts a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and Valentine's dinner that are open to the public. Their fellowship runs a food pantry, which also gets other household necessities to the needy of the community. Pastor Karen says, "The Lord continues to supply all our needs-He has been our sustainer from day one!" No wonder this small church is doing such big things! They have always remembered to keep God first. Come visit this church with the big heart.