ECBF believes that our work is grounded in relationships and trust. Sometimes we need to respond quickly, and sometimes projects take time to unfold over stages and years. Grace Church – Episcopal in Yukon, Oklahoma is an example of the latter.
Grace Church was founded in 2014 in the Diocese of Oklahoma. They started with 15 committed members, and soon grew to over 350 active attendees and members. Along with their growth came a conviction to design and build a new church building that would allow them to better serve their mission and ministries.
In March 2020, Grace Church launched its capital campaign for a new campus—and almost immediately, the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdown happened! In an act of faith and commitment, the campaign was able to quickly regain and sustain its momentum. Members were more committed than ever, and invested in their vision with hope and trust that they would soon greet each other in their new building.
When it was time to look for financing options, their vicar, The Rev. Tim Baer, remembered a connection he’d made with a member of ECBF’s Board—because at ECBF we don’t start with “no” but “tell me more and we’ll try to help!”
In November 2020, Rev. Tim contacted ECBF to discuss construction-to-permanent financing, and found a willing partner in us that could adapt terms to meet their needs.
In August 2021, the loan with ECBF was finalized and the project broke ground.
A year later, in August 2022, Grace Church moved into their new home—on time and on budget—with expanded worship capacity, 7 classrooms, and a large kitchen to help fuel the spiritual growth and discipleship, the congregational life, and the outreach ministry of Grace Church. ECBF is thrilled to have played a part in making this happen!
“ECBF provided an interest rate competitive to local banks, and on top of that they gave us three years of interest only payments. This gives us time to grow our financial capacity and grow into our new facility. Knowing that ECBF believes in our mission and wants us to succeed makes a big difference verses typical lenders. ECBF will work with your church on the terms to find a true partnership.”
The Rev. Tim Baer, Vicar
Grace Church – Episcopal
Yukon, Oklahoma
