In 1943, eleven families began meeting together in their homes as a mission outreach of Second Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama. At that time, our small community was known as Loveless Park in honor of the Loveless family who established it. Naturally, the church was named for the community to which it ministered. Over time, these families began dreaming of a church being formed right there in their small community.

In the 1960s their dream became a reality as a church building was built at 6200 Lou George Loop. A desire to connect with families through worship and discipleship led them to build a Family Life Center gymnasium in the 1970s. Additional office and education space was built in the 1990s.

In 2005, the Family Life Center was renovated to become the current sanctuary and the original sanctuary began serving as the Student Center. Also in 2005, we purchased 63 acres along I-459 in McCalla on what we now refer to as Shadow Lake. 

In 2009, we purchased an additional 9 acres beside Shadow Lake for a potential entrance from Old Tuscaloosa Highway and McAdory School Road. God has blessed us over the years by allowing us to use Shadow Lake, a former dairy farm, to serve our community through countless opportunities, such as our Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat, Easter Egg Hunt, and more! We’ve been able to minister to school groups, scout troops, other churches, and especially our church member’s families. 

In 2010, we changed our name to Grace Life Baptist Church to best reflect the character of our Savior as He lives in us.

In 2018, we began construction at Shadow Lake on a new campus. We’re thrilled about the opportunities we pray God will continue to put in front of us to serve our community and beyond in the years to come!

In 2019, Heritage Christian School (formerly Shades Mountain Christian School) purchased our Loveless Park campus on Lou George Loop. We shared space with them until completion of our new campus at Shadow Lake in April of 2022.

Though members of our church family are represented from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa, it still feels like family at Grace Life!