Granite State Credit Union Founder: John Edward Grace

Granite State Credit Union Founder:
John Edward Grace

by Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings
his youngest daughter

John Edward Grace (1911-1974) founded "Utility Workers Credit Union," an organization known today as "Granite State Credit Union." The first passbook, which was issued to himself, recorded his initial deposit of just $15.00. For almost thirty years, Grace served as Treasurer/Manager of UWCU, while founding a total of 17 credit unions throughout the state of New Hampshire.

John Edward Grace

This 2006 (printed) book by Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings was the basis for a museum exhibit to honor the life of John E. Grace at America's Credit Union Museum in Manchester, NH.

The book shown above is now available as an e-book on CD, available with a Paypal payment.

Patriotic and Civic-Minded

Grace was a very patriotic and civic-minded individual whose life was dedicated to family, church, and community. He and his wife, Elizabeth (1913-2005), more often called "Betty," raised four children: Barbara, John M. (1943-1996), Stephen (1944-1994), and Patricia, listed in descending birth order. Betty helped out in the office for many years, serving as bookkeeper.

Betty F.

Elizabeth ("Betty") Grace before her marriage to John E. Grace. The couple met while working in an office of the Amoskeag Mills, Manchester, New Hampshire.

Grace's Life and Work Has Had a Lasting Impact

John Grace had a refreshing outlook on life and was guided by the principles of faith in the way that he conducted himself. A man of supreme integrity, he set a fine example that has had a lasting impact.

John E. Grace's dream was to facilitate a better life for "the working man," through the teaching of sound financial decision-making.

He traveled throughout New Hampshire to teach others how to protect their financial well-being by fiscal responsibility, the purchase of life insurance, and by saving for a rainy day, and paying careful attention to money management.

Written Tribute

The book, Profile of the Life and Times of John Edward Grace, Credit Union Founder and Organizer, is the name of the now out-of-print book written by his daughter. She is currently expanding the contents way beyond their initial scope, and may offer the finished product as an e-book on CD sometime in the future.

Patricia L. Cummings speaking to the Granite State Credit Union

Patricia Grace Cummings, daughter of John E. Grace, addressed the annual meeting of the Granite State Credit Union on March 29, 2006, as Denise Caristi, CEO, Credit Union Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee looked on.

Patricia Cummings Presents Talk, Book, and Photo

A copy of the book about her father's life was presented by Patricia Cummings to Granite State Credit Union's CEO, Denise Caristi, at the organization's annual meeting in March 2006 where she was invited to speak almost 32 years after her father's death. A framed photo, presented at the same time, now hangs in the lobby of the main office building on Hanover St. in Manchester. That photo reveals a pleasant-looking man, and the book's biographical data all attest to his character, wit, and intelligence.

America's Credit Union Museum Exhibit

In 2006, America's Credit Union Museum on Notre Dame Ave. in Manchester, was the site of a gathering of friends, family, and Granite State Credit Union members and employees to pay tribute to John E. Grace. Images from old photos were used to create a special display panel by professionals. A display showcased personal artifacts related to John E. Grace's life, as well as Credit Union memorabilia from his collection. The long, narrow photo that is seen hanging on the wall represents Manchester bus drivers, Grace's former profession.

Descendants of John E. Grace at exhibit dedication at America's Credit Union Museum, Manchester, NH

Gala Opening of John E. Grace Exhibit at America's Credit Union Museum.

Left to right: John E. Grace's daughter-in-law: Loretta Grace holding her granddaughter, Jenna Van Dyke; Amy W. DeNoble, granddaughter; Patricia Cummings, daughter and book author; her son, John Grace's grandson, James Gorham; John Grace's granddaughter, Sandra Grace Van Dyke, holding her son, Garrett; and Audrey W. Chavez, John Grace's granddaughter, with her son, George Chavez.