Pastors Donald & Rhea Highsmith

My name is Donald Highsmith, and I have the privilege of serving as the Senior Pastor of Grace Fellowship Full Gospel Church.

I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ during my final year of college. At the time, I had just completed a successful season playing collegiate football and was preparing to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice. From the outside, life looked full and promising. I was respected, supported, and positioned for what many would call success. Yet internally, I was spiritually empty and emotionally searching.

Although I was raised in a Christian home and understood the language of faith, I did not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus. I tried to fill that void with achievement and ambition, but nothing brought lasting peace. At the invitation of my then-girlfriend — now my wife — Rhea, I attended Grace Fellowship Church. Within two services, I knew God was calling me to surrender fully. That decision changed the trajectory of my life forever.

Rhea and I were married in 1997, and together we have served faithfully in ministry ever since. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling. I continue pursuing ongoing education and development through Liberty University, equipping myself to serve God’s people with both biblical conviction and practical wisdom.

For more than two decades, I served with the Department of Children and Families as a Youth Services Officer and later as an Associate Chaplain in both correctional and psychiatric settings. Those years profoundly shaped my heart for people walking through trauma, crisis, and deep emotional pain. They strengthened my conviction that the Gospel not only saves — it restores.

Today, I am honored to pastor Grace Fellowship alongside my wife, Rhea. We are blessed with three wonderful children — Destini, Donte’a, and Donald — and the joy of our beautiful granddaughter, Diara, born to our oldest daughter Destini and her husband, David Pierre Charles. Family is one of God’s greatest gifts, and we cherish every moment together.

Our calling is clear: to serve as ambassadors of Christ and to reach our city with the transforming message of Jesus. We desire more than religious activity — we long to see lives truly changed, families strengthened, and individuals walking in the freedom and purpose found only in Christ.

We believe God has positioned Grace Fellowship to influence Meriden, the state of Connecticut, and throughout New England for His glory. We are committed to building strong believers, healthy families, and a church that impacts generations.

We warmly invite you to partner with us in what God is doing. We look forward to meeting you and walking this journey of faith together.

Stay blessed.