History

The Story of Grove begins in 1843, when members of English Neighborhood Reformed Church were permitted to start the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of New Durham. They started gathering in a building on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen. A few years later a beautiful grove of trees up the hill was donated as an initial act of radical generosity by local banker, John Brown in what is now Grove’s current location. In 1850, The First Reformed Church of New Durham took on the name “The Grove Church” .

In the late 19th Century, Grove Reformed Church became known internationally as the home church of renowned missionary, Horace G. Underwood. In 1926, Grove was one of the top three largest churches in the Reformed Church in America . During that time period, Grove was involved in planting nine churches in northern Hudson County.

In 1973 Grove’s historic wood church building was being prepared to be repainted and caught fire, eventually burning down to an unsalvageable heap. This tragic story is retold by not only by members of Grove but is recalled by members of the community who witnessed the fiery tragedy in their youth. The current church building is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in challenges.

Though a lot has changed both at Grove and in Hudson County, Grove continues to have meaningful ministry in our urban community.

Grove’s current mission statement was articulated in 2018, is

We are a Christ-centered community celebrating and participating with God in the redemption, restoration, and renewal of Hudson County and beyond.

The values of Grove Church were articulated during the same year.

Aligning Values

Following Jesus

Everything we do flows in, through, and out of a relationship with Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:24-26)

Shaped by Scripture

Our understanding of life and how it is meant to be lived is best understood through God’s living and authoritative word to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Breaking Bread

We are a community that values spending time around the Lord’s table and the kitchen table. (Acts 2:42-47)

Next Generation

We are committed to engaging, supporting, and mentoring the next generation (Ps. 78: 5-7)

Celebrating Diversity

Our rich diversity of age, stage, and ethnicity is a blessing we want to intentionally celebrate and allow to shape our understanding and experience of God. (Revelation 7:9-10)

For Hudson County

Everything we do is part of a kingdom movement larger than ourselves, inspiring us to partner with God and sacrifice for the greater good of our community. (Jeremiah 29:7)

Radical Generosity

We reflect God’s radical generosity to us when we give of our time, treasure, and talents freely and passionately to others. (Matthew 25: 31-46)