Nestled in along the southern border of Hamilton Township, surrounded by lush woods, creeks and Indian trails, lies a small yesteryear town originally known as Locust Grove. Much has changed since its founding in the 1600’s, including its name, now Groveville. But the uniqueness and charm of community remain the same. The bond between neighbors has been woven through generations and still stands strong today as a cornerstone of resilience.
May 25, 1836, this 10-home community, yearning for something more, met to discuss an important addition to their Mill town, a House of Worship. Community and Church, working side by side, hand in hand. Subscription funding books were printed and distributed. Groveville Methodist Church was dedicated on December 2nd that same year Our doors have been open to all ever since.
It is time to shine!
This is our 190th year! We are the Oldest Continuous Church in Hamilton Township. Our steeple bell is ringing out to Come. Share in Worship Services, Fundraising Dinners, Outreach Projects, Thanksgiving Breakfasts, Christmas Tree Lightings. Cookies with Santa and more.
Deeply steeped in traditions, now in its 156th year, the Groveville-Yardville Parade is the Oldest Continuous in NJ.
For over 100 years, Memorial Day Weekend has been filled with events to join church and community.
Since its beginning in 1870, the Groveville-Yardville Parade has been a town favorite. Back in the day, children had half a day off from school before the parade to gather wild flowers, soldiers caps and daisies. They’d tie them up and place them in a wagon in preparation of decorating the graves of the soldiers, hence the name Decoration Day. After the parade, horses would pull the wagons as children placed the flowers. There would be a volley over the graves. Picnics and Ballgames followed.
It is time to shine!
We are rolling out the red carpet for all to participate.
- Saturday, 5/23
Our church’s cemetery will be decorated with flags on veterans’ graves, some dating back to the Civil War. - Sunday, 5/24
We will have a Special Joint Service of Remembrance and Honor with Crosswicks United Methodist Church, complete with a procession of the American and Christian flags, Memorial Wreaths, Soldier’s Caps and Daisies. There’ll be Candle Lighting for those in Service to our country, and a special reading of Flander’s Fields with a personal challenge. After church we’ll join the Parade Committee for Wreath Laying Ceremonies at our WWI and WWII Monuments. There will be an opportunity to add your own mini flag (provided) to the wreath at the conclusion of both ceremonies.
To honor the well worn footsteps of tradition, a pot-luck picnic luncheon will follow in grand style at our church fellowship hall. - Monday, 5/25
Parade Day. 8:30 Area Churches will ring their bells and the parade will begin in Dover Park Plaza weaving it’s way to Groveville United Methodist Church Cemetery for a Graveside Memorial Service
Yes! It is time to shine! Come join us!
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
With joy,
Georgie Bonsanto
