The Founders

The Garden Of Gethsemane Legacy

Supt. Willie D. Grove

Supt. Willie D. Grove was born in Claysburg, PA, to John and Ophelia Grove on September 30, 1933. He was scouted by Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitcher. However, before he could play, he was drafted into military service and served in the Korean War. He completed Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY, where he met his wife, Mother Florence Grove.

During his time in the U.S. Army, he attended the Infantry Course for Close Combat, the Basic Airborne Course, and the Combat Medical Course. He also had the privilege of traveling and competing as a Master Pistol Shooter on the All-Army Team.

He served in Korea, Vietnam, and completed three tours in Germany—where his wife and daughter accompanied him. He retired on November 30, 1975, as a Sergeant First Class at Fort Hood, TX.

Awards and Decorations

Combat Infantry Badge
Jumpmaster Badge
Two Purple Hearts
National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea)
Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars

During Pastor Grove’s military career, he accepted the Lord as his Savior and has since dedicated 26 years to ministry and pastoring at the Garden of Gethsemane. Before that, he and his family were in Nürnberg, Germany, where he served as a Fellowship Leader alongside his wife, Florence, and their daughter.

Through life’s challenges, he remains steadfast in his faith, declaring:
“To God be the glory! If God is for you, hold on and hold out. When the Lord calls you, you will stand fast in Him.”
Galatians 5:1

Evangelist Florence Grove

Evangelist Florence Grove was born in Bardstown, KY, to John and Josephine Gaither. Raised in the Catholic faith, she did not know holiness until later in life. She has been married to Supt. Willie Dean Grove for 62 years, supporting him in ministry as the Pastor of the Garden of Gethsemane COGIC for the past 26 years.

Evangelist Grove serves as:

First Lady
District Missionary
Church Mother
President of the Women’s Department

Her favorite scripture is Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

She is the mother of one daughter, Lois, who was married to the late Elder Nathaniel Wyche. Lois and Elder Wyche had four children and 18 grandchildren—all of whom have faithfully supported Pastor and Mother Grove in ministry for the past 26 years.

Pastor and Mother Grove have resided in Harker Heights for 47 years, living in the same home. Through every trial, they testify:
“God has truly been good to us and has kept us through it all.”
To God be the Glory!

Let’s Stay Connected

We love to stay connected with you and your family. The Garden Of Gethsemane Family will like to keep you informed about what’s going on in the ministry with updates on events, fellowship services, and family activities.