The community is about halfway between Temple and Gatesville. Off Texas Highway 36 take Farm to Market Road 1114. Don’t blink or you’ll miss the left off that road into The Grove.
On this third Sunday in July there was a church parking lot full of cars and a celebration that has been going on for so long no one remembers how many years it’s been. But they have their favorite memories of picnics gone by and more memories were made Sunday when people traveled from Austin, Houston and Dallas for the festivities and to hear the Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle once more preach a sermon in the church where he preached many years ago.
Orville Michalk’s fondest memory was the choice of an ice cream or soda offered by storeowner Mr. Symms.
“When I was young it was the end-of-school picnic - I am not quite sure when it changed. But I do remember Mr. Symms coming up with the choice of an ice cream or a soda,” said Michalk, whose face told you he’d never tasted better ice cream than during those end-of-school picnics.
Eleven-year-old Clarise Mendez probably won’t forget that her team won the boardwalk races this year. The children’s game consists of two fence palings and six pieces of rope. Each child places his or her left foot on one plank and the right on a separate plank. They hold on to the rope attached to the planks and move forward in sync. The game teaches coordination and teamwork, and sometimes collapses into fits of laughter.
The day starts at 9 a.m. with a Bible study group, then services at 10:15 like every other Sunday. When God has been given His due, there’s much to fill a hot Texas summer afternoon and to satisfy the many appetites.
There’s barbecue in the church hall, the chatter of families reuniting, friends catching up and babies being shown off, and there’s bingo.
“Two hours of bingo is mandatory,” said 25-year-old Valerie Glynn, who grew up in The Grove and is on her 24th picnic.
“It’s where the air-conditioning is,” she said, laughing.
Valerie is a proud progeny of the Winkler brothers, founders of The Grove.
Valerie’s husband, Brandon, understands the importance of his wife’s heritage. He came from San Antonio and the couple now live in Temple but he knows The Grove is where her heart is.
“These people just welcome you. I don’t think I will ever get to meet every one of her relatives,” he said.
Valerie’s favorite part of the picnics are the hay rides. “I’m not quite sure why, but I always have to go on the hayride.”
After bingo, when children start getting restless, the crowd spills onto the church grounds for a hay-bale throwing competition, wading pools and a slip-and-slide, the hayride, horseshoe toss and, of course, the boardwalk.
Some folks find the nearest shade to continue catching up with friends.
Celebrations will continue at The Grove because this is the 125th anniversary of the church building. The main celebration will be in October, but smaller celebrations are happening until then.
