Bishop William Boyd Grove, a Western Pennsylvania native, died on October 27 in Johnson City, TN after a two-month battle with osteomyelitis in the spine. We join countless others in praying for his loved ones during their time of grief.
Bishop Grove was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and was received into the Pittsburgh Conference and ordained deacon and elder by Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke. He served churches in western Pennsylvania from 1954 until his election to the episcopacy by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in 1980. He served in the West Virginia Episcopal Area from 1980-1992 and the Albany (NY) Episcopal Area from 1992-1996 before retiring from the active episcopacy in 1996. Read more about Bishop William Grove.
Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, resident bishop of the West Virginia Conference where Bishop Grove served for twelve years, shared a heartfelt tribute. "First and foremost, Bill Grove was a tremendous human being – loving, kind, compassionate, caring, faithful – a person and Christ follower who constantly put the needs of others before his own."
"Bill’s love, deep concern, and great care for God’s people extended well beyond his family. He lived his life valuing and recognizing the sacred worth of all people. Bishop Grove was known and respected around the world – giving leadership to ecumenical, interfaith, and worldwide mission and ministry."
She ends her tribute to Bishop Grove by saying, "His witness, life, and legacy will no doubt live on through those of us who loved and did ministry with him, as we now follow in his pathway putting the needs of others before our own."
Bishop Grove's impact on the United Methodist Church and the world remains indelible. His legacy of love, service, and dedication to God's people will be remembered by all who served alongside him. As the United Methodist community mourns his loss, they also celebrate the life and contributions of an individual who embodied the essence of faith and service.
Funeral for Bishop Grove will be held at 1:30 pm on November 16, at Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston, WV. See public obituary.
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Photo credited to the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist church.