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Glen Park Gospel Church >> History >> Sarah Grover
Sarah Grover was born in London on February 14, 1878 and lived within the sound of Big Ben. She was a frail child, blond with blue eyes and of slight build. She attended an Anglican Sunday School in London as a child, and later met her husband there.
Tom Grover's mother had died when he was born. He, his six brothers and one sister were boarded out with relatives.
Tom lived with his Aunt Polly for a while, but was later placed in a Dr. Bernardo's Home. However, he hated it and ran away to sea at about the age of 14 years.
During his twelve years in the Navy he qualified as an electrician. Tom Grover came to Australia on the 'Baraboul', 12 months before his wife who worked as a cook in the mess at Aldershot while waiting to follow her husband. Tom worked at Bendigo, then Oakleigh where he installed the first electric lights, and in the Naval Dockyards. Transferring to Tasmania Tom found employment at the Electrona Carbide Works in Risdon, south of Hobart. While there the family lived on a fruit orchard in Kingston.
They were part of the Kingston Methodist Church during the early 20's. It was under the influence of two dedicated women, Sister Miriam and Sister Winifred, who conducted numerous missions in the area, that Sarah Grover was converted. She simply accepted the death of Jesus Christ as her peace offering to God, and found that this step of faith brought peace and joy to her life. From that time she put her heart and soul into Christian work.
Tom and Sarah Grover came to Glen Park about 1922. At the time the hills were covered with trees and thick scrub. Roads were but bush tracks, gravelled and very dusty in summer. There was a track to the store from the Davis property. The only transport was Mr Downing's horse drawn cart from the store to the station, so most people walked. The Diamond Creek ran clear and continuously and flooded each year.
Groceries and other provisions were brough from the Victoria Market or purchased at Downings' Store, meat being delivered by Mr. Ryan, the butcher from Diamond Creek. Despite the harsh conditions the Grovers kept a well cultivated garden which bloomed profusely in the spring.
Sarah Grover was a very gracious lady, small of stature, but mighty in inspiration of life and witness to the local community. Her personal life was exemplary and her home was of the highest standard. Her lifestyle was one of order and simplicity. She was always neatly dressed and liked hats.
District fame came through her delicious lemon syrup and cauliflower pickles, which she shared with the many people who come to her home. Known as a gentle loving person, everyone knew her and called on her in time of need. She would help any in the district in need of assistance or comfort.
At weekends, during anniversary practice, her home was full of people. Students from the Melbourne Bible Institute came to minister at the Mission or help train the children then stayed over the weekend at the Grover home. She called her spare room 'the prophet's chamber' and always kept the bed made for any visitor who called. Sarah gave from her heart to so many people that her influence extended far and wide. Many called her 'sweet and lovely'; she was especially loved by young people.
One of these teenagers recalled in later life, "She would talk to you as if you were the only person there. She made you feel so important!" One of the Bible Institute students who stayed in her home commented, She was full of fun, full of love for God, and everybody else and just seethed with inspiration for all. She was humble, a good, devoted wife and mother to her family, a wonderful hostess and an excellent Sunday School teacher. Although not very strong, she was seemingly tireless and always generous in her understanding and appraisal of others. She was a comfort to any who came to minister at the hall."
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