Our History

• MVGH was established in August of 1924 by the Synod of California of the Presbyterian Church.

• James Marwick, David Gamble, and Dr. Clarence Spaulding raised funds to purchase the Pasadena orange grove which is now home to nearly 200 senior adults.

• These gentlemen sought to provide much needed retirement housing for ministers and missionaries of the PCUSA.

• The Gamble family continues the tradition of providing Thanksgiving dinner for MVGH residents which was started in the 1920’s.

• Special thanks to Bill Hansen (MVGH resident) who helped to preserve our history.

Our Mission

The mission of Monte Vista Grove Homes is to be a holistic and vibrant senior community – one filled with creativity, love and compassion.

Our Vision

The historic vision of Monte Vista Grove Homes has been to be a Christ-centered community that meets the residential needs of qualified, retired church workers of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Consistent with changing vocational patterns, we are now welcoming those from five denominations with which the Presbyterian Church (USA) is in full communion. In addition to independent living for these qualified church workers, we offer further levels of care, regardless of religious affiliation. Our assisted living and memory care are open to the wider community.

Such a vision demands that we continually enhance our facilities and programs as we plan for future resident needs. To this end, we commit ourselves to apply the disciplines of stewardship in our care for people, finances, time, and the environment. We seek to reflect the racial and cultural diversity of the Presbyterian Church USA.

Our vision is to have this holistic and vibrant Christian ministry continue, reflecting the abundant grace of God, throughout the years.

Our Core Values

INTEGRITY • We conduct business in a way that is honest, transparent and ethical.

EXCELLENCE • We encourage staff and residents to be their best selves.

COMMUNITY • We promote a supportive, sharing environment between residents, staff, families and the surrounding area.

STEWARDSHIP • We are grateful for our many blessings, including talent, finances, property and the environment; and we strive to be good stewards of these valuable resources.

DIVERSITY/INCLUSIVITY • We strive to live out the Christian value of radical inclusivity, intentionally creating and nurturing a community of welcome that reflects the love of God and the rich diversity of the human family.

Board of Trustees

Mission Statement

The mission of the MVGH Auxiliary is to enhance the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the residents in the assisted living levels of care, the Hearth, Ranch House, and Stewart Cottage. Receipts from the store help fund projects for the needs of the residents that are not included in the MVGH budget.

History of the Auxiliary:

The Auxiliary was organized in January 1975 by women from local churches and MVGH residents. A few guests from local civic groups were also among the 63 people at the founding meeting. Their mission statement was: To provide companionship and support services for the Medical Center (now known as Stewart Cottage) residents. Committees were formed for medical aid, sewing, fundraising, crafts, gift card and resident activities. The Hearth was opened in November 1992 and the Ranch House in 2018, and both were added to the mission of the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary Board today consists of volunteer MVGH residents who work directly with the Grove Store with assistance from other residents and members of nearby churches. From 1986-2023 the Auxiliary has raised over $640,000! The main source of revenue is currently coming from sales at the Grove Store in C57, Reader’s Paradise at A36 and other furniture sales.

THE GROVE STORE LOCATIONs

Clothing/Shoes & Odd n’ Ends Store -Located in C57
Readers Paradise Bookstore - Located in A36

Furniture Gallery - Located in A36

Park on San Pasqual and walk in through  Driveway C.

THE GROVE STORE HOURS

2024 Grove Store & Reader’s Paradise Schedule

Wednesday, September 18: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, October 5: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Wednesday, October 16: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, November 2: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Wednesday, November 20: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, December 7: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Wednesday, December 18: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
* If none of these times are convenient for you and you would like to see the bookstore please contact Huw Christopher at

(850) 209-6931

What We Have

Quality heirloom items including silver, crystal, china, small appliances, linens, as well as seasonal and specialty items. Excellent women’s clothing and shoes are neatly displayed and ready to wear. We are also offering plants on different sales days.

Reader’s Paradise has hundreds of books including religion, fiction, poetry, biography, history, politics, mysteries, children’s books, and beautiful coffee table books. CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records are also available. 

Furniture items are available for sale every time the store is open, and special furniture sales are also offered at different times during the year.

If you would like to donate items to The Grove Store, call Bev Grant, the Auxiliary Board Chairperson, at 626-577-2959 to arrange a convenient delivery time or, for smaller donations, there is a drop off bin located on the east side of C57. Please note that we are unable to provide any pick-up service for larger items.

If you would like to donate items to Reader’s Paradise please call Huw Christopher at (850) 209-6931 or visit the store in A36 while it’s open!

Projects

The MVGH Auxiliary has played a vital role in developing and maintaining a comfortable, homelike, environment in the Hearth, Stewart Cottage, and the Ranch House. The countless volunteer hours that the Auxiliary and their recruits have donated to make this possible are deeply appreciated. Since 1999, the Auxiliary has donated over $379,156.00 for special projects. The Auxiliary contributes approximately $2,800 a year to cover expenses such as:

• Fish tank maintenance in Stewart Cottage

• Netflix subscription and periodicals (Hearth & Stewart College)

Projects Funded by The Auxiliary

• Sitting/Visiting Area in Stewart Cottage

• Visitation Room in Stewart Cottage

• Activity Wall in the Ranch House

• Flooring in the Family Room of the Hearth

• Carpet in the Ranch House

• Screening kiosks for the Hearth and Stewart Cottage

• ADA Bathing System

• MVGH Quality of Life Endowment

• Stewart Cottage upgrades (flooring, sliding doors, nursing staff break room)

• Resident Scale & Lift for Stewart Cottage

• New Chairs for the Hearth

• Wellness Center equipment

• Bedside phone service for the Stewart Cottage & Hearth residents

• Automatic doors to Marwick Place

• Flat panel TV’s for Stewart Cottage resident rooms

• New tables, chairs and flooring for the Stewart Cottage Activity Room

• Satellite TV System for Stewart Cottage & Hearth

Donations & Volunteering:

Our Auxiliary accepts donations of new or gently used items. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Auxiliary. Opportunities include sorting, organizing, pricing, displaying & store operations. We are always looking for volunteers. Some of the ways you can help:

• Volunteer your time in daily operations: sorting, pricing, organizing.

• Volunteer at one of our spring or fall events

• Donate gifts in-kind

• Donate new or gently used items to the stores (Check out the list of items that can be used under WHAT WE HAVE section)

• Make a monetary donation

If you are interested in working with or contributing to the work of the Auxiliary please contact Bev Grant, Auxiliary Board Chairperson, at 626.577.2959