Our Story
Our founders, Elder Ralph and Mother Groce laid a strong foundation of prayer, Biblical education, vibrant worship, and community development. Decades later, Bible Center continues to be a place where people can find faith, family, and purpose in a welcoming environment that understands the unique challenges of today. Through faith and action, we work to make earth a little more like Heaven. #HERELIKETHERE
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Bible Center Church began in the living room of Elder Ralph and Mother Bernice Groce's 3 bedroom home on Homewood’s Tioga Street in 1956.
John Wallace Jr., the Groce's grandson, became senior pastor. Pastor John is also a Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Development, School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, whose research includes the role of faith-based organizations in their communities.
"The Triplex" was purchased and transformed! Once abandoned and condemned housing units that now serve as office space for Bible Center Church and the Oasis Project.
Members rolled up our sleeves and began renovations on a vacant former Rite Aide and turned it into the WARM (Worship, Arts, Recreation, and Ministry) Center, a multi-use facility for service, outreach, and gathering.
Bible Center started The Oasis Project, our community outreach and economic development division. Programs focus on education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the built environment for children, youth, families, and seniors in Homewood.
The Oasis Project expanded to include 6 programs and businesses with a social focus.
In response to the pandemic, we pivoted our outreach programs to respond to the critical needs of the community with the Neighborhood SCHOOL learning hub, food and supply distribution, and delivery.
It was a year of grand openings: We opened The Maker's Clubhouse Early Learning Center, expanding our high-quality education programs to prepare preschool-aged children for kindergarten. We launched the Own Our Own Business Development Center as a hub for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to connect, work, and learn. And, with the generous support of church members, we renovated the WARM Center to be a world-class space for worship, events, ministry, and conferences.