About Us

Our Story

1. How We Got Here

The Grove was planted as a culmination of a WI Heights Area congregation’s–New Heights Lutheran Church (NHLC)--vision to do more together. Over a 15 year journey, the original plan was to build a new facility on the corner of Hwy 14 and 78, set just between the villages of Mazomanie and Black Earth. In Spring 2022, an incredible opportunity arose in the local community: the sale of the Mazomanie Elementary School. NHLC closed on the 6.5 acre campus in October 2022, and began discerning a new vision for this lovingly used space.

The extensive building and outdoor assets not only provided opportunities for current dreams and needs, but allowed for expanding opportunities to serve the broader Wisconsin Heights Area. Partnerships, community brainstorming sessions, and planning began to actively pursue The Grove’s mission to be a space where people gather, connect, and thrive.

With the transition to the Mazomanie campus, the vision did not change, but expanded. To better serve the needs of the surrounding communities, “The Grove” would cater to a multiplicity of uses and events while remaining adaptable to growth for generations to come. A central remodel occurred in summer and fall 2023 to develop a new front entryway and a gathering-centric center, with a navigational system to the various resource wings provided on site. The gymnasium and cafeteria was preserved to continue serving for recreation and gathering activities, the 1st floor of the classrooms wing became the community resources wing, and the second floor was reimagined to continue serving children and youth throughout the region.

Now… we’re here! We continue to dream about the possibilities and opportunities to partner and serve the Wisconsin Heights Area through this historical, community-loved facility and campus. We cannot wait to see how this space grows and develops with the dedication and talents of not only original partners, but all those who gather, connect, and thrive at The Grove.

2. Why “The Grove”?

With deep discussion and dreaming, naming the campus “The Grove” was developed out of a need to meet the community wherever they may be. The name “New Heights Church” describes the founding faith community that gathers on site; “The Grove” describes the campus utilized by not only various organizations, community members, and events drawing people together. (The easiest comparison is a strip mall!)

The Vision Team spent time dreaming about the various ways the site would help connect people with their spirits, each other, communities, and resources. The goal was also to identify an inclusive name that encompassed not only the building, but the larger campus–acres of fields, play spaces, and the Black Earth Creek.

As over 50 names and taglines were evaluated, the Vision Team was repeatedly drawn to tree-related language. Trees not only had deep Biblical meaning for the founding faith community, but also spoke to restoration, healing, renewal, and authenticity—a deeper place of intentionality and a depth of connection.

“The Grove” offered the opportunity to utilize neutral, gathering-inspired language; naturally identify the full campus; and inspire a place of welcome and refuge.

In late 2021, it was decided – Welcome to: The Grove