Grace Church Van Vorst — Attraction in Jersey City

My name is Miriam Prosper born in New York City raised in Jersey City, I am 62 years old. My parents came to live in Jersey City in 1960. I was a young teen and Grace Church was a place where we got together every day after school early evening just to spend time. It was like a small park for us to unite with our friends. We were a close group of teens. The boys would get together to harmonize and the girls do the same. We spent time there until time to go home. The Priest would open up the gym at times so we would not have to walk the streets to find a place to "hang out". The Priest at that time always looked out for us. He would enjoy hearing us sing and we respected him and appreciated he let us hang out there sitting on a small bench with a canopy just...

My perspective used to be music-only, so I first was joyous that the music style, or aesthetic, actually spanned a huge ‘bandwidth’ of styles, ancient, modern, comfort-zone, radical zap, which meant that here is a community in which I can truly be myself. Beyond the music, I have realized what it means to belong with people without being confined by anyone’s judgement. And this all during this time when many new parents are coming in with their young ones in strollers. and sticking around. Where else? I don’t know. ...

My daughters have both attended the toddler drop-off program here. It is "relief care", and it is a fantastic resource for parents that don't use standard daycare but occasionally need a break, time to run errands, appointments etc... The kids get to socialize as well. We have also participated in many community events there and have volunteered during the free breakfast that is run every weekend. Everyone we have ever interacted with there has been pleasant, helpful and caring. It is a wonderful example...