I remember him well  / Diana Elsavage (he precided over our marriage vows )

Rev. Stacy Groscup precided over the marriage vows my husband Robert and I exchanged on November 10 1984.  What a wonderful man!  He assured me that although I had previously been married and divorced God was granting me this beginning of a new life with a wonderful new husband.  The past was just that -- the past.  Twenty-six years and anniversaries later I still remember our simple but moving wedding day.

Mei he rest in peace.  I feel blessed to have known him.

Diana Elsavage

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Good friend of the family...  / Scott Ridings (None)
I remember Rev. Groscup when I was young. He married my uncle and aunt and was friends with my grandfather Charlie Ridings. He once showed us kids the proof that David slew Goliath by a demonstration with a sling. He was a fun guy and I do have very fond memories of he and my grandfather.

What a great man! Close

Lasting impression  / Pat Moore (a member of the audiance )
Gosh it was so long ago that I saw Stacey perform that I can't even  remember where it was or why I was there. I do remember the extra ordinary skill in which he performed. I now teach Archery as a leader of our local 4H shooting sports club.  Many people ask me who was the greatest archer I ever saw. I always say Stacey Groscup he may not have been the greatest (but then again he may have been too) but I know for sure he was the greatest I ever saw!

I also tell the kids how I watched him shoot aspirin out of the air and multiple targets from the ski it was an amazing feet and a real treat for me. His life may have ended but his story lives on!

My condolences to Stacey's family and to Stacey where every you are thanks for the memories! Close

Appreciation... / Butch Edwards (fan)
I just found this website today, some4 years or so since mr. Groscups' passing. I had the honor and priveledge of seeing him perform @ the Bowhunters Warehouse(Dillsburg,Pa) in early 80s. I saw, then spoke with him afterwards. being from WV, I appreciated his God-given talents, as well as his spiritual devotion to his Lord. Altho he only confirmed to being a Rev after being asked, his personality spoke volumes of his beliefs. I will forever remember the man,the talent, and the message he spread. Close

To My Uncle and Family  / Brian Groscup (Nephew)

I'm sorry for the loss of a great uncle.  I will miss him very much.  Thank you for teaching me how to shoot the bow.  I will pass everything down to my family.  You will me in my heart forever.

 

Brian Groscup

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A Gentle Giant Among Men  / Bill Lamb (Admirer)
I never met Pastor Stacy Groscup.  My knowledge of him was gained through a video and through reading of him on various traditional archery forums.  Suffice it to say he was a gentle giant among men.  He was a giant in the faith, a giant in service to his Saviour, a giant in service to his church.  And he was a giant amongst the brotherhood of the traditional archery world.  Some will endeavor to emulate him, but few if any will be successful in doing so.  I praise the Lord that Stacy is now at true peace in the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in Heaven.  Someday I'll meet you up there Pastor Grocup.  When I take my eternal flight, meet me at Jesus' feet. Close

A beacon in the night - We miss you Stacey...  / Tom Kidwell (Friend)

The first time I met Stacey, three hundred spectators were gathering outside the tent to watch his upcoming archery performance.  We sat there and talked as if we had known each other for twenty years or more.  He had a great measure of sincerity about him that seemed to make his face glow with enthusiasm... and it was contageous.

I had the pleasure of speaking with him many more times after that and feel honored that he never forgot my name.  I found an inner peace each time we talked and will always remember him for his thoughtfulness.  We miss you Stacey...

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Wished I'd known Him  / Janice Spicha (Wanted To Know Him )
Dear Stacy,

I'm a woman bowhunter from Nebraska.  Dick Mauch, a good friend, whom I'm hunting with next week sent me a tribute to your grandfather today.  It hit close to my heart because his love of God, Family, bows and his fellow man was the legecy my husband left also when he died six months ago in his Turkey Blind while hunting.  I know what you mean by signs of nature sent down to comfort and help us remember.  It happens all the time.  I hope someday to meet your grandfather and I'm sure by now my husband has met him as like people attract.  If you are ever in Nebraska the welcome mat is always out.

Be blessed and Be a Blessing,

Janice Spicha Close

I miss you Uncle Stacy.  / Jeanette (Groscup) Brown (niece)
Hi Shawna-

You probably wouldn't know me at all.  The last time I saw you you were a teeny little girl.  I am you dad's cousin, your granddad's older brother was my father, Jim.

Your granddad was a wonderful man, and I think of him often.  I adored him.  He (and my Uncle Arthur as well) called me Jenny Sue.  I live in Minnesota.

I just wanted to say hello, and tell you how much loved your grandpa was!

Jeanette Close

Big Bear Lake Sunday helper  / Raymond Fox (Foxy) (Friend)
Stacy - I will miss you terribly!  You were one of the greatest men I have ever known.  I will miss you calling me "Foxy"!  Ray Close

Birds of Prey  / Shawna Groscup (granddaughter)
It was the day the Great Spirit took my granddad. I was hundreds of miles away in Orlando, Florida, unaware of anything that was about to take place....

We were crossing the bridge, headed over to Melbourne to visit the Florida Institute of Technology. I'd been sick to my stomach upon waking that morning. We were visiting a college that I might have potentially attended, had I pursued my Marine Biology major. I was nervous about visiting the school, and even more nervous since I had left my ill grandfather behind in Morgantown, West Virginia. You see...he had just undergone multiple bypass surgeries just weeks before we had departed for our trip. He seemed to be well on his way to recovery, so I wasn't all that worried. 

As we crossed the bay, something amazing happenened, though it may not have seemed as amazing at the time. As I gazed out the window at the water, I saw a school of dolphins breeching. Ofcourse, I've seen this sight many times, but it never ceases to amaze me! I told my parents, and my little brother, but they didn't believe me. 

I also saw several ospreys. Ospreys are sea eagles, and one of my favorite birds. For some reason, unknown to me...an old story that Granddad had told me many times popped into my head. He had preached at Big Bear Lake for many years. I recall him telling me about one of his sermons by the lake, when an osprey came to visit. Now, ospreys aren't usually andiginous to the state of West Virginia. He explained to his crowd that the eagle must have blown in with a storm. 

I vividly recall him explaining to me, the same way he must have explained to the crowd, that if you were to watch the osprey circle the lake long enough, he might spot a fish. Granddad explained that if the eagle were to spot a fish, they would witness one of the most beautiful sights!

The osprey would fold up his wings, and dive into the water like a speeding bullet! Well.......the osprey never performed this stunt for the Big Bear Lake Crowd. However...as soon as I had recalled this....I saw an osprey fold its wings to its body, and plunge head first like a bullet into the water! I couldn't believe it!!!

Later that evening we ate dinner at a local restaurant right on the bay, and I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. I was sort of sad, though I didn't know why. 

The next day, I learned of my grandfather's passing.Eventually, I told my grandmother about my experience. It was then that I found out that it happened right about the time that they were losing him. He Still sends me signs. Usually in the form of birds of prey.....




I love you Granddad. Stiute!

~Shawna Groscup Close

Influenced! / Timothy Teter (Friend)
I just wanted to share with everyone from the time Stacy baptised me to the time he taught me how to shot the bow and arrow i was influenced. Influenced in a way that words can't describe! I had asked him to perform an archery demonstration at North Elementary when i was in the fourth grade, he agreed with out a doubt! I was in the audience attending not thinking much of it considering i knew how amazing he was with his archery and blowgun skills. It was then that he called me out of the audience to participate in the demonstration apparently I appeared slightly nervous. Stacy must of shared this story with several people everytime he saw me. I can still see his smile and twinkel in his eye as he put his arm around me and told that story. Stace you and your family helped me through thick and thin and inspired me to be the person i am today! I will never forget some of the times we shared together and i will continue to make sure that my arrows continue to fly true, more especially for you! Thank you Stacy, and the entire Groscup family. 
So mote it be brother,
Tim Close

From a person I admired while I was in NY to meeting and marrying my wife and I  / Craig Acheson (Acquaintaince/Marrie-d my wife and I )
When I lived in upstate NY I read about this incredible man that could shoot small objects out of the air with his bow.  I am an avid archer myself and found that this man in the Archery Hall of Fame was amazing.  Coincidentally, I fell in love with my wife Kelly who's brother lives in Morgantown and in 1998 we moved there to start our life together.  Soon after we were talking marriage and Kelly's brother told us that he had done some video shooting of Reverend Stacy Groscup for something Stacy wanted done.  I heard "reverend" and my wheelsstarted turning.  I was not aware he was a reverend actually, I said!  I simply opened up the phonebook and gave him a call.  He was so accessable...it was kinda surreal talking with this man I heard so much about from my archery circles in Upstate NY!!  He agreed to perform our ceremony.  We met for the pre-counseling with him over in the small Goshen Road Bible Church he preached at and I became fascinated by this man, his inner spiritualty and his outer demeanor...so stoic, jovial yet reverent.  A rare combination of man of God...yet spiritual and accepting of all.  Not your typical "stuffy Christian" that crams 'his" view in your face.  Just a gentlemanly man wiling to listen to you and love you for who you are.  On July 7, 2001 I married my beautiful bride with an awesome ceremony on the PA/WV line on RT119 at my brother-in-law's house.  We even got a kick out of the occassional blackpowder rifle being fired down the valley as our vows were being read.  I though tto myself...this is a REAL WV wedding...Stacy is here, guns going off, we're on the front porch of a house with cars beeping at us.  We did not wear camo, much to my dismay though!! haha  After the ceremony Satcy hung out and talked to a few of my hunting buddies for a few hours.  He was a true pleasure and fascinating to talk with.  A few weeks later we attended the IBO World Championship in Snowshoe, WV and who was there was the beloved Stacy Groscup!!  He picked us out of the crowd as "Craig and Kelly" and that he had just married us a few weeks before.  Then I would see him periodically through the years at Ruby memorial Hospital bringing God's good Word to folks in need.  He always remembered my name and always had a smile.  Since then we have moved to NC but I will never forget that man....I feel our marriage is forever blessed due to this man and God above for letting it all come together the way it has.  Stacy said there is a larger percentage of marriages that he performs that "stay together" and I have to agree with him.  I will miss him dearly and I hope to meet with him if I am lucky enough to go to the same place he is at.....I love you man!! Close

Awesome Man  / Steve Crowl (Fellow Archer )
I met Stacy the first time in York, Pa. He put on a demonstration at the York Fairgrounds. He appologized to the audience for only nicking the asprin tablets insead of powdering them on this extremly windy day. I was impressed. We talked very breifly on that occasion. It was several years later until I saw him again. I said you probably don't remember me and he said wait .... and then proceeded to tell me where we met. With all the people he came in contact with I was impressed. Always smiling and enjoying life. A true insperation!!

Best of all I'm sure he's still smiling today.

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Thank you Stacey  / Matt Allen (friend)
I cannot begin to tell how Rev. Groscup added beauty, love and understanding about life to my soul. His insight of God/Creator was rare and I consider our paths crossing a blessing from The Great Spirit. I am of Scottish / Native American decent. And being raised in West Virginia finding about about true Natvie American culture was tough, but Stacey not only opened my eyes about a proud and wonderful people, but through his love of a Great People, allowed me to see apart of my ancestry that had for so long eluded me. I will never forget my friend Stacey Groscup. Close

Thank You Stacy, you are with us in spirit  / Markos Gillespie (He was like a father to me )

 

THANK YOU STACY GROSCUP

 

Thank you Stacy Groscup for helping us heal,

 

and your message to say No to any drug deal.

 

For the mighty miracles you did with your bow,

 

so we can have hope when our spirits get low.

 

Thank you for teaching the children to shoot,

 

and for us to know this as archery's best hoot!

 

Thank you for seeing the good in us well,

 

then reminding our egos never to swell.

 

That sin of pride we must avoid day and night,

 

because how it blinds us from what's really right.

 

Thank you Stacy for letting us know

 

the gifts God put inside us are not meant for show,

 

but so our lives can bless others all of our years

 

to help spread good cheer instead of sad tears.

 

Thank you for never acting mighty and above

 

instead to teach us we are put here to love.

 

We celebrate you reaching the Promised Land,

 

where someday we'll join you hand in hand,

 

for us all to be part of the circle unbroken

 

and the love that binds as the Lord has spoken.

***********************  

Written in loving tribute to the memory of Stacy,
by Markos Gillespie Close

Searching for Stacy  / Shirley Magness (Cousin)
Due to a family rift which occurred before my time, I had lost track of some cousins.  I knew that they existed but that was all I knew.  Going over some old family pictures I ran across a picture of four children with only the word Groscup written on the back.  I felt that these were my long lost cousins and so I, along with my husband who enjoys genealogy, started a search using the internet and many mailings to Groscups around the country.  Sometime after we had given up the search, one of our letters got to the right person and we received a phone call from a gentleman who announced "Hi, this is your cousin Stacy."  What a thrill it was to talk to a cousin that I had given up hope of finding.  He told me of his brothers and sisters who were also missing cousins.

We made it a point to travel to W. Virginia to meet these relatives.  Stacy and his charming wife Marguerite invited us into their home where Stacy told us of that part of family history that I did not know about as well as Indian lore and other things that he plainly loved so well.

We are so grateful that we were allowed to meet and get to know these wonderful people before Stacy died.  Others have commented on the great things he did, we are just glad we were able to know him,  if for just a little while. Close

Rev. Groscup beacme an idol  / Jeff J. (Rev)
Rev. Groscup was an illusion to be in the begining.  At the age of 10 I was taught the bow and arrow by a neighbor.  He would tell tales of this great man who could theow up an asprin and hit it dead center with an arrow.  When my mentor, Dave Golden was claimed by cancer, Rev, Groscup was the Rev at the funeral.  Have fun in the happy hunting grounds in the sky......JJ Close

A Tribute to Stacy  / Donald Feamster (Friend)
Stacy was my pastor for nine  years when he was in Lewisburg.  I was an acolyte during three  of those years.  He baptized my  sister, Nancy, when she was one and I was eight.  He baptized my nephew, Shiloh Turner, in Morgantown.  Stacy was special to me and I chrerish the memories. Close

BIG BEAR LAKE Friend  / Garry Whitescarver (Brother in CHRiST )
I will miss that Smiling face, that happy laugh, that Baritone voice and the down to earth sermons Stacy presented at the Lake Side Chapel at Big Bear Lake. I first met Stacy at Pleasant Creek Rifle range locatred in the back waters of Tygart Lake in Grafton WV. He was giving an Archery exibition on a Sunday afternoon back in 1984 and I took my two sons Chad & Ryan to watch this amazing talent. After the show ended I had Stacy pose in his Indian dress with my two sons and took a picture. I will never forget the excitement in my son's faces as they posed with Stacy for this photograph.  I was able to see these exibitions several times since I was a scout master of Troop# 51 in Pruntytown,WV.  We later met Stacy again when we purchased a camp at Big Bear Lake. Those lake side services will always be in my thoughts. Stacy had an uncanny way of remembering people's faces and names and he knew if you attended the services and if you happended to miss a meeting he would remark "you weren't here last week were you. After one Sunday's service I gave Stacy a copy of trhe photo taken with my sons and it tickled him.  This man was truely a modern day saint and man of GOD. He touched so many lives and even though he has gone on to be with the LORD, he is still touching lives even today.  I miss him but he is in HEAVEN now walking on the streets of gold. and living in the mansion GOD had prepared for him. You were a GREAT BLESSING Stacy and I will see you again one day .    Close