Gouverneur First

United Methodist Church

The Rock Charitable Fund Grant was established in 2019 through a bequest from retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army, Marjorie J. Rock. Ms. Rock, a St. Lawrence County resident, who had a love for preserving historical places, took great pleasure in documenting local history to further community education and support the preservation of historical sites.

Ms. Rock’s background includes graduating from Heuvelton High School in 1937 and then from Flower Fifth Avenue School in 1941, as a Nurse, in New York City. She joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, serving in North Africa and Italy during World War II. She attended Teachers College at Columbia University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948 and a Master of Arts in 1950. She spent six years teaching in nursing programs, first as an instructor for Hartford Hospital in Connecticut and later in New York City’s Lennox Hill Hospital. She later returned to active Army service in 1954 to assist with medical courses for enlisted personnel, helping establish a medical education system in the United States, Japan, and Germany. She served as a supervisor, chief nurse, instructor, and director of an advanced medical technician school. Her last overseas duty was in Vietnam. She earned many honors during her Army service, including the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. In 1971 she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and returned to St. Lawrence County to live. Ms. Rock passed away in February 2017 at the age of 96.

The Community Foundation, in collaboration with a board of advisors, administers this permanent charitable legacy fund. Grant funding is awarded annually to qualified organizations whose mission and efforts align with the fund’s objectives within St. Lawrence County. These objectives include maintaining and preserving churches and cemeteries, preserving places of legitimate historical significance, and providing veterans of the United States military with benefits and assistance for their medical and recreational needs. Because of her foresight and thoughtful generosity, The Northern New York Community Foundation will perpetuate Ms. Rock’s desire to support this mission for generations to come.

Find more information on Marjorie J. Rock and the Northern New York Community Foundation.

If you would like to stop by the Church to admire our beautifully refurbished stained-glass windows, please feel free to do so during Office hours.