On October 15. 1996, a group of concerned members of Ebenezer CRC met at Eelka and Mary Eilander's home to discuss their concerns about the theological and spiritual direction of the CRC, including the ordination of women to the eldership and the office of minister of the word and sacraments. It was at this meeting that the decision was made by the group to form a new Independent Reformed church. A steering committee was elected, consisting of Mr. Hank Lindemulder, Mr. Eelka Eilander, Mr. Henry Klaas and Mr. Walter Vandenbrink.
The building that we now own was already in mind as a potential location for the new church. Grace Chapel as it was then named was eventually rented and then purchased for a sum of $120,000.
The steering committee decided to ask Parkland Reformed Church for advice on how to proceed with organizing a church from worship services including which Bible to use, which hymnal, transferring memberships and financial matters. That's when Reverend Van Olst and Parkland Reformed Church became involved with us. After several meetings with Reverend Van Olst here at this building and even once at his home, it was decided to hold our first worship service here on Sunday, November 3, 1996.
A congregational meeting was held on November 24 1996 for the purpose of electing office bearers. This was done after the mornings worship service. Brothers Eilander, Klopstra and Vandenbrink were elected as elders and Klaas and John Van’t Hoff were elected as deacons.
On Wednesday, November 27, 1996, a worship service was held. Reverend Van Olst preached the inaugural sermon “God summons His people to readiness by the response of a disciplined people and the response of a United people” This worship service also included the installation of the new office barriers. Reverend Van Olst as our classical advisor and Reverend Kits both provided wise counsel and able leadership to this congregation and it's first council leading, many worship services and attending frequently in numerous meetings for the first one and a half years.
On June 30th 1998 candidate Tim Kalkman was ordained and installed. As our first pastor, he served until 2006 after which Reverend Daniel Kok accepted our call to serve here. Rev. Kok was a single man when he arrived and he lived for a while in a 5th wheel trailer and then at the Tiemstra's home when it got too cold. He eventually moved into the parsonage that was built on the property. Kok, now married and in care of a new dog, decided to switch denominations on theological grounds to the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. We then called Reverend Hank Van Der Woerd from Trinity Reformed Church of Lethbridge. When he retired, we called candidate Tad Groenendyk, our current pastor.
During these years we as a congregation kept up the teaching of our youth and kept up congregational life with Christmas programs and summertime church picnics. Mr. Eilander and Joan Vandenbrink organized the first Good Friday evening song service, inviting Parkland Church to join us. Over the years, it continued with visiting choirs and inspiring singing of praise to our Lord and ever faithful. God and father in heaven.
At this time, I would also like to remember those who the Lord called home to himself. Mr. Ray Deboer, Mrs. Mary. Tolsma, Mr. And Mrs. Eilander and Mr. Hofstead. Each of these saints left a lasting legacy for us by their faith and their works. Mr. and Mrs. Eilander for their unflagging devotion to this church in congregation. Mr. Deboer for his leadership and calm wisdom during the first years, and Mr. Hosted for his creative work on the steeple, the song, soundboard and the pulpit and Mrs. Tolsma’s energy and love for her Lord.
In all this and through all the years, we have witnessed God's loving care and grace. Through all the trials and joys we have been truly blessed. May we continue with Him for His honor and glory.
