Bunde Christian Reformed Church recently finished a series of three celebrations commemorating the church’s 125th anniversary.
The central theme for each of the monthly festivities—Faith through the Generations—was a testament to the experience of the rural Minnesota church throughout its history.
In 1887, Bunde CRC opened its doors to 10 families, totaling about 60 people. Worshipers held the first service in the Ammerman home before moving to a schoolhouse at the same location where the current church stands.
The first church building was built in 1894; in 1940 the congregation constructed a new, larger building to accommodate growth and to better meet its needs.
Twenty years later, the church completed an addition to include more seating for parishioners as well as classrooms. Future building projects included a new parsonage (1972) and a church fellowship hall (1998).
In 2006, the church building was taken down to make way for the current sanctuary.
In keeping with its anniversary theme, congregants remembered the church’s past during the June celebration; in July they turned their attention to the present and in August to future generations.
Rev. Bob Pollema and youth pastor Garrett Hovland chose Psalm 89:1-2 to help commemorate the occasion.
About the Author
Jeff Arnold is the Banner’s regional news correspondent for classes Kalamazoo and Lake Erie.
