Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, while Providence CRC, also in Holland, celebrated its 100th.
Harderwyk marked its anniversary with a book telling the stories of Harderwyk’s members who worship at the three congregations that Harderwyk Ministries now comprises.
The book, which will be published in early 2008, is crafted from the interviews Francis deRoos Baron had with more than 70 people from Harderwyk, who ranged in age from 14 to 90 and older.
A celebration service combined the three congregations, each of which have differing styles of worship, and the congregations also met together for a picnic at an apple orchard.
Shirley Waterway, 78, and her husband, Bernie, 84, whose clan of four generations worship at each of the three congregations, said she thinks the range of musical and liturgical expressions represented at Harderwyk works “because most of us are open-minded about all the services.”
Providence CRC celebrated their 100th with the theme “Dwelling Place” from Psalm 91. The centerpiece of the celebrations focused on a dinner for all members in the worship center. Multiple skits created by Lori Mulder presented different time periods in Providence’s history, complete with costumes and props that reflected that time.
In videotaped interviews, shown throughout the evening, members shared stories of God’s faithfulness. The videos included a visual tour given by older members through Providence’s former building.
