The Christian Reformed Church in North America, meeting at its annual general assembly, recognized several of its member congregations with commemorative plaques, noting their 150 years or more of ministry.
On behalf of the historical committee, executive director Steve Timmermans presented the plaques, first to three delegates present who were from 150+ year old churches and then to classis representatives who would deliver the plaques to the respective congregations.
First CRC of Oostburg, Wisc., which celebrates its 150 years in 2018, and 12 churches that have recognized these anniversaries between 2007 and 2017, were recipients of the plaques.
Printed on each plaque is Psalm 126:3: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Synod also decided to continue this practice of honoring each congregation celebrating 150 years of ministry with a commemorative plaque, to be carried out by the executive director and the Historical Committee.
1857-2007: First CRC of Grand Rapids; Graafschap CRC (Holland, Mich.); Noordeloos CRC (Holland, Mich.).
1865-2015: First CRC of Grand Haven; Central Avenue CRC (Holland, Mich.); Lafayette (Ind.) CRC; First CRC of South Holland, Ill.
1866-2016: Grace Valley CRC (German Valley, Ill.); Niekerk CRC (Holland, Mich.); First CRC of Pella, Iowa.
1867-2017: Ebenezer CRC (Berwyn, Ill.); First CRC of Wellsburg, Iowa.
Editor's note: Following synod, CRC Communications published a story about a church that synod missed recognizing. First CRC in Zeeland, Mich. celebrated 150 years of ministry in 2012.
Synod 2018 is meeting at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., from June 7-14. For continuous coverage while synod is in session, download the Banner app on your mobile device or follow The Banner Magazine on Facebook or @crcbanner on Twitter. You can find more tweeting by following hashtag #crcsynod. News stories will be posted at thebanner.org several times daily. For CRC Communications releases and the webcast, please visit crcna.org.
About the Author
Alissa Vernon is the news editor for The Banner.
