Alameda (Calif.) Christian Reformed Church celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of faith and community service since it was organized in 1924. Founded by Dutch immigrants, the church was created to provide a spiritual home for a community centered around shared faith and traditions.
In its early years, Alameda CRC hosted services in homes and the buildings of other churches. By the 1930s, the congregation had secured its own building, laying the foundation for various programs such as Sunday school, youth groups, and community outreach initiatives.
Throughout the 1940s, Alameda CRC was able to establish a thriving ministry to families and children living in and around the naval base in the San Francisco bay area. The post-war years brought growth and the expansion of the church’s facilities and its programs. The latter half of the 20th century saw the church embracing new challenges and opportunities, including a radio ministry that enabled them to reach many non-Dutch families. The church had adopted English “for all official services of the church” in 1936, as noted in its online history.
Today, Alameda CRC continues to uphold its core values of faith, community, and service, and is completing the church renewal lab program to enhance those efforts. It has evolved to include a large Korean membership and remains committed to its mission of glorifying God and serving others. On June 30 the worship service included preaching from past, present, and future pastors of the church—new pastor Matt McClure was installed in the same service. McClure, who previously pastored Prairie City (Iowa) CRC, shared that “coming in as an outsider, when looking upon the rich history, the providence and provision of God is the thread that ties and holds everything together.”
About the Author
Dan Veeneman works in the dairy industry as a ventilation specialist. He lives in Abbotsford, B.C., with his wife and three children. He is a member of Gateway Community Church.