First Christian Reformed Church Hudsonville, MI – Ottawa County 1902 – 2002 Our Church’s History In this year of grace 2002, we commemorate the centennial anniversary of our congregation. For 100 years the Lord has been with us, and in deep gratitude we dedicated our hearts to our God. But we cannot fittingly celebrated this event unless we know, and therefore, appreciate how the Lord has blessed us through the former generations. History is always an interesting subject, and especially so when we delve into church history. Considering the history of the Hudsonville Christian Reformed Church, we record from that long span of 100 years an interesting and varied train of events. Way back in 1900, only a few of our people were found in this vicinity. When the Holland people saw that a good living could be made out of the lowlands, they moved in. Some attended church at Zutphen, some at Beaverdam, Jenison, Jamestown and South Blendon Reformed. In 1901, a small group of concerned believers desired a place of worship here in Hudsonville. A meeting was called in the home of Charley Kamp. Little did our first leaders realize that this home would be the birthplace of our local Christian Reformed Church. Here a number of men met for the purpose of asking classis Holland to consider Hudsonville as a mission station. The request was granted along with classical supplies. Rev. G. G. Haan, home missionary for that classis, began his labors here. The first meetings were held in the former Congregational Church. It was the privilege of the late Rev. D. R. Drukker to serve communion to these beginners. This was in the March of the year 1902. The people were poor, their numbers small, but with God’s help that persevered. Soon after this, a request was sent to Classis Holland to be organized as a congregation. Rev. Drukker pleaded strongly for it; he being convinced that Hudsonville had a good future. The classical committee granted permission to organize a Christian Reformed Church. The Rev J. Bolt, at that time pastor of Jamestown Christian Reformed Church, and elder Albert Tien, also of Jamestown, with Rev. G. G. Haan were appointed by classis to bring about the organization. On April 23, 1902, at 7:30 p.m., they met with the people in the Congregational Church. Rev. G. G. Haan presided and Rev. J. Bolt acted as clerk. The opening song was Psalm 89:1. Psalm 122 was read by Rev. Haan and Rev. Bolt led in prayer and then spoke a few words based on Psalm 89:13. After the singing of Psalm 89:13, the purpose of the meeting and the charge of classis were read and a decision to organize was made. Twenty-five families signified their intention to affiliated with the new church and one individual was received on confession of faith. Others expressed the desire to join later. J. VanDyk and B. Kornoelje were chosen as deacons. The installation of the new office bears took place on May 4, 1902. At the beginning of a new century there was the beginning of a new church in Hudsonville. CHARTER MEMBERS Boonenberg, Jacob and Hendrikje Jennie, Nora Jacoba, Gerrit and Martha Helena Bytwerk, Albert and Geeltje Aja Aafke DeHaan, Foppe and Loukje Jebeltje, Harm, Jan, Peter, Janke, Gilbert and Foppe DeWeerd, Jan P. and Jeltje Pieter, Elizabeth and Jan Dykema, Albert and Antje Pieter, Antje, Nickolaas, Jan, Zwaantje and Tiemen Elsinga, Gerrit and Jennie Rikstje, Henderika and Jitter Kamp, Tjibbele and Janke Jan, Jantje, Johannes and Akke Kornoelje, Albertus and Tryntje Johannes, Fredrik, Pieter, Koert, Pieternella, Jan and Hendrikie Kooienga, Willem and Anna Jacob, Hans Kooistra, Ruurt and Frederika Anna, Eelke, Jan, Neeltje and Jacob Lynema, Jacob and Hennie Cornelis, Gwetis and Gerrit Mesbergen, Lawrence and Teintje Willem, Jan, Pieter and Pieternella Ohlman, Henry and Dina Jan, Carl and Gilbert Oudbier, Jan and Dirkje Jan, Mietje, Aart and Hendrik Poskey, Jan, Johann Solkema, Gerrit and Wietske Roelof, Ale, and Anderes Stegstra, Brugt and Antje Annie, Pieter, Jantje, Jan, Jasper and Reitse Van Den Bosch, Tamme and wife Jacob, Anna, Jan Harm, Jacobina and Arthur Van Der Heide, Jantje Jan, Meinke and Jennie Van Der Woude, Rense and Geertje Andrew, Johannes, Akke, and Jimke Van Dyke, Jan and Hilberdina Geertje, Johannes, Emma, Rutger and Johanna Veltema, Sape and Tryntje Vrouwkje, Rommert and Gosse and Lizzie Verstrate, Jan and Annie Vredeveld, Jan and Annie Grietje, Lucas, Klaas and Lutske Wierenga, Klaas and Jantje Griet, Jacob, Cornelia, Maartje, Derk and Elizabeth NOTE: Soon after organization, others were added to the rolls such as: Borgerdink, Gebben, Geers, Boldt, Ludema, Victorie, and Schuitema. When the Congregational Church building became too small, meetings were held in the Disciples Church building (later the church home of the Reformed Church). However, the desire was to have a house of worship of their own. So under the leadership of Rev. W. Borgman and elder H. Bosch from Zutphen, steps were taken to find a suitable location. After much deliberation, the present location was chosen. A building committee was appointed consisting of Albert Dykema, J. P. DeWeerd and John Van Der Heide. Soon a church building was erected. Charles Kamp was the contractor and offered to build the church for $280.00. Because there was not much money to spend but a willingness to work, both old and young donated much of the labor. With the church building finished, many things were yet needed. Seats were purchased from the Alpine Avenue Christian Reformed Church for $5.00 a piece. Pulpit furniture and collection bags were donated, and shades and carpets given by the ladies of the congregation. The Zutphen congregation presented us with a bell which still calls us to worship every Sunday. A horse barn was built with all donated help. At last all was done in the summer of 1904. Our first church building was erected at a cost of $2,400.00. The Rev. S. Volbeda and the Rev. W. Borgman spoke at the dedication services in the fall of 1904. An organ was borrowed from the Jantje Van Der Heide home for this dedication service. Rev. G. G. Haan continued his labors, faithfully preaching the Word, teaching catechism classes and visiting the sick and new families who moved into the community. The congregation soon numbered 40 families and the need for a shepherd was felt. Before a pastor could be called, it would be necessary to build a parsonage. So in May of 1905 Mr. M. Klamer was engaged to build a parsonage which was soon accomplished with the help of many willing workers. After four calls had been extended and declined, a fifth call to Candidate James Bruinooge was accepted at a salary of $650.00. He began his ministry in 1906 and worked with zeal and consecration. His labors were appreciated by many and blessed by God. At his coming the congregation numbered 35 families and at his departure, four and one half years later, it numbered 70 families. During his ministry, many made confession of faith. Also a ladies aide, a young peoples society, and a singing school were organized. Rev. Bruinooge was often seen on the street with his horse and buggy making calls on members of the congregation. Also at this time a pipe organ was purchased for $300.00 from Zeeland North Street. Young men of the church served as pumpers and received $3.00 a year. Rev. James Bruinooge, 1906-1911 (photo missing) In 1911, Rev. Bruinooge accepted a call from the First Christian Reformed Church of Grand Haven. Firm Foundations were established during his ministry. The need for Christian instruction was strongly stressed but years elapsed before a Christian school became a reality. After a vacancy of six months, on June 16, 1911, a call was extended to Rev. H. Walkotten (1911-1921) of Oakland, Michigan. He accepted the call and came to us in the fall of the same year. At his coming some changes were made in the parsonage. An addition was built to the kitchen, stoves were replaced with a furnace, and a telephone was installed. For ten years this servant of God labored faithfully and gave leadership to the flock. The congregation grew to over one hundred families and soon the church building became too small. Therefore, at a congregational meeting, it was decided to build an addition at the east end of the church so that two hundred additional pews could be added. Rev. Henry Walkotten, 1911-1921 During the ministry of Rev. Walkotten, the desire for a Christian school was realized. A society for Christian Instruction was organized in 1913, but the school was not built until four years later. Some members had misgivings about the ability of the congregation to take on additional burdens, but our forefathers persisted and our heavenly Father provided the means which wee necessary. The pastor and congregation went forward in faith and prospered. Hardly could a shepherd be more faithful in his pastoral duties than was Rev. Walkotten. He would walk miles to visit the sick, comfort the sorrowing, admonish the wayward, and counsel the troubled. Beginning in 1917, it was requested that the English language be used in Sunday School as well as in the services. It was a question for debate from 1917 to 1921, but finally English song books were permitted in the Sunday School. In 1919, the consistory decided that all instruction in the Sunday School be in the English language. In May, 1921, Rev. Walkotten (1921-1943) left to accept a call to Pella, Iowa. His labors there were of short duration. God called him to his eternal home in 1925. Rev. E. J. Krohne, 1921-1943 On May 31, 1921, the congregation called Rev. E. J. Krohne, at that time minister of the Borculo Christian Reformed Church. He accepted the call and came to Hudsonville in September, 1921. The blessings of God rested upon his labors. With the change of ministers came the need for more English. During the next few years progress was made with the language problem and it was finally decided to have the morning and evening services in English and an afternoon service in Dutch. In 1933, English was made the official language of the church. Afternoon Dutch services were continued for some time with guest preachers, but were eventually discontinued in 1958. The congregation grew during the first three years of Rev. Krohne’s ministry from 110 to 130 families. In 1925, a new parsonage was built at the cost of $5,000.00. Then came the common grace controversy during which twelve families left the congregation and became Protestant Reformed. A few years later, in 1927, more families left to follow the movement of undenominationalism. So by 1931, the congregation, once again, numbered 110 families. However, may we never forget that the King of the Church will provide necessary leadership to bring his people forward. The period from 1931 to 1936 was known as "The Depression Years". Many lost their life savings and others were out of work. Rev. Krohne voluntarily reduced his salary $300.00 at two different times.  In 1936 Mrs. Krohne, his faithful helpmeet was called to the home above.  Rev. Krohne continued faithfully in his labors until January 17, 1943 when he went home to be with the Lord. Rev. Thomas Yff, 1943-1947 A call was extended to Rev. Thomas Yff of Grand Rapids who accepted the call and soon took his place among us.  The church grew and many families had to be seated in the basement.  Plans were being made for a new church at a new location but Rev. Yff did not remain to see these plans through. Soon after Rev. Yff left a group of members asked permission to organize a daughter church.  Approval was given by the Classis and February, 1948 Immanuel Christian Reformed Church was organized with eighty-six becoming charter members of the new congregation.  This solved the seating problem temporarily.  They built an edifice in 1949 on Kiel street. Rev. E. Van Halsema of Passaic, New Jersey came to the church after a year of searching for a minister.  During his time with the church, the building was added on to at the same location.  In 1949 two young people, having graduated from the Reformed Bible Institute, took up mission labors.  Mary Jean Kruis and Howard Hamberg among the unchurched Indians in Lake Andes region, South Dakota.   The Consistory at the 50th Anniversary of the church, May 7 and May 8, 1952 Rev. Emo Van Halsema, Minister Consistory Members, 1902-1952 Elders John Van Dyk, Bert Kornoelje, L. Van Mesbergen, Gerrit Geers, S. Kamminga, H. Nieuwsma, H. DeVries, Samuel Rozema, L. Veenstra, J. P. DeWeerd, H. Klunder, K. Ludema, S. Doorn, C. Spoelman, H. Veltema, J. H. Loeks, Douwe Leegstra, H. J. Steigenga, Harm VanderMolen, Harm Molter, Henry Schut, William E. Tanis, William Grasman, Walter VanDerWall, Jacob Hop, Albert Schut, Jacob Bloemberg, M. Wondergem, Jan Hamming, Henry VerHage, M. Christiaans, Gerrit Kamminga, Peter Dykema, R. Bosscher, William Albrecht, H. TenHarmsel, Gerrit G. Schut, John Teune, Peter Bouma, Edward Wezeman, William Moes, George Talsma, Peter Jasperse, Ben Huizenga, Joseph G. Meyers, Dick Klamer, Melvin Dyk, Harm Ringerwole, Harold Peuler, Jacob Deters, Walter VanderVeen, George Schut, Tony Elenbaas, Marvin Hop, Carl Ohlmann, Albert Veltema, Nick J. Meyer, Gerrit Koopman, Clarence Dykema Deacons Charles Kamp, John Vredeveld, A. Dykema, H. Veltema, J. P. DeWeerd, John Vredeveld, John Schuitema, J. J. VanDyke, William Grasman, Ben Stuit, William Tanis, Tom Koopman, John VanderHeide, H. Bloeming, Peter Dielema, Albert Geerts, Henry VerHage, Maratin Christiaans, T. Bosgraff, P. Dykema, Andrew DeWeerd, John Krol, Gerrit Hamberg, Tony Elenbaas, Theo Wyenberg, Martin DeVries, William Moes, George Talsma, Henry Schreurs, Dick Klamer, Albert Veltema, D. J. Cooper, Dick Dyk, Henry Gemmen, Jacob Lyndma, George Schut, C. Dykema, John Dykema, Andrew Buist, Walter VanderVeen, Henry Heuvelman, Edward Tanis, Erzo Lynema, Jack Deters, William Karsten, Marvin Hop, Fred DeWitt, Marvin Heyboer, Russell Langeland, John Van Koevering, Gerrit Koopman, Russel Brower, Clarence Machiela, Jacob Wolfert, Harold Mesbergen, Nelson Hoezee, Harold VerHage, Willard Brower, Cornelius Schuitema, Stanley VanKoevering 1952 Program Committee John Krikke, Henry Schuitema, Peter Jasperse, Mrs. Peter Talsma, Mrs. Chris VerStrate 1952 Pageant Committee Mrs. Harold Peuler, Mrs. Peter Talsma, Mrs. E. Van Halsema   OUR HISTORY IN BRIEF April 23, 1902 – Organization of the church. Election of office bearers. 1905 – The first parsonage is built. 1906 – Rev. James Bruinooge becomes our first pastor. 1911 – We welcome Rev. Henry Walkotten, our second pastor. 1914 – The church is enlarged. 1917 – The Christian School opens. 1921 – Rev. E. J. Krohne becomes our third pastor. 1925 – The second parsonage is built. 1933 – English was made the official language of the church. 1943 – Rev. Thomas Yff is installed as our fourth pastor. 1948 – Immanuel CRC, our daughter church, is organized. 1948 – Our fifth pastor, Rev. E. Van Halsema, arrives. 1950 – Our church, rebuilt and enlarged, is dedicated. 1952 – We celebrate our 50th anniversary. 1956 – Rev. E. Visser becomes our next pastor. 1962 – Rev. John Blankespoor becomes our seventh pastor 1963 – We began our support of Hillcrest Chapel. 1966 – New parsonage is built. 1970 – The addition of the south wing and canopy were made. 1975 – Rev. Byma accepts the call to become our next pastor. 1977 – We celebrate our Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary). 1984 – Our church basement was remodeled. 1989 – Rev. D. Tinklenberg becomes pastor. 1993 – Church interior is redone. 1999 – Rev. S. Sytsma is installed as pastor. 2002 – Celebration of our Centennial.