[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 56 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E827]]



           GRACE REFORMED CHURCH CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of Grace Reformed Church in Wyoming, MI. The names and 
faces of pastors and the location of the church may have changed over 
the years, but the spiritual mission and commitment of Grace Reformed 
Church have become stronger with each year of existence.
  The history of the church actually dates back 101 years to 1896 when 
members of the Second Reformed Church and the Fifth Reformed Church met 
at Reelman's Hall to discuss combining their congregations. On February 
18, 1897, the two churches formed Grace Reformed Church. Ten days later 
the congregation ordained and installed its first consistory, 
consisting of two elders and two deacons. The Rev. John Van De Erve 
served as the church's first pastor until 1901. During his 4 year 
tenure, Reverend Van De Erve oversaw the construction of a temporary 
facility to help ease the congestion problem Reelman Hall was 
experiencing. In 1899, the growing congregation began construction on a 
new church that would be dedicated during a 2 day service in April 
1900.
  Following the departure of Reverend Van De Erve, the congregation 
experienced a number of changes in the pulpit. In 1902, the Rev. J. H. 
Joldersma served as pastor for a 6 month period. He was replaced by the 
Rev. P.P. Cheff from 1903 to 1905. After Reverend Cheff's departure, 
Rev. Peter Braak took over as pastor and oversaw the construction of a 
new parsonage that was built on the grounds of the church so that 
pastors would no longer have to live in nearby rented apartments. After 
a 3 year assignment, Reverend Braak moved on and was replaced by the 
Rev. Lawrence Dykstra who served until 1912.

  In 1912, the church began to move in a new direction with the 
introduction of the Rev. C.H. Spaan who to this day has served the 
longest tenure as pastor at the church. Reverend Spaan was a fixture at 
Grace Reformed for 26 years until poor health forced him to give up his 
duties in 1938. During his ministry, church members generously donated 
their time to help with several major improvement projects including 
the installation of a steam heating plant and the expansion of the 
auditorium's seating capacity. In addition, the church also built a new 
basement and added a new kitchen for church social events.
  After the retirement of Reverend Spaan, the church welcomed the Rev. 
Theodore Schaap who served from 1938 to 1945. In October of 1945, the 
church welcomed the Rev. Henry C. Van Deelen to the congregation. 
During Reverend Van Deelen's pastorship, plans were made to establish a 
building fund for future expansion and remodeling projects and a 
celebration committee was established to prepare for the church's 50th 
anniversary in 1947.
  In 1949, the Rev. Abraham Rynbrandt was installed as pastor and 
served until 1953. He was replaced by the Rev. James Schut in 1954 who 
remained with the church until 1959. The Rev. Rodger H. Dalman began 
service in 1959 and stayed with the church until 1965. During the early 
1960's the church, under Dalman's leadership, moved forward with plans 
to build a new sanctuary at a new location. In 1963 the congregation 
approved preliminary building plans for their new home.
  In 1964, the church sold their building on Caulfield Avenue and moved 
into a new facility on Burlingame Avenue. After selling their 
previous place of worship to New Hope Baptist Church, members of both 
churches held a joint worship service to celebrate a new beginning for 
both congregations. During the transition period, church members 
attended worship services at Lee High School while the finishing 
touches were being put on their new home. On April 26, worshippers 
celebrated their first Sunday in their new sanctuary and later held a 
week-long dedication ceremony to celebrate.

  In 1965, the Reverend Dalman left the church for a new position in 
Wisconsin. He was replaced in 1966 by the Rev. Harry Brower who served 
until 1972. Rev. Mark De Witt was installed as pastor in 1973 and 
remained until 1985. During Reverend De Witt's service, the church 
dedicated a new pastor's study, consistory room, and nursery. The 
church also enlarged its seating area for worship services. Phase two 
of this improvement project was completed in 1990 and included an 
elevator and a covered lower entrance.
  Rev. Louis H. Benes, Jr. was installed as pastor in 1986 and served 
for 10 years. On September 29, 1996, the Rev. Richard Veenstra was 
commissioned as interim pastor and remains in that position today.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Grace Reformed Church has come a long 
way from its humble beginning and has been an integral part of the 
Wyoming community for a century. The contributions of this church, its 
tradition, and commitment to God should serve as an example for others 
to follow. As the members of this church celebrate this remarkable 
feat, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on this 
very special anniversary.

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