Fifth Avenue Christian Reformed Church
25th Anniversary
(From an article in the Grandville Ave. Record, 8 March 1912, page 2)
Today, Friday, March 8th, marks the completion of a quarter of a
century of service by the Fifth Avenue Christian Reformed Church Society. It was
first organized in 1887 with a small membership. It has gradually grown larger
and the observance today is made one long to be remembered. Rev. W. R. Smidt was the first pastor, and he was here to greet his members
who still live. During his pastorship of fourteen years the congregation more
than doubled in membership. He too delivered an address on this occasion. Following him came Rev. W. VanderWerp, who remained a little over three
years, when he was called to Zeeland. He is also present and made an address. Then a call was extended to the present pastor, Rev. L. Veltkamp, five years
ago. A great period of prosperity and spiritual growth is the result. The church stands today as a monument to all who contributed to its growth.
The church and the parsonage are valued at several thousand dollars and there is
no indebtedness upon either. Rev. L. Veltkamp delivered addresses both afternoon and evening. In his
afternoon talk the text chosen was based on the words found in I Sam. 7: 12th
verse, first part. In the evening his address was based on a connection with the church history;
he chose as a text words found in Gen. 32: 10th verse. Rev. P. Ekster, representing the mother church, Rev. H. Beets, representing
the sister church and Rev. G. Broene delivered addresses. Rev. E. Breen of the daughter church… This history of the church as previously stated dates back to March 8th,
1887, when after some previous gatherings it was decided to build and that is
now the north front wing of the edifice. It was then adequate for the forty
families that worshiped there. This was used until 1889, when the congregation
had grown so that more room was needed and the addition 40 x 60, the east and
west addition, was built, at a cost of several hundred dollars, giving a seating
capacity of 900 as at present. The auditorium and gallery was four years ago
neatly grained and the interior nicely redecorated. This cost quite a sum but
the effect was appreciated. Later on the members felt the need of a new organ
and today a $2,000 pipe organ is in place. In order to find room for this they
had to buy a parcel of land of Mrs. Smith and there in this annex stands the
organ back of the pulpit. Two years ago the parsonage received a redecoration. It’s a fine home and
well located on the corner of Grandville and Fifth avenues. Then came the need
of a bell and a generous donor soon had one in place. The present enrollment of families is 270. The Consistory is as follows: Elders: J. Ballast, J. Boerema, H. Boit, J.
Botting, J. Penning, D. Wolthuis and B. Kuiper. The Deacons are: K. Kuiper, J. Tel, J. Heetderks, J. Bulthuis, J. Bruss and
J. Polderman.
Transcriber: ES
Created: 23 April 2006