CRC homecoming sees great weather

The weather for Christian Reformed Church’s 50th anniversary homecoming celebrations were fantastic both Saturday and Sunday.
The sun shone with all its glory, and the committee anniversary members were pleased with the extravagant way everyone enjoyed each others company.
It was unreal, just watching everything unveil itself—there were no disappointments. It was an all-in-the-family of God presentation to it’s fullest.
The entire weekend theme was commemorating 50 years of faithfulness to God. “It is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord,” Joshua 22:27. 1953-2003.
Council chair Jack Esselink welcomed everyone to this occasion and extended that they all enjoy the planned program.
Ted Kaemingh and his volunteer helpers looked after the breakfast menu, that was delicious to say the least.
Anniversary chair Nick Schryvershof said, “the breakfast guests just doubled from what we had expected.”
I happened to be sitting down beside Rev. Neil Vriend, pastor at CRC from 1962-1965. We had an intelligent conversation, as he reflected on the time he was here, mentioning that every Sunday morning worship service at approximately ten after eleven, it never failed that a CNR freight train would be passing through, blowing hits whistle from one crossing to another.
It was a break from worship since no one could hear anything anyway.
After the breakfast, it was time to dedicate five planted trees, one for each decade leading up to the 50th anniversary. Council chair Esselink gave a brief review of the history through those years.
Moments included the purchase of the old church in January, 1952 for $1400 (it was the old United Church); the first worship service was April, 1952; and the first minutes and installation of Rev. John Brink (1955-1957). In March of 1955, he had a radio broadcast over CFOB.
Rev. Peter Vosteen was installed in 1959. The Dorcas Society first met in 1961. Rev. Neil Vriend was installed in 1962. Then, a lot on the river was bought to build a parsonage in 1965.
Rev. Richard Duifhuis was ordained in 1967. In 1968, a was motion passed to use individual cups for the Lord’s Supper, and consistory accepted a motion to give voting rights to women.
In the ’70s, evening services began, switching from 1 p.m. in 1972. Rev. Gerard Nonnekes was installed in 1975. The CRC celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1978.
The Calvinette Club began 1981. Cadets followed in 1982. Rev. Peter Veltman was installed in 1985. The Ladies Coffee Break began in 1986. In the ’90s, they celebrated CRC’s 40th anniversary.
Rev. Gerald Van Smeerdyk was ordained in 1995, his first church leaving seminary. Sod turning for new church was in Oct. 1995, while the dedication of church was in Oct. 1996.
“Here we are in 2003 celebrating our 50th,” said Council chair Esselink. “Although we do not have a permanent pastor at the present.”
“We’re glad to have a summer student, Pastor David Loew and family. We do not know what the Lord has in store for us, but we know he will be faithful,” he added.
After the dedication, Wilma Esselink of the Fellowship Committee and her assistants began games for the kids. This included a variety with Eltjo Wiersema making way for horseshoe games—no competitions–strictly playing for fun.
Toy-Play equipment from the Emo Toy Library was available for smaller tots, and a mature walk for the ones who wished to unload calories.
Ria Hettinga and her people looked after the coffee, juice and muffins while the games continued. Being a warm day, the juice barrel was frequently filled to quench your thirst.
On the supper menu was BBQ hamburgers, hot dogs with the trimmings. Organized by those responsible. Once again an overwhelming response. The final day/evening, was a sing-along with musical groups, singing groups and Praise teams, a type of talent show, organizers were: The Marinaro, The Bethune and Francine Krikke with their musical instruments and voices that were joined by the congregation closing with the hymn, Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Sunday morning’s worship was conducted by Rev. Peter Vosteen, pastor at CRC 1959-1962, he developed health problems being allergic to all fur-bearing animals, that left fish and since not being a great fisherman either, it was that time to leave. Presently he is pastor of a Presbyterian church in Washington.
Council chairman welcomed all to the final celebration service. The Praise Team led the congregation in several well known chorus’s. Organist was Dianne Heerema. Student summer pastor David Loew had the children’s story, Rev. Vosteen’s message topic was “Contentment.” Vosteen was the first non-Dutch speaking minister at CRC. The Lord’s Supper was also observed.
The evening service was similar to a worship service that would have taken place 50 years ago. There was even opportunity to sing the hymns in Dutch.
After the service everyone met in front of the church to dedicate a pile of stones, Prayer for a strong God’s Rock foundation at CRc be recognized there throughout the years was given by David Loew, Benediction given by Rev. Vosteen. This stone structure which will be completed by Arend Wielinga will be commemorating 50 years of God’s faithfulness to his church in Emo, as a permanent fixture. Anniversary/member Corey Wiersema participated in the ceremony.
The planned Interdenominational Youth Service has been rescheduled for July 20 at 7 p.m.