Name/Title
The First Christian Reformed Church of WaupunScope and Content
Historical information on First Christian Reformed Church of Waupun for 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in Waupun, WI
*NOTE: Spelling errors are left just as originally typed.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH OF WAUPUN
A gradual drift from rural life in the vicinity of Alto to move to the more urban life of Waupun, in combination with severe Wisconsin winters, gave birth to our present church.
At the request of several members, Rev. Diephuis, pastor of the Alto Church, consented to conduct occasional services in the city of Waupun. The consistory offered to temporarily engage Rev. P. Kosten, an emeritus minister, to serve at Waupun since it felt the burden would be too great for its own pastor to preach at both places.
Under his auspices, in January 1921, a petition was drawn up for the organization of a new congregation at Waupun and presented to the Alto Church. It was acted upon favorably by the Illinois Classis. Records indicate 16 families, 33 confessing members, and 58 baptized members. There are now 18 charter members still living. There is only one confessing charter member, William Bossenbroek and 17 then baptized members. They are Gerald and Wilbur Bossenbroek, Mrs. Wilemina Bossenbroek DeVries, Gerald, Lester, and Anthony Greenfield, John Hoekstra, Henry Mavis and Mrs. Gertrude Bossenbroek Navis, Mrs. Myra Greenfield Tjepkema, Mrs.
Christina Navis Kuik, Mrs. Josie Navis VandeBerg, Mrs. Ruth Navis VandeZande, Corneil Verhage, Mrs. Leona Bossenbroek Verhage, Lawrence Verhage and Mrs. Henrietta Bossenbroek Verhage.
Meanwhile a building site was chosen and construction of the 34' by 50' basement church was built. It served as a place of worship for the next fourteen years.
The next month, the little congregation, in a venture of faith, took upon itself to call a pastor. It was not until 17 months later that the church received its first pastor.
Rev. Herman Moes was its first pastor for six years. The church grew from twenty-three to forty-one families.
Although the beginning of transition from the Dutch to the American language had already begun under Rev. Moes by including one monthly evening English service, it was under. Rev. Veenstra that the congregation decided to become bilingual by having one English and one Dutch service each Lord's Day. It was during his ministry that the congregation, having then grown to over 60 families decided that the building of a new church edifice was an absolute necessity. Rev. Veenstra served the congregation for nine years.
Following the departure of Rev. Veenstra a call was made to Rev. Clarence Groot. The new pastor came in May of 1940. It was during his ministry that the ceremony of burning the mortgage took place and at a congregational meeting held Dec. 3, 1945, it was decided to discontinue the use of the Dutch language. In that same year it was decided by the consistory to purchase individual Communion cups. Rev. Groot left us in March 1948 and Rev. Harold Petroelje came in January of 1949. During his stay a new three-room Christian Day School was dedicated for the enrollment of 110 pupils. After four years he left for California.
Rev. Byker came in October 1954. A new organ was installed in 1956. Through the combined efforts of the laity of neighboring Christian Reformed Churches, the Central Wisconsin Christian High School was established in 1958.
In the interim between the pastorates of Rev. Byker and Rev. Niewenhuis, our church, as a co-member with three other area congregations, assumed the financing of the Beaver Dam Mission project.
The next notable event was the organization of a Second Christian Reformed Church.
Rev. Calvin Niewenhuis was with us 41/2 years. During this time the Calvin Cadets and Calvinette Clubs enjoyed good attendance. The Summer Workshop in Missions (S.W.I.M.) program inspired some of our young people to volunteer for this rewarding service. Rev. Niewenhuis departed in August 1965.
After being vacant for almost a year, Rev. C. Werkema arrived in September 1966. He took over our latest project, "The Bread of Life" radio broadcast. Rev. Werkema left us in 1971.
Rev. John Groenewold was installed Nov. 16, 1971. During his ministry a choir was organized and audience singing before the evening service was begun.
Our hearts were saddened when On July 28, the Lord took Rev. Groenewold to himself. Once again we are without a pastor.
Six sons of the church are in full time service for our Lord. They are Edward Bossenbroek, Harold Bossenbroek, Leonard Bossenbroek, Jerry Buwalda, Merle Buwalda, and Kenneth Loomans. Bernard Greenfield, Gordon Kuik, and Mary Kuik have been full- time missionaries.
In His great favor he has given our church increase in numbers. From a small handful in 1921, the church has grown to 111 families with a total of 474 members.
By the grace of God may we still see increased interest in the worship services, larger support of missions, additional recruits for special Christian service to the community.Acquisition
Accession
2016.0075Source or Donor
Waupun Area Chamber of CommerceAcquisition Method
Donation
