|
|
Third Christian Reformed Church, Lynden WA |
|
Welcome
Getting Involved
Prayer
Worship
Our Beliefs
Publications
|
In the fall of 2007, Third Church will celebrate 69 years of blessings. We praise God for all He has done for and through Third Church. In 1938, Third Christian Reformed Church was formed mainly to break away from a tradition - that of Dutch preaching. Fifty four heads of families and a few individuals signed a petition, with approval by the consistory of First Lynden, to start a new congregation. Classis Pacific Northwest approved the new church on October 5, 1938.
The Rev. Albert Van Dyken accepted the call to be our first pastor. By 1948 our congregation had grown to 166 families. The basement auditorium was enlarged twice to accommodate this growth. Rev Van Dyken died in November, 1948. In 1949 the building of the superstructure began, and the building was dedicated the following March. Rev. Raymond Haan accepted the call to become our new pastor in December of 1949 and stayed until 1953. During this time we made a commitment to missions which has continued to grow and flourish. Our third pastor, Rev. Fred Van Houten, was installed in October 1953 and stayed until 1957. While he was pastor, we began a community outreach with a program of jail, hospital, and rest home visiting. Dr. John Masselink helped out for six months during a long vacant period. This vacancy ended in April, 1959, When Rev. Walter Ackerman accepted our call. During this time extensive renovations and additions t the building took place. Rev Ackerman left for California in January, 1964. After another long vacancy, Rev Donald Negen was installed in October 1965. A new plan of family visiting was adopted during this time. Also, we joined with other area churches in establishing the Laymen's League. Rev. Negen stayed until 1972, leaving us vacant for 2 1/2 years. Rev. Tenis Van Kooten came to minister to us and became an assistant pastor in 1974. In July, 1974 Rev. Orwin Duistermars accepted our call. In March, 1976, plans for a new educational building were approved. The parsonage was moved, and nineteen months later the new building was completed. Adult education classes began that September. Also, that fall, Council voted to extend the voting rights to the female professing members of our church. Rev Duistermars left us in December, 1978.
In 1991 Rev Henry Numan became our senior pastor and Bob De Groot our Youth Director. Eric Hanenburg became our Youth Director in the summer of 1998. Rev. Mark Hewitt served as associate Pastor for three years, followed by Rev. Ken Ritsema. Rev. Jack Gray became the pastor of Congregational Care in February 2001. Mike Libolt became our Youth Director in the fall of 2002. Revs. James R. Kok, Bert Van Antwerpen, and Al VanderGriend served as our interim pastors in 2003 - 2004. Pastor Tom Kok became our Senior Pastor in August 2004. Shawn Hofing became our Youth Pastor in 2005. We thank God and give Him praise for 66 years of many blessings and pray for continued guidance as we worship and serve him. Join us as we celebrate God's goodness to Third Church. |
|
|
Third Christian Reformed Church • 514 Liberty Street •
Lynden WA 98264 |
The
new Third CRC began its work by choosing its first consistory. For the
first four months services were held on the I.O.O.F. Hall and the
Methodist Church. These buildings were located on the corner of Fifth
and Grover. Soon two lots and a house for a parsonage were purchased on
the corner of Sixth and Liberty. A basement church was built, and on
March 5, 1939 the first services in the new structure were held. 
After
1 1/2 years, Rev Gerrit Sheeres became our pastor in August, 1979. At
this time we began to sponsor Cambodian refugee families. We also began
a ministry to our youth by hiring Gary Van Hulzen as part-time Director
of Youth and Education. In 1985 this became a full time position and Kel
Blom was chosen to carry this title. In 1980 Vacation Daily Bible School
began as well as a weekly broadcast of one of our services over KLYN. In
1985 the new narthex was added. 
