History and Facilities
Third Reformed Church was organized on September 9, 1867, under the leadership of Dr. Albertus C. VanRaalte, founder of the city of Holland, Michigan, and pastor of the First Reformed Church.
Although this new church was Holland’s second Dutch-immigrant congregation affiliated with the Reformed Church, it was called “Third” Reformed Church because Hope Reformed Church, a non-immigrant English-speaking congregation, had been founded in 1862.
Certain characteristics and attitudes have prevailed in the life and work of Third Church through the years. The congregation has developed an avid interest in both the foreign and the home mission endeavors of the Reformed Church in America. It has participated in a great number of benevolent programs, and, in particular, has faithfully supported the local educational institutions of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary. Many members of the church have assumed responsibilities in the political, educational, and business life of the city. Isaac Cappon, who served on the first consistory, was the first mayor of Holland in 1867 and the first president of the school board in 1874.
The congregation is rooted in the Reformed tradition, tracing our roots back to the theology of John Calvin. In recent decades, it has lived with an ecumenical ethos, working extensively with faith-based and community partners. Reformed and continuously reforming, Third Church is always adopting new procedures and methods in church life and witness. This congregation, for example, was the first Dutch immigrant church in the city to use English exclusively in its worship services and is now seeking to serve its neighborhood with services in English and in Spanish. Having solid roots yet continually reforming is a key element in our DNA.
We face the complex task of honoring our past 150 years while still moving forward into the future in hope and through grace. We recognize that things are changing around the world and know that while we remain steadfast in our commitment to intentionally express God’s love and care for all people and all creation, the context in which we do that work may be different. But our dedication is, and will be, to know Christ and to make Christ known with heart, head, and hands.
Third Reformed Church’s first sanctuary was burned in the fire that destroyed two-thirds of the city of Holland on October 9, 1871.
While a second structure was being built, its framework was demolished in a high wind on January 2, 1873. With the financial help of many donors in the East and the Middle West of the city, the present structure was completed in November of 1874. The building underwent extensive restoration as part of the centennial celebration of 1967 and 1968.
After a discernment process that resulted in the congregation electing to stay in its current location, the facilities were greatly expanded and opened in 1995. Features include a nursery suite, the Gathering Space, a beautiful courtyard, a church library, a full kitchen, and a multipurpose fellowship hall. The expansion includes a chapel and an expansive lower-level educational complex.
Third’s property also includes a parsonage which is connected to the church via a large parking lot and a great lawn. Ample street parking is available.
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