1910 to 1930

Just over 100 years ago, the First Christian Reformed Church of Edmonton began. A small group of Dutch immigrants came together because of the tragic death of two young children, and as a result of this meeting, decided to form a church. It was a time of uncertainty for these new Dutch immigrants, who described themselves as pilgrims and strangers in a foreign land. Times were difficult; money and jobs were scarce, and the harsh winters were difficult to adjust to. But, together, they could come together to praise their Lord and to sing praises, and to draw strength from their communal meeting with God.

1910-20

• October 21 1910 – First CRC is incorporated. Worship services are held in a tent
  
  
• 1911-1919 Rev. Jongbloed becomes first pastor.
  
  
• 1914 Church building at 93 Street and 105 Avenue is completed.
  
  
• 1915 first daughter church in Neerlandia established
  
  
• 1920 A choir is formed, but doesn’t participate in services
  
  

1921-30

• 1920-1922 Rev. Ruys is pastor
  
  
• 1923-1927 Rev.Vander Woude is pastor
  
  
• 1924 first of many First CRC picnics
  
  
• Mid 1920’s The Friendship Circle begins (a men’s group)
  
  
• 1927-1929 Rev. Selles is pastor

1930 to 1950

Rev. Karel E.FJ. DeWaal Malefyt 1930-1938	Rev. George Weeber 1938-1940
Rev. Albert H. Bratt 1941-1943	Rev. Paul DeKoekkoek 1945-1949

1947 First Christian Reformed Church

1931-40

• 1930-1938 Rev. DeWaal Malefyt is pastor. Becomes greatly loved by the congregation
  
  
• 1930 first church softball team organized
  
  
• 1934 Red Hymnal debut. Singing has its ups and downs with admonitions to follow the organ’s lead and bellows boys are not always faithful at their job of providing the organ with enough air!
  
  
• 1935 second daughter church established – Woodynook CRC in Lacombe
  
  
• 1936 Radio Committee formed to address all of Edmonton
  
  
• 1938 controversy over having a church bulletin
  
  
• 1938-1940 Rev. Weeber is pastor
  
  
• 1939 Lydia’s Circle Society (women’s group) begins to study the Bible and to promote benevolence and missionary zeal
  
  
• 1940 Rev. Weeber is suspended
  
  

1941-50

• 1941-1943 Rev. Bratt is pastor
  
  
• 1941 Ladies Friendship Circle begins
  
  
• 1944 Council minutes are written in English
  
  
• 1945-1949 Rev. DeKoekkoek is pastor
  
  
• 1945 three lots purchased on 96 Street to build a manse and church
  
  
• 1946 Manse is completed at 10952-96 Street
  
  
• 1947 First CRC opens its doors at 10956-96 Street and within 2 years the new building is too small.
  
  
• 1947 Pump organ is retired in favour of a Hammond organ
  
  
• 1949 Edmonton Christian School opens,
  holding classes in First church’s basement
  
  

1940 May The Young Calvinist winners FCRC YPS	1947 cement foundation, Sid Visser far left foreman for Steward Olsen church builders

1950 to 1970

Rev. Jan Karel Van Baalen 1950-1955	Rev. Garrett H. Vande Riet 1956 - 1960
Rev. Winston C. Boelkins 1960-1966	1959 Outside FCRC
Rev. Jack Matheis 1966-1969	1960ish YP bowling league in FCRC basement

1951 1st meeting of Classis AB North at FCRC Nov 27

1951-60

• 1950-1955 Rev. Van Baalen is pastor
  
  
• 1954 Women may now attend but not vote at congregational meetings
  
  
• 1956-1960 Rev. VandeRiet is pastor
  
  
• mid 1950s Council appoints a Worship Committee
  
  
• mid 1950s church purchases a new Allen organ
  
  
• 1955 choirs are now allowed to sing in the services on occasion
  
  
• 1956 Sunday School permitted a Christmas tree in the building
  
  
• 1959 women permitted to vote at congregational meetings
  
  

1961-70

• 1960 church building is expanded
  
  
• 1960-1966 Rev. Boelkins is pastor
  
  
• 1961 Calvinettes and Cadets girls and boys clubs established
  
  
• 1965 Manse next door at 10952-96 Street sold; another purchased at 106Avenue and 74 Street
  
  
• 1966-1969 Rev. Matheis is pastor

1970 to 1990

Rev. John Vriend 1970 - 1974	Rev. Henry De Moor Jr. 1974-1980
Rev. H. Samplonius 1980-1985	1979 SS Christmas Program
Rev. H. Vander Beek 1985-1992	1980 Church Picnic

FCRC 1970s

1971-80

• 1970-1974 Rev. Vriend is pastor
  
  
• 1973 church sanctuary renovations – includes new iron baptismal font and communion table, cedar pulpit, and newly designed light fixtures
  
  
• 1973-1974 baby grand piano is donated to First CRC
  
  
• 1974-1980 Rev. DeMoor is pastor
  
  
• 1980 new manse purchased in west end at 110 Ave and 144 Street (near West Edmonton Christian School)
  
  

1981-90

• 1980-1985 Rev. Samplonius is pastor
  
  
• Early 1980s church purchases a new Allan organ
  
  
• Early 1980s Second CRC disbands and many members join First CRC
  
  
• 1985-1992 Rev. VanderBeek is pastor
  
  
• 1988 many members leave to form the Orthodox Reformed Church

1990 to 2010

1991-2000

• 1991 a large expansion to the church building is begun
  
  
• 1993 Rev. VanNiejenhuis begins his long and fruitful ministry at First CRC
  
  
• 1993 first female elected to Council – a deacon
  
  
• 1994 the first of our annual church campouts
  
  
• 1999 position of part time church secretary was formally established and Linda Ryks continued her much appreciated service to our congregation in this new role
  
  

2001-09

2005 Autumn Leaves senior’s society disbands

2008 position of part-time ministry coordinator established and Loretta Stadt begins a three year term of service during a time of transition

2008 Congregational celebration of God's grace with a picnic in Riverdale neighbourhood where many congregation members lived in the early years.  Horse drawn carriage rides through Riverdale led by members who remember the old days.

2009 Rev. VanNiejenhuis leaves the pastor position after 15 years of service.

2010 to Present

Rev Michael Van Boom Dec 2010 to 2014

Scenes from the FCRC 100th Anniversary

100th Anniversary Celebration at Winspear Centre October 2010

2010 - Present

• 2010 church re-purchases the property next door that it sold in 1965
  
  
• 2010 100th Anniversary! Celebrating God's faithfulness to the congregation. Highlights include:
  
  
  • Combined worship service with Alberta North congregations at the Winspear Centre with over 1000 people.
    
    
  • Banquet with past and present members
    
    
  • Family Fun Day at country hall
    
    
  • Sunday October 17 2010 - Celebration centennial service led by five past pastors: Winston Boelkins, Henry De Moor, Homer Samplonius, Henry Vanderbeek, Cecil Van Niejenhuis
    
    
• 2010 – Rev. Mike Van Boom arrives from Lethbridge in December 2010 to begin serving our congregation

• 2014 - Rev. Mike Van Boom ends his service as our pastor

• 2015 - Rev. Pete Vanderbeek arrives from Nobleford to begin serving as our interim pastor for one year.

• 2017 - Rev. Brian Dunn begins his ministry with us, arriving from Rocky Mountain House
• 2021 - Rev. Brian Dunn ends his service as our pastor