Our Story.

Our Story: A Legacy of Faith and Community

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The roots of Friesland Community Church stretch back to 1861, when three Dutch immigrant families began gathering on the Lord’s Day for singing and meditation on the Word of God. Though small in number, their faith was bold—and it laid the foundation for generations to come.

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On July 12, 1893, First Reformed Church of Friesland was officially organized with just 20 members. They met in homes until 1895, when a local group of Wesleyan Methodists disbanded and sold their building to the newly formed church. In 1898, Rev. John Engelsman became the first full-time pastor, shepherding the young congregation with vision and heart.

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By the turn of the century, the church had grown. In 1900, construction began on a new church building—our present sanctuary. That same year marked the launch of Sunday School, and on July 4, 1901, the very first Sunday School picnic was held. That 4th of July gathering blossomed into a beloved tradition, now including a noon potluck, games, horseshoes, homemade pies, and fireworks. It remains a cherished homecoming for many former members and a celebration of friendship and faith.

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In 1908, under the leadership of Rev. Anthony VanderWerf, an addition was made to the church building. In 1909, a Hinners Pipe Organ was installed, enhancing the church’s rich tradition of music in worship.

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As the years progressed, so did the language of worship. In 1927, the first occasional English service was introduced. By 1933, weekly services were split—one in Dutch and one in English. In 1946, English became the language of both morning and evening services, and in 1948, Dutch services were officially discontinued.

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Growth continued. In 1947, during the ministry of Rev. Herman Maasen, the church building was raised to add a full basement with an assembly room, new oil furnaces, and modern restrooms. It was re-dedicated on December 2, 1947.

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Music remained central to worship. A new piano was dedicated in 1954 during a special Men’s Chorus program. In 1956, the original pipe organ was replaced with a rebuilt model, continuing a legacy of musical excellence.

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By 1960, with Sunday attendance rising and chairs being added weekly, the need for space led to a 20-foot addition. This expansion increased seating in the sanctuary and added four new Sunday School classrooms. The addition was dedicated on June 10, 1960, bringing the total square footage to 11,193.

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In 1985, the church added a picnic shelter—complete with restrooms, kitchen, storage, and picnic tables. This shelter became a hub for both church and community use, especially during Tuesday night band concerts and the annual 4th of July celebrations.

Under the prayerful leadership of Rev. Ron Van Der Werff, the church undertook a major expansion in 1995. Completed and dedicated on July 6, 1997, this 10,000-square-foot addition included five new classrooms, an elevator, accessible bathrooms, two pastoral studies, a modern kitchen, and a large Family Center (gym). The addition was fully paid off by January 2006, a testament to God’s provision and the generosity of His people.

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A new chapter began in 2020, as the global pandemic intersected with denominational challenges. Seeing ongoing dysfunction within the Reformed Church in America and a lack of meaningful progress, the congregation voted to begin the process of leaving the denomination it had been part of for more than a century.

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On December 31, 2021, First Reformed Church of Friesland was formally released from the RCA. In the months that followed, the church prayerfully sought a new denominational home—one that aligned theologically and would equip the church to be a healthier expression of the body of Christ.

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In April 2022, the church was joyfully received into the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). Soon after, to reflect its mission to serve not just those of Reformed background but the whole community, the congregation voted to change its name. In May 2022, we officially became Friesland Community Church.

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Yes, our roots are Reformed. But our heart is for the whole community—to be a church where people from all walks of life can encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and live on mission together.