First Minister of this congregation and the father of our settlement. A servant of the Lord mighty in words and deeds.
1847 – 1867  Albertus Christiaan  Van Raalte

1869 – 1880  Roelof Pieters

1883 – 1892  Evert Bos

1893 -  1902  Klaas Van Goor

1902 -  1910  Andrew Keizer

1911 -  1919  Edward J. Tuuk

1919 -  1925  James M. Ghysels

1925 -   1929   John De Haan

1929 -  1940  Nicholas J. Monsma

1940 -  1949  George Gritter

1947 -  1952  Thomas Yff

1952 -  1958  Marvin Vander Werp

1958 -  1965  Wilmer Witte

1966 -  1969  Leonard Greenway

1970 -  1974  Fred Van Houten

1976 -  1985  Jacob Hasper

1985 -  1991  Calvin Vander Meyden

1991 -  1992  Clarence A. Reyneveld

1993 -2001  Michael De Vries

2001-2003   Al Hoksbergen 

Christopher De Vos    2003-

Rev. R. Pieters  1869 – 1880

     The third time he was called the Rev.R. Pieters accepted, and he signed the minutes of the consistory meeting of May 28, 1869, as president.
      The first parsonage of the congregation now had to be built since Van Raalte’s family lived in a house that they owned.  A brick building was erected adjacent to the place where the present parsonage is found at 111 E. 10^th Street. ( Ed. Note-1947 ).  In all, the sum paid for the structure, according to the minutes of November 24, 1870, was $4,422.29.  During the time of building, a rented house served as the temporary parsonage for the minister’s family.
      Rev. Pieters, though differing from Dr. Van Raalte in disposition and talents and character, soon proved himself to be an able and worthy successor.  In his preaching and teaching he was positive, a man of vigor, strong in the knowledge of God’s Word, and adhering to the Reformed Standards of faith and the principles of Reformed Church government.  He was highly respected by all as a man of deep religious conviction, wholly devoted to his Sender and the work assigned to him in God’s kingdom. Since the difficult formative years of the new settlement had largely come to a conclusion under the leadership of his predecessor, he could avoid the problems of non-ecclesiastical character.  To him was given the opportunity to use his time and energy for the spiritual up building of his people and for leading the church into conformity with her accepted Church Order of Dordt.
      This does not mean that his task was an easy one.  Immigration had not stopped.  Throughout all the years of Van Raalte’s service there was a steady influx from the Netherlands and Graafschap ( Germany ).  These later immigrants did not all come for the same reasons that had moved the first pioneers to leave their fatherland.  Many were drawn to America by the outlook of “a better living and good position in the land of liberty and plenty.”  The religious background of a number of these people was not of the quality that characterized the sincere Christian life of the pioneers and this became one  the causes for worldliness.  Liquor, divorces, all kinds of amusements and religious indifference soon reflected an unwholesome influence on church life, as the minutes of the consistory clearly show.
      With courage and zeal, notwithstanding disappointments, the minister worked for the welfare of his congregation.  A great number of people, young and old, made confession of faith, and the necessary social element in church life was introduced in societies for Biblical instruction, singing, missions, and charity.  (The well-known Van Lente’s singing school, for instance, came to a well-deserved popularity in these years).   
       For his strenuous work and the responsibility that was pressing upon him, he was nobly encouraged and assisted by men like Beeuwkes,  Brack,  Keppel,  Kruidenier,  Peyster,  Schrader, Van den Berge and others; and last but not least, by Dr, Van Raalte who, as long as his physical strength permitted him, gave assistance and advice to the pastor, consistory, and congregation.  ( Ed. Note-Around 1870, Van Raalte attempted to establish a Dutch colony in Virginia. )

1883 – 1892  Evert Bos

     Naturally, the need of having a minister of the Gospel as their own shepherd was felt keenly now that they were without any denominational affiliation.  Three times in succession the Rev. D.K Wielenga of the Netherlands was called, but in vain; the calls were declined. The next one to be called was the Rev. E. Bos of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, and the minutes of December 25,  1882, make mention of his accepting the call.  His installation took place February 1, 1883, by Rev. A. Zwemer who had been the counselor of the congregation during the time of vacancy.  The minutes of the consistory meeting of February 7, 1883  were signed by Rev. E. Bos.
     There was joy in the congregation.  In the three years of vacancy,  the duties of the consistory had been multiplied and the responsibility for the congregation’s welfare had been weighing heavily upon them.  The people soon learned to appreciate the work of their new dominee. Rev. Bos was a good student, a positive, powerful preacher, and a careful leader who, with the wholehearted cooperation of his consistory, resolved several situations which of late had not been conducive to the welfare of the congregation.

1893 -  1902  Klaas Van Goor

     In 1892, the Rev, E. Bos accepted the call to the church of Luctor, Kansas, and so the pulpit of Ninth Street Church became vacant again.  In November Rev. Bos left for his new place, but as soon as possible efforts were put forth to fill the vacancy.  Already as early as December 1st the following ministers were nominated:  The Revs. K Van Goor from the Netherlands,  G.A. DeHaan from Oakdale Park,  Grand Rapids, and J. Groen from Zeeland.  Two weeks later, December 14^th, the Rev. Van Goor was chosen by the congregation with 79 votes out of  81.  Although this effort ended in a disappointment, he did accept a second call.  In May, 1893,  he was installed.
      The new minister with his very interesting and timely sermons, eloquently delivered, soon won the hearts of his people and attracted many others to hear him.  The church began to grow.  Members of other churches joined the congregation and several people,  young and old, made confession of faith.
      However, the pastor and his consistory could not fail to detect that many of the children  and young  people did not receive enough benefit from his preaching and instruction in the Dutch language.  English was wanted and needed.  At the Sunday evening services many of the young people were absent, attending the English services in other churches.  In a congregational meeting it became evident by voting that the majority of the people were in favor of using English exclusively in the Sunday evening meeting.  In the early part of 1900 this new practice was introduced.  In the same year a new pipe organ was bought and installed at a cost of about $1,800.
      The activities in the congregation with the improvements lately made ran satisfactorily. However, the need of a new congregation in Holland soon became apparent.  The process of Americanization, modestly begun, needed more encouragement.  Several families of Ninth Street and Central Avenue were transferred to other denominations.  A new congregation in which all activities were conducted in the English language became a necessity.  Ninth Street congregation  felt  the need most keenly and did not wait long to work in that direction.  The result was that the Fourteenth Street Church was organized in 1902 and received from the mother church the royal gift of $ 3,000 for the erection of a church building.
       After a period of nine years in which the church had been greatly blessed, the Rev. Van Goor left for the Second Church in Paterson, New Jersey, on the seventeenth of August, 1902.

1902 -  1910  Andrew Keizer

1911 -  1919  Edward J. Tuuk

      With Rev. E.J. Tuuk from Oostburg, Wisconsin, there began a new era for the Ninth Street Church.  There was not a change in religious convictions, faith and confession, but a change of great importance nevertheless.  The Rev.Tuuk was the first of a group of ministers ( the Revs. Tuuk, Ghysels, De Haan, Monsma, and Gritter )  who were born in America or came during the early years of their lives.  Naturally, they grew  up as Americans who knew the history  and the character of our country.  As their predecessors, they also felt that the process of Americanization was a necessity for the church;  but they were more personally inclined to it and ready for the coming transition, for they spoke English well and were eager to preach and teach in that language.
     On the other hand, they and the congregation were fortunate that they had had a good Dutch  background in their homes and in their education.  They could understand and sympathize with the older generation when there was opposition to the transition to English.  All five of them had had their education in our own college and seminary and had studied the history  of our Christian Reformed Church thoroughly, including its background in the Netherlands.  And let us not forget that each one of the five served here in the prime of his life and was well qualified for the ministry.
     Rev. E.J. Tuuk served here from 1911 to 1919.  He was a capable leader, a studious and scholarly man.   His work was acceptable to his people and blessed by God.  His was not an easy position, however.  Though the Fourteenth Street Church had been organized to become a church home for those that could no longer enjoy a Dutch sermon, this did not solve the problem of the mother church.  Something had to be done to hold the families with children.  At last the courageous step was taken.  It was decided to have all services henceforth in the English language exclusively.  The immediate result was painful indeed, for seventy-five families left to join other congregations.  But who of us would dare to say that it was not a wise step?  Humanly speaking, it saved the mother church from a lingering illness and a sure death.
      A second critical experience was the First World War from 1914 – 1918.  It caused consternation, anxiety, and mourning in the church as well as in many homes.  But with chastisement God also sends His blessings- deepening of spiritual life, increase of prayer, and a binding together of the members of the church in sympathy with one another.

1919 -  1925  James M. Ghysels

After Rev. Tuuk had left for Englewood II, the Rev. J.M. Ghysels from Grand Haven took up the shepherd staff here, serving from 1919 – 1925.  God spared him the hard experience of his predecessors, but gave him equally important work to do.  And it certainly was not in vain.  The congregation grew in numbers and was spiritually edified and strengthened by the preaching and teaching of the pastor.  Harmony and love prevailed generally.

1925 -   1929   John De Haan

Rev.N.J Monsma    1929 –1940

Rev. G. Gritter    1940 – 1947

     Once more the congregation was in need of a new pastor, and Rev. G. Gritter from North Blendon was the man who received and accepted the call in 1940.  Rev. Gritter was a young man, and it took courage and faith on his part to leave a relatively small rural congregation to serve a city church of two hundred forty-seven families.  His faith in the Lord’s guidance was richly rewarded, and the church prospered.
     Rev. Gritter served the congregation during a period of great stress due to America’s involvement in World War II. One hundred and thirty one sons and daughters of the Ninth Street congregation served in our country’s armed services.  Of these, six young men lost their lives.  Those who sacrificed their lives were Henry Wehrmeyer, Elmer DeYoung, Gerald L. Kleis, Kenneth Klaasen, Henry Blacquiere, and LaVerne Wiersma.  The names of all the men and women who served in the armed forces are permanently inscribed on a bronze memorial tablet found in the rear of the auditorium.
     The stress and anxiety of these days called for much faith and much prayer.  The congregation was united in sharing the fears for the safety of the servicemen and in the sorrows of those who lost loved ones.  The pastor wrote many letter of spiritual counsel to the service men and women, aided by volunteers from the various societies.  He set a steady course for the congregation, pointing them to the firm promises of the Word of God.  He served the congregation during the entire course of the war, which finally ended on V J day, August 14, 1945.  God in His Providence sent the right man to serve the church during those turbulent years.  It was also during Rev. Gritter’s pastorate that the congregation experienced an increased interest in missions.  The process had been set in motion when Nelle Breen, a daughter of the congregation, joined Johanna Veenstra as a missionary-teacher in Nigeria under the Sudan United Mission in 1930.  In God’s Providence, Nelle became acquainted with Edgar Smith, a British missionary also serving on the Nigerian field, and they were married in October 1934.  At a congregational meeting held on September 22, 1941, Rev. Smith was called to serve as our missionary to Nigeria, and so began the long and blessed association of the Smiths and their two children, Alice Jean and Paul, with our church.
     This new zeal for missions was reinforced in 1945 when the congregation called Mr. Ben De Boer from the Indian mission at Tohatchi, N.M. to serve as missionary for its branch church at West Olive. Several members of the congregation aided Mr. De Boer in working at the West Olive Church.  Mr. De Boer was a hearty, enthusiastic missionary who did much to encourage growth in the West Olive Church.
     It was also during these years that a Mission Society was organized, a society which in its beginning was so large that it was forced to meet in the church auditorium.  Thus it was that the Lord used several means to awaken consciousness of the great need of the world for the gospel.
     In late 1946, Rev. Gritter accepted the call from the Grace Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo.  The congregation was then without a pastor for six months.  The six months of vacancy was a busy time for the consistory.  The first call extended by the congregation to Rev. P.Y. DeJong, was declined.  The second call, issued to Rev. T. Yff, was accepted.
     The consistory was also very active in efforts to improve both the church building and the parsonage.  Thought was given to new pews, to changing the seating arrangement in the auditorium, and to rearranging the foyer.
     In addition, arrangements were made for the celebration of the Centennial year of the founding of the church.  It was decided to have public meetings to celebrate this memorable event in our church on April 17 and 18 featured two lectures by Prof. R.B. Kuiper of Westminster Seminary on the subjects, “Faith of our Fathers-What was it”? And “Faith of our Fathers-How to keep it.”  The consistory engaged Rev. H. Keegstra, former minister of the 16^th Street Christian Reformed Church, to write a centennial history of our church.

Rev. T. Yff    1947 –1952

Rev. and Mrs. Yff, with their family of five children, were warmly received into the fellowship of the church on June 6, 1947.  Rev. Yff was a happy warrior in the Kingdom of God.  His ready-made smile and good will were infectious.  The war was over, and the service men and women were returning home to re-establish themselves in church and community.
     Shortly after the arrival of the Yffs, plans were made to remodel the auditorium and the basement.  It was necessary to build a basement because there was urgent need for more space, and because the original foundation of the church, which included only a partial basement, was no longer considered to be safe.  The plans for the auditorium included new pews, a new platform arrangement, redecoration, new carpeting, and new lighting.  The Ladies’ Aid was deeply involved in assisting with this program.  The foyer of the church was also remodeled, and the staircases were moved to the east and west sides of the foyer.  It took some time to accomplish these improvements since post-war prices tended to be inflated, and materials were in short supply.  The renovation was necessary and proved to be a blessing to the congregation.
     During these post-war years the suburban areas around Holland began to grow rapidly.  Many families, especially younger families with children, began to set up homes in the suburbs.  They soon felt the need to have churches nearer to their homes.  Classis Holland encouraged the development of new suburban churches with the result that Bethany, Holland Heights, Park, and Maranatha churches were all established in a ten-year period between 1946 and 1956.  This “flight to the suburbs” seemed inevitable, but it soon proved to be a threat to the older established congregations in the heart of the city.  The Ninth Street congregation began to feel the loss of families, especially those with children, to the new suburban churches.  It was inevitable that the nature of the inner city churches would be affected by these changes, and the Ninth Street congregation was no exception.
     It was during Rev. Yff’s pastorate that a vigorous Young People’s Society was organized.  They met in the consistory room of the old chapel, and grew so rapidly that seats had to be set up in the hallway to accommodate the eager young people. Discussion was lively and group participation was good. Mrs. Yff also took an active part in promoting society life.  At her suggestion, a society was organized for young women who were busily engaged in carrying out their careers in offices, factories, schools, or hospitals.  This society, which met for Bible study and fellowship, was know as the
Fellowship Club”, and still meets today.  Miss Johanna Timmer served as Bible leader for this group for many years until her sudden death in the 1970’s.
     The zeal for missions, which had been stimulated during the pastorate of Rev. Gritter, was deepened and strengthened while Rev. Yff was pastor.  The congregation sponsored the work at the West Olive chapel.  On October 5, 1947, this mission chapel became a branch church, where both the preaching of the Word and the sacraments were administered.  In 1950 Mr. De Boer left the West Olive mission to begin in a new field of labor in California.  During his tenure at West Olive, a number of workers from the congregation had ably assisted him in his work.  The west Olive church developed slowly, but persistence was rewarded.  Today West Olive is an independent, thriving congregation with its own pastor and consistory.     Meanwhile, exciting things were happening on the mission field in Nigeria.  The Lord richly blessed the efforts of the Smiths and their co-workers.  The number of converts grew rapidly and many new churches were organized.  Rev. Smith became the secretary of the Sudan United Mission, a new and challenging position which enabled him to exert strong influence on the development of the fast growing Nigerian churches.
     While Mr. De Boer was serving at West Olive, Classis Holland inaugurated an extensive Home Missions project for the Holland area, a project in which several members of the congregation participated.  The project was under the supervision of Rev. C. Schoolland of Harderwyk.  That effort was described in a booklet written by Mr. De Boer entitled, Other Sheep I Have.  Mr. John Knoll, an ardent supporter of Missions, served on the Home Missions board.  Mission work at the North River Avenue Chapel, now Calvary Church, was begun by Mr. John VandeWater and Miss Gertrude Holkeboer.  Our congregation supplied three workers at the New Richmond Mission, and others assisted at Mack’s Landing at Bravo.
     After a busy and fruitful ministry of five years, the Lord called Rev. Yff to serve in the Bethel Church in Grand Rapids.  He accepted this call in February, 1952, and soon left for his new congregation.  Mr. L. VanAppledorn, vice-president  of the consistory, bade farewell to the departing Yffs in behalf of the congregation and wished the God’s blessing in their new field of labor.

Rev. M. Vander Werp    1952 –1958

After a brief vacancy, the congregation elected Rev. Marvin VanderWerp to be their new pastor.  Rev. VanderWerp accepted the invitation, and was installed at the service held on June 25.
     Rev. VanderWerp soon gained the reputation of being a warm-hearted, devoted pastor, as well as a faithful minister of the Word.  He had a sunny, cheerful disposition.  He had a special talent for bringing quiet reassurance into the lives of God’s people who were troubled.  The VanderWerp family loved music, and did everything in their power to enhance the music program of the church, much to the delight of the congregation.  They did much to make the Ninth Street congregation the “singing church” that it is today.
     The congregation continued its love affair with missions both at home and abroad.  In August of 1952 Elder Evert VandenBrink accepted the appointment to serve as lay missionary in the West Olive and Spruce Avenue areas, representing our church.  In December of that same year Joyce Branderhorst, a daughter of our congregation, completed her medical course at the University of Michigan and became our medical missionary in Nigeria.  On August 20, 1953, the congregation bade her farewell and she soon began her healing ministry in an area of very limited medical facilities.  It was a source of great inspiration to have three members of the congregation serving the Lord’s mission in Nigeria.  At this point we must not fail to remember three former members of the congregation who in those earlier years went to foreign fields of mission service; Miss Tena Holkboer, who served in Amoy, China; Mrs. Rose ( Willeveen ) Nykerk, who served with her husband in the Persian Gulf Area; and Mrs. Jeanette ( Kleis ) Newhouse, who with her husband, served in Nigeria.
     In 1958 there was a growing feeling among many members of the congregation that they should engage in Mission work in “their own back yard.”  For some years, migrant workers had come from various areas in the South to assist in the blueberry harvest north of Holland.  When it was found that they were without spiritual counsel during their stay here, it was decided to set up a program to assist them with Sunday Services and other spiritual meetings.  A committee consisting of James Topp, Peter Yff, Jerome Kalmink, Norman Buursma, Adrian Geenen, LaVerne VanderPloeg,Harold Lemmen and Donald Kiekentveld were appointed to carry out this project.  Sunday services were conducted in the open air, and several members of the congregation volunteered their help.  With the aid of a microphone and a piano insulated from the weather, the glorious message of the gospel was brought to our migrant neighbors.  The enthusiasm was high, and this mission was continued until it was no longer needed. In 1958, Classis Holland asked the Ninth Street congregation to call Rev. Jerry Pott to serve as missionary among the migrant workers.
     Early in 1957 our congregation began to feel the effects of the post-war unrest in Europe, which followed the Communist take-over of eastern European countries.  Thousands of eastern European families fled to free countries, and among these were many Hungarian families who came in the wake of the Hungarian revolution.  In January of 1957 the consistory decided to sponsor a displaced Hungarian family, and soon God placed under our care the Simon family, consisting of father Ferenc, son Ferenc and little daughter Edith.  It was a great opportunity to show Christian love, and the congregation responded eagerly. In spite of the language barrier, Mr. Simon and his children, eventually joined by his wife, attended Sunday services with the congregation.  It was a rewarding experience to “show hospitality to strangers.”
     In 1956 the consistory decided with congregational approval that the time had come for the purchase of a new parsonage, which would be more suitable than the very large home at 111 east 10^th Street, which had served as a parsonage for half a century.  The old parsonage was sold to Hope College for $19,000, and the Cumerford home, located a few doors east on 10^th Street, was purchased for $34,000.  Thus the VanderWerp family became the first to occupy the new parsonage.  In the same year, new aluminum window sashs were installed in the church auditorium at a cost of $9,000.
     In 1957 the Christian Reformed Denomination celebrated 100 years of blessing under the guiding mercies of the Lord.  Our congregation shared in that celebration even though it joined that denomination in 1884.
     The years from 1952 to 1958 had been busy and fruitful ones for the VanderWerps.  The many pastoral calls, and his kind, irenic spirit, are still recalled with pleasure by the older members of the congregation.  Some years later, when the time for retirement came, they made our congregation their church home, to everyone’s delight.
     In April of 1958, Rev. VanderWerp accepted a call to Delevan, Wisconsin.  On April 27 the congregation met to bid them a warm God-speed.

Rev. W. Witte    1958 – 1965

After a brief period of vacancy, a call was extended to Rev. Wilmer Witte from a trio of C. Greenfield, L. Veltkamp and W. Witte.  The call was accepted and thus Rev. Witte became the thirteenth pastor of the Pillar Church.  He came to us from the Walker Christian Reformed church in Grand Rapids, with his wife Ruth and two children. 
     The first set of consistory minutes signed by Rev. Witte was on July 15, 1958.  Thus began a pastorate of seven years in which pastor and congregation shared the riches of the Gospel, and experienced together the deep waters of trial as well as the high moments of triumph. The new pastor was a gifted speaker.  His sermons were characterized by careful exegesis, incisive presentation, and thoughtful application.
     During the pastorate of Rev. Witte we were reminded of the long and honorable part, which the Sunday School had played in the history of the congregation. On June 16, 1959, Mrs. John Breen, the wife of long-time elder, John Breen, and mother of our missionary Nelle Breen Smith, retired after fifty years of devoted service as teacher of the infant class.  The congregation honored Mrs. Breen for her long and faithful service in introducing the very young children to the beautiful Bible stories.  Older members will recall the popularity of the Sunday School in those days, in spite of the handicaps involved in having classes scattered within hearing distance of each other in the auditorium.
     In the early 1960’s two new organizations came to birth in the congregation.  The club for young girls, which had been previously organized under the name “ JOY”, now was disbanded and in its place came the Calvinettes.  A new club for young boys, the Calvinist Cadets, was formed with the purpose of combining Bible study with the learning of various skills and crafts.  In those years the Young People’s Society joined the Young Calvinist movement.
     In 1961 the congregation sent its first recruit to the Summer workshop in Missions ( SWIM ).  Our first Swimmer was Dale Cooper, and he was succeeded by many other young people who volunteered to spend their summer vacation in evangelism in various areas of the country.  The enthusiasm of these fledgling evangelists was reflected in an ever- growing awareness of the obligation to evangelize our own neighbors.  To encourage this awareness, a huge mission map was installed on a basement wall as a reminder of the outreach of the gospel by the Christian Reformed denomination.
     Signs of the changing times became evident in 1960 by way of two events.
     Classis Holland in that year decided to discontinue all Dutch services which it had up to that year conducted in the various churches in rotation.  The post-war immigration of Dutch families to the United States had by that time largely ceased, so that it became unnecessary to provide Holland services for them.
     In the same year the Fellowship Club petitioned the consistory to allow women to vote at congregational meetings.  They felt that the unmarried women and widows in the church should be given opportunity to share in the decision making process.  The congregation proceeded slowly in this matter.  It was finally resolved. And the women of the church first participated in the vote at the congregational meeting of December 3, 1963.
     Meanwhile, in 1962, the consistory began to give serious attention to its building needs. In that year the finance committee was authorized to begin gathering funds for a new annex on the 10^th Street side of the Church building, for major renovation of the organ, and for a new parsonage.  The new annex was completed by October 1965, at a cost of $40,000.  The work was done by the Witteveen Brothers.  The organ was renovated by Mr. Stoltz at a cost of $ 17,000.  This also was completed in 1965.  The purchase of a new parsonage was postponed until 1969.
     At the same time that the building program was being carried out, there was also abundant evidence of spiritual vitality in the church.  In 1964, the consistory approved the organizing of Bible study groups, which were to meet in the homes of the members.  These study groups continued until about 1980, and proved to be of great benefit to those who participated.
     The evangelization effort among the migrants continued with great enthusiasm and blessing.
     In 1964 Mr. Peter VanderKamp was appointed to serve as the new missionary for West Olive.  In that same year the sad news arrived that the Lord had called the former West Olive missionary, Mr. Ben DeBoer, to his eternal home.  The congregation continued to give support to several foreign missionaries; thereby manifesting clearly that the work of the Lord’s mission was dear to its heart.  Efforts to revive the Young Adults Class, which at one time had been a very vigorous group, met with little success.
     On both the national and international scene, the decade of the `60`s, was a period of deep unrest and rebellion.  Cuba, America’s island neighbor, came under the Communist rule as the result of a revolution led by Fidel Castro.  Thousands of Cubans fled to America, and the deacons saw this as an opportunity to once more extend the hand of Christian hospitality to strangers.  The Lord in His Providence brought into our fellowship the family of Florial and Maria Castillo, and their daughter, Gilda, who deeply appreciated the freedom and opportunity they found in America, and the warm fellowship of the Christian church.  The congregation used all its resources to find housing and employment for them.  The Castillo’s remained with the church until 1982, when they moved to the warmer climate of Florida.
     In October of 1965, Rev. Witte accepted the invitation to become pastor of the Western Springs Christian Reformed Church near Chicago, and so ended a fruitful ministry of seven years.  Rev. Witte remained for the dedication of the new educational annex, and then the congregation bade him and his family an affectionate farewell.
     The vacancy of ten months which followed the departure of the Witte family was a period of intense activity for the congregation, especially for the church council.  Besides the search for a new pastor, there were added responsibilities, which fell upon the shoulders of the leaders who were called upon to carry out tasks normally assumed by the pastor, the search for a new parsonage continued, but without success.  The migrant program continued, but with less success, since the number of migrant workers declined drastically.  The consistory extended calls during this period to Revs. E. Marlink, E. Los, J. Hasper, J. Fondse, G. Ebbers, and M. Dornbos.

Rev. L. Greenway     1966 – 1969

    To everyone’s great joy, the seventh call was accepted.  Rev. Leonard Greenway, who had been pastor of the Third Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, was led in God’s Providence to accept our invitation.     His ministry to our congregation began in October 1966, and terminated in June, 1969.  Rev. and Mrs. Greenway soon felt at home in the parsonage, which was surrounded by dormitories and the residences of professors at Hope College, and took advantage of the many opportunities the college environment offered.
     Rev. Greenway came to us with a rich variety of talents, not only as a preacher, but also as a teacher and counselor.  He was in great demand as a speaker at Bible Conferences.  He placed a great emphasis on the educational activities of the church, especially on the catechizing of children and young people.  It was largely due to the urging of Pastor Greenway that the Adult Bible Class, which for some years had been disbanded, was revived.  The first meeting of the Class, held in September, 1967, showed great promise, and the class has continued its vigorous program of Bible study ever since.
     In February, 1967, the council decided to establish a Memorial Fund, which could be used to promote aspects of church life to enhance its influence on the community.  That fund was first used to install set of electronic chimes in the church belfry.  The chimes reminded the community of the rich heritage of song in the Christian Church.
     Under the leadership of Mrs. Greenway, a Ladies Prayer Group was organized.  Both pastor and Mrs. Greenway participated in the Christian Service Club, which met in Lincoln School near the parsonage. 
     On March 1969, Ed and Nelle Smith informed the congregation of their decision to terminate their Nigerian mission work during the course of the simmer.  Rev. Smith continued his association with the Foreign Mission Board for some time after his retirement.  In the providence of God, this decision proved to be a rich blessing for the congregation.  When Pastor Greenway announced in April, 1969, that he had accepted the call from the Riverside Church in Grand Rapids, Ed, along with Marvin VanderWerp, our retired former pastor, were available to assist at a time when such aid and encouragement were crucial for the church.  After several stops in Europe, and especially in England, Ed’s native land, the Smiths arrived in America in July, 1969, thus bringing to a close a long and fruitful ministry to the Nigerians.

Rev. F. Van Houten    1970 – 1974

      During the vacancy, which followed the departure of Rev. and Mrs. Greenway, the congregation faced two problems, of greatest concern, of course, was the task of finding a new pastor.  That concern was met when Rev. F. Van Houten accepted the call extended to him early in 1970.  The other problem concerned the purchase of a new parsonage.  Because the parsonage was located in the midst of several dormitories and homes owned by Hope College, the college was eager to purchase the parsonage for its own purposes.  Finally, at a congregational meeting held on August 25, 1969, it was decided to sell the parsonage to Hope College for $36,000.  That decision, of course, made it urgent to purchase the Russell Fredricks’ home on East 29^th Street for $ 45,500. 
     When the Van Houtens arrived in May 10, 1970, the home was not yet ready for occupancy, so for a brief period the new pastor was compelled to “ batch it” in the rented home of the Por family.  However, in due time, the commodious new parsonage was ready, and the pastor and his wife moved in.
     The installation service for Rev. Van Houten was held on the morning of May 17, 1970, with the Reverends E. Smith, M. Vander Werp, and T. Van Kooten officiating.  The date of the first consistory minutes signed by Rev. Van Houten was June 8, 1970.
     The spiritual zeal, dedication, and friendliness of the Van Houtens soon made a deep impression on the congregation.  The beautiful pillars at the front of the church inspired the pastor greatly.  In a sermon based on I Tim. 3:15, he dedicated his ministry in our congregation to the noble thought expressed by Paul—“the house of God…is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”  He earnestly challenged the congregation to make the house of God the center of their lives, and to base their lives on “the pillar and ground of the truth.” 
     Much of the new pastor’s time was occupied by pastoral calls made to the relatively large number of members who, due to old age or ill health, were confined to homes or institutions. It was, in a sense, natural that a long established church should have a considerable number of older members who had remained as members of the church all of their lives.  Rev. Van Houten was sensitive to the spiritual as well as the social needs of these easily forgotten members.  This was a hallmark of his pastorate.
    It was also during these years that the congregation became increasingly aware that it was located downtown, and that virtually none of its members lived in the vicinity of the church.  The exodus to the suburbs made it more difficult for older churches to retain their younger families.  These families found it more convenient to affiliate with the suburban churches in their neighborhood.  This loss of members affected the Pillar Church, as it affected all of the so-called “innercity” churches.  But in spite of such obstacles, the work of the Lord was carried on courageously, and the Ninth Street congregation gained the enviable reputation of being “the friendliest church in town.”  This reputation was enhanced when the historic Pillar Church became the hospitality center for visitors during the annual Tulip Time Festival.  Many members of the congregation served as guides to the visitors, and thus seized the opportunity to witness to the abiding faithfulness of God.  For many years Mr. Donald Kiekinvelt served the church as coordinator of the hospitality center.
     In 1971 our veteran missionary, Rev. Edgar Smith received emeritation, and so became available to assist the pastor in the work of the church.  He had completed a book entitled, Nigerian Harvest, in which he told the story of Christ’s mission in Nigeria.  This book he dedicated to the Ninth Street congregation.  He also served  the church as elder, and along with elder Edward Slenk, did much to assist the West Olive congregation through the process of establishment as a church.
     At an evening service held on November 21, 1972, the congregation met to commemorate the 125^th Anniversary of the founding of the church by Dr. Van Raalte and his pioneer band in 1847.  In keeping with the historic tradition of the church, Pastor Van Houten presented a brief meditation in the Dutch language on the theme “ God’s Living Kindness” (God’s Goedertierenheid ).  He based his message on Isaiah 63:7:  “ I will make mention of the loving-kindness of Jehovah….” And, of course, the congregation was asked to sing in Dutch the time-honored favorite, Psalm 68:10:
     Greetings were presented from former pastors, N.J. Monsma, G. Gritter, T. Yff, M. Vander Werp, W. Witte, and L. Greenway.  Hero Bratt gave a brief overview of the church’s history. 
     It was during this historic year, 1972, that a nation-wide conference was held in our church between leaders of the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church of America.  The object of the conference was to increase understanding between the two denominations.  For three days, October 31, November 1, and November 2, various areas of agreement and difference were explored, and efforts were made toward greater cooperation.
     In May, 1972, the council decided to draw up plans and specifications for a new youth building on the church property located at 200 E. 14^th St. The purpose was to furnish an appropriate structure in which the Young Calvinist, Calvinettes, and Cadets could carry on their activities.  Soon other uses for the building were found, not least, as a center for evangelism.  Under the leadership of  Donald Kiekinveld, a neighborhood Bible Club for children was organized.  A canvas of the neighborhood produced a goodly number of young recruits for the new Bible club, which met each Tuesday, from 4 – 5 p.m.  The congregation also gave consideration to the matter of installing aluminum siding on the church building.  That idea was rejected at a congregational meeting held on February 4, 1973.
     In 1973 the council discussed the controversial matter of the Unified Church School Curriculum, which sought to teach the youth of the church in a more systematic way.  Traditionally, ever since the days of Dr. Van Raalte, the church had had two educational programs operating side by side, the Sunday School and the catechism classes.  Virtually all the youth attended both of them, one on Sundays and the other on weekdays.  The Unified Curriculum, a denominational program, called for combining the two programs into one, to avoid repetition.  The Council finally adopted a program by which the children of the first six grades would attend a modified Sunday School program, and the children of the higher classes would attend classes emphasizing doctrine.
     There were two activities, which especially appealed to Rev. Van Houten.  The first of these was the Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by the Philathea Society.  This inspiring service drew many townsfolk.  The other was the Dutch service held in our church during Tulip Time.  The sermon and the singing of Psalms were in the Dutch language.  The Tulip Time visitors, most of whom were unfamiliar with the Dutch, received a printed translation to aid them in worship.
      And so the four-an-a half-year pastorate of the Van Houtens passed swiftly, “like a dream when it is past.”  Rev. Van Houten received a call from the congregation in Sully, Iowa, which the Lord inclined him to accept.  On July 15, 1974, he signed his last council minutes and moved on to his new charge in Iowa.
     The long period of vacancy, which followed, was a time of testing for both congregation and council.  For the council it meant many extra duties and responsibilities.  But the Lord provided capable leadership.  There were always ministers who were willing to occupy the pulpit for Sunday worship.  Our two retired ministers; Rev. Vander Werp and Rev. Smith were available for advice, for preaching, and for visiting the sick and shut-ins.  In the absence of the pastor the task of leading the consistory fell upon the shoulders of a lay person, a task to which he was unaccustomed.  However, harmony prevailed, so the essential task of the church could move forward.
     During this period, the West Olive Church received Rev. Roger Bultman as its new pastor.  That congregation had become less and less dependent on “the guardian church.”
     For some months the Michigan State Historical Commission had been urging the consistory to register our church building with the State of Michigan as an historic site.  After careful consideration the council, with concurrence of the congregation consented to the request.  A committee consist ion of H. Bratt, K.Mokma, D. Porr, D. Kiekintveld and B. Van Dis was appointed to make the arrangements.  A special service for the dedication of the marker was held Sunday morning, June 22, 1975.  Town officials and the public were invited to join the congregation for this event.
     Rev. M. Vander Werp was in charge of the service.  He based his sermon the Ps. 84: 1-4 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty”.  This was the same text which Dr. Van Raalte had used for his sermon at the dedication of the church building in June 1856.  After the service the entire congregation assembled on the front lawn for the ceremony of unveiling and dedication of the marker.  Mayor L. Hallacy spoke on behalf of the citizens of Holland, Mr. W. Wichers made  brief remarks on behalf of the Michigan Historical Commission.  Mr. Donald Por unveiled and presented the marker on behalf of his family who had donated it.  Mr. B. Velthouse responded on behalf of the council.  The lovely marker now stands as a witness to the covenant faithfulness of God in preserving this church for so many years.
     On March 1, 1976. The congregation was saddened by the news that our faithful, stalwart missionary, Rev. Edgar H. Smith had been called home to glory-saddened only because his presence would be sorely missed, but made joyful by the knowledge that he now had received the final fulfillment of God’s promises which had so much inspired his work.  The council drew up a resolution of sympathy and presented it to his wife, Nelle.

Rev. J. Hasper    1976 – 1985

    The council was kept busy in its search for a pastor.  Nine times invitations were extended, and nine times declined.  On March 22, 1976, the congregation extended a call to Rev. J. Hasper of Bellflower, California.  It is difficult to describe the elation of the congregation when the news arrived that the newly elected pastor had accepted the invitation.  A flurry of activity followed so that everything might be ready to greet Rev. Hasper, his wife Gladys, and their son David.   
   On Sunday morning, July 19, 1976, Rev. Hasper was installed.  Rev. R. Broekhuizen preached the installation sermon.  The first set of council minutes signed by Rev. Hasper is dated July 12, 1976. 
     Having had a long and rich experience in the ministry, the new pastor brought with him a vigorous spirit and infectious enthusiasm.  Rev. Hasper proposed to involve as many members as possible in the programs and activities of the church.  Committees which formerly consisted solely of council members were now expanded to include non-council members.  They met monthly to consider ways of stimulating greater activity.  They made recommendations to the council as to how the Pillar Church could better fulfill its service in the Kingdom of God.  This broader involvement of church members in the church programs soon produced positive results. 
     In February of 1977, the Publications Committee announced that is was ready to mail the first edition of the church newspaper, to be published monthly under the title, “ Pillar Postscript.”  By this means all members of the church were kept informed on the activities of the church.  This paper was especially appreciated by those who were confined to their homes or to nursing homes.
     The Evangelism Committee began a serious study as to how the church could fulfill its responsibility to bring Christ and His Kingdom to its neighbors.  The church was located on the edge of a large Latino community, and its Youth Building stood in the very heart of that community.  In 1977 the council employed a trained person for the summer months to promote evangelism in the area.  Mr. Brian Boeve was employed. He carried out a vigorous effort to reach out to people by way of Daily Vacation Bible School, Youth Meetings, and personal door – to – door contacts.  In 1978 Seminarian Robert Tigchelaar was employed to promote the evangelistic outreach.  He was assisted by an enthusiastic staff and a large number of neighborhood children were recruited to learn the basic truths of Scripture in a Daily Vacation Bible School.  Those working on the evangelism outreach soon discovered that there were several churches engaged in the same activity in the same area.  This continued to be a problem in the local evangelism program.
     The Mission Committee looked for ways to meet the church’s responsibility for the spread of the gospel at home and in foreign places.  Enthusiastic support for several missionaries was continued.  The fact that funds for this program were never lacking was evidence that God’s mission was dear to the heart of the congregation.  In November of 1977, the congregation observed a Mission Emphasis Sunday.  Dr. R. Recker, a former missionary to Nigeria, later professor of Missions at Calvin College, delivered sermons focusing of the church’s missionary calling.  On the same day, a beautiful cabinet displaying artifacts of the work of the Smiths in Nigeria was dedicated to serve as a constant reminder of our Lord’s commission  “ Go ye therefore into all the world…”
     In 1980 the congregation accepted the challenge to sponsor a Laotian family who had been living in a refugee camp in Thailand.  Lieng and Phay Moungkhoun and their three children, Thoungkhoun, Khamphou, and Soulinh, came into our fellowship in March of that year.  In a memorable service held in our church on Easter Sunday in 1983, Lieng and Phay were baptized and made confession of their faith, and the children were also baptized.  William and Marilyn Covert served as directors of a committee responsible for acquainting the Moungkhouns with American customs and language and to help them feel at home in our church community.
     Meanwhile, the educational program of the church came under the careful scrutiny of the Education Committee.  New problems became evident as the Unified Church School program was carried out.  Society membership tended to decline as the church struggled to compete with other activities.  For example, the Men’s Society, once a thriving and vigorous group, had to discontinue its meetings due to poor attendance.  It seemed necessary to introduce new forms of adult education such as lectures, discussions and films.
     For many years the council had sought to encourage and support the West Olive Mission, and in December of 1978, the West Olive Committee reported that this mission was now prepared to become a full-fledged church.  In January of 1979, Classis Holland granted this request for organization, with 30 families and 68 signatures.  This event brought back memories of many years when several of our members served as Sunday School teachers and Society leaders in the West Olive Mission.  The dream of establishing a church there had become a reality.
   

 Calvin Vander Meyden      1985 -  1991

Pillar Church began its second century as a Christian Reformed congregation under the leadership of Calvin Vander Meyden who first stepped to this pulpit on 23 February 1986. Rev. Vander Meyden was returning to Holland for while was born in Harvey, Illinois, he lived most of his youth on the north side and attended Holland Christian Schools. He went to Calvin College and graduated from Calvin Seminary in 1966. The young pastor and his wife the former Marjorie Jansen of Grand Rapids accepted his first call to Monsey Christian Reformed Church in Monsey, New New York where he was ordained in 1966. Three years later he accepted a call to the Christian Reformed Church in Flanders, New Jersey. While living in the east Rev. Vander Meyden took advantage of the opportunity to continue his education, graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.) in 1973. A year later the pastor and his family returned to West Michigan to serve Jamestown CRC (1974) and Drenthe CRC (1979). He accepted the call to Pillar and served here four and one-half years, announcing on 5 August 1990 that he was leaving to accept the pastorate of Cutlerville, CRC. Rev. Vander Meyden retired from Rusk CRC in July 2003.

            While at Pillar Rev. Vander Meyden, his wife Marge, and their five children played an active part in the life of the church. The Vander Meydens were a very talented family with an abiding interest in music. Major renovations were completed during his pastorate. The narthex was enlarged and an elevator was installed to improve access for those with mobility limitations. The Tenth Street addition to the church was rebuilt to provide needed, classroom, lounge and office space. On the lower level a children’s care center was added as well as a library and an historical area to preserve and display the church’s heritage. While work was being undertaken in the narthex some of the original stenciling was uncovered. Marge Vander Meyden copied the stenciling and reproduced it in the historical display area. The structure was rededicated 11 December 1988.

            Unity services were conducted with First Reformed Church to renew ties between these congregations with a common origin. Regular family visitation by the elders continued during this time. The Calvin Vander Meyden is fondly remembered for the solid scriptural foundation of his preaching and his compassionate care for members of the congregation.

  Clarence A. Reyneveld    1991 -  1992

The eighteenth pastor of Pillar Church, Rev. Clarence Reyneveld had a short tension filled pastorate. He was born in Long Beach, California and he enjoyed success as an athlete while attending Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, CA. After graduating from Calvin College he worked as a printer for Zondervan Publishing House before entering Calvin Seminary from which he graduated in 1986. He accepted a call to the Christian Reformed Church in Momence, Illinois, the only congregation he served before coming to Pillar Church.

            Rev. Reyneveld, his wife Lisa, and their four children moved to Holland, but difficulties within his family and questions about the effectiveness of his ministry led to his resignation which was accepted 9 December 1992. He went on to a Church in Anacortes, Washington. He is now chaplain of Laurels of Hudsonville, a nursing home and host of “Bible Study,” a local weekly television program.

Michael DeVries      1993-2000

The congregation of Pillar Church and Rev. Michael DeVries were hurting when he was installed on 17 October 1993. Both had experienced difficult separations, Pillar from its former pastor and Rev. DeVries from his former charge at Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church on Holland’s north side over questions regarding the future direction of that ministry. Rev. DeVries had also recently been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. His ministry at Pillar is remembered as a time of healing for both the pastor and the congregation.
            Michael DeVries was born in the Netherlands, as was his wife, Marianne. Although they had not yet met they shared the hardships of the Nazi occupation of their homeland. In 1950, Michael’s family moved to Alberta where they suffered many hardships as they worked as migrant farm laborers under a two-year contract with their sponsor. He met Marianne while he was attending Calvin College. Her family had moved to the United States in 1956. Marianne worked as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Michael and Marianne have three children, Jim, Cathy and Jennifer and seven grandchildren.
            Michael graduated from Calvin College in 1958 and earned his Masters in Divinity from Calvin Seminary in 1961. He earned a Masters in Theology from Westminster Seminary in 1962 and earned a “doctorandus” degree (Drs.) from the Free University of Amsterdam in 1970 in practical theology. Prior to moving to the Holland area, he served churches in Surrey, British Columbia, Toronto and York, Ontario, Ontario, and Arcadia, California. He served at Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church from 1980 to 1993.
            During Rev. DeVries’s ministry at Pillar Church, Pillar focused on its downtown location and extended its outreach becoming in many ways, the community church. In 1997 both Holland and the Pillar congregation celebrated their sesquicentennial. Rev. De Vries was a leader in both celebrations, making sure the community did not forget its religious origins and the role of Rev. Albertus Van Raalte in the founding of the town. A highlight of that celebration was the visit of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands to Holland and to Pillar Church. He worked closely with the Interparish Council and played the role of Sinterklaas, riding a white horse bringing traditional Dutch greetings to Holland school children. He also leads a traditional Dutch service as Pillar serves as a hospitality center during Holland’s Tulip Time.
            As part of the sesquicentennial of the Pillar Congregation, opening service of the 1997 Synod of the Christian Reformed Church was held at Pillar. Michael De Vries was elected president of the synod and ably moderated the difficult question of women in office. He also served as president of synod in 2000. He provided leadership to those seeking to heal the schism between the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America. He encouraged joint services with Pillar and First Reformed Church of Holland, the two congregations that trace their formation to Van Raalte and the settlement of Holland.
            In the first year following his installation at Pillar in October 1993, Rev. De Vries visited all the members in their homes. He brought new emphasis on the use of liturgy, the lectionary, and the importance of the church year. He fondly is remembered as a strong preacher with challenging sermons. He retired from Pillar in June 2000. His retirement is a time of continuing activity, preaching and writing. Rev. De Vries is a regular contributor to The Banner, the denominational publication. He is writing a book on Rev. Van Raalte and the early years of the Pillar congregation. (The working title is Pillar Church in the Van Raalte Era.) He is still preaching regularly in neighboring churches, doing some pastoral calling in a Grand Rapids church. He also is serving on several denominational committees: the Publication Committee, the Historical Committee, and the Sesquicentennial Committee. He is presently the chairman of a Search Committee for a new editor of the Banner. They spend the winter months in Cape Coral, Florida.

  Al Hoksbergen     2001-2003

After the pulpit at Pillar Church had been vacant about a year Rev. Al Hoksbergen stepped in as an interim pastor to provide continuity, leadership, and a sense of direction for the congregation. He was raised in the other early Dutch outpost, Pella, Iowa. It was there that he met his wife Shirley whom he married in 1950. It was during his service during the Korean War, that he began to rethink his life and felt the call to the ministry. He graduated from Calvin Seminary in 1959 and studied at the Free university in Amsterdam receiving a doctorandus degree in liturgy.
          Most of his ministry was located near college campuses. His first church was at Ann Arbor with an outreach to the University of Michigan beginning in 1961. In 1966 he accepted a call to the Lansing Christian Reformed Church. The congregation moved closer to Michigan State University in East Lansing changing its name to River Terrace Church. Rev. Hoksbergen served that congregation twenty-four years before moving to Ferrysburg Christian Reformed Church in 1990. He has continued to help that congregation in a variety of capacities since his retirement in 1993.
            Al's retirement has been an active period of gardening, golfing, fishing, and writing; at times challenging the denomination to take new looks at difficult issues. During his year and one-half at Pillar Church he led the congregation through a visioning process helping it to develop a clear understanding of itself and the importance of worship. He helped the church to outline a plan for the future and call a new pastor.

Christopher De Vos          2003-

After being without a called pastor for three years, Pillar Church has been blessed with the arrival of Christopher DeVos who had been the senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Kingston, Ontario since 1997. Reverend De Vos and his wife Barbara returned to Western Michigan as they were raised in Grand Rapids. Their three children will be moving closer to grandparents and members of their extended family. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Calvin Seminary completing his studies in 1985. He began his ministry as a campus pastor at the University of Colorado in Boulder and after five years there moved on to Atlanta, Georgia where he served the New Hope CRC for seven years before accepting the call to Kingston. Rev. DeVos has traveled widely and has been active in classical and denominational activities.

            The Pillar congregation is blessed with  Rev. DeVos’s leadership as it seeks to implement Pillar’s new vision statement and expand its outreach into the community.