Faith Christian Reformed Church

Place of Worship:
2265 Mountainside Drive, Burlington
http://www.faithcrc.ca                                            

Summary of Church History June 29, 2002

In October 1983, Burlington (New Street) CRC granted a request to 2 of their members to canvas the existing congregation to determine the level of support for establishment of a new congregation in Burlington. 3 Council members also joined the Steering Committee. A goal was set for 60 families by the end of 1983 – this goal was met on the last day of the year.

In the spring of 1984 Classis Hamilton approved the request for formation of a new church. This decision was also endorsed by the "mother church". Faith’s first service was held on Feb. 12, '84, at St Stephen's United Church. During their first official meeting (April 1^st, ’84) the congregation voted on the name "Faith CRC". Committees, goals, & programs were established at the same time.

Rev. Jack Quartel was called from Ottawa on May 6th, ’84, with the installation on September 29^{th -} the congregation's first pastor. That summer marked the start of Vacation Bible School, Good News Club, Catechism & Sunday School. Some youth programs, however, remained together with Burlington CRC. The congregation purchased its existing facility from Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church on October 10^th, ‘84.

January 1985 marked the beginning of programs held in the newly acquired facility. Services begin in October of that year. A Building Fund drive, and the purchase of new organ were significant financial events in the Spring of the year. VBS was again held in the summer.

A Coffee Break program began at Faith in September 1985. Ministry of church services at the local Bethany Home began, as well as financial support for the first missionary couple. A mortgage for the new facility was secured with the CRC Extension Fund. A SWIM team spent 6 weeks in the summer of 1986 helping with the VBS program. In April of 1986 a Men's Life program also began.

The Faith Praise & Worship team was formed in 1987, and began a ministry of leading worship. The first pictorial directory is published in September of ‘87. Fellowship Groups were formed and began meeting for bible study. The congregation's own Cadet Club was formed in September of that year.

The Faith congregation participated in the October ’88 Billy Graham Crusade in Hamilton. A ‘Financial Pledge’ system from the membership was used for the first time. Church Council develops a ‘Concept of Ministry’ statement, and the congregation purchases a set of new grey Psalter Hymnals. A church library is started, as well as the congregation's own Calvinette program.

In 1989 a work project involving membership efforts to renovate Sunday School class-rooms is held in the summer. In September of '89 all Sunday School programs are re-scheduled to 9:30 am, prior to morning worship. In 1990 a youth drop-in centre was started. In 1991 a ministry continues through back-yard evangelism, VBS, & Bethany Homes. Some internal dissension began concerning women in ecclesiastical office.

In 1992 some membership tension began, focusing on congregational direction. The first female deacon is elected to office, and Rev. J. Quartel accepted a call to Goderich CRC. In 1993 Faith is vacant but various church programs and ministries continue. The roof was replaced and a disability washroom was built. Rev. Richard Grift served as a summer intern. The calling process also began, as the congregation wrestled with the question -"Where do we go from here?"

In 1994 the Congregation's organizational structure is revised to include an Administration Committee. Rev. Peter Veltman from Emo, Ontario accepts call to Faith CRC, and is installed in April. The Congregation sent a team to the leadership conference at Willow Creek Community Church..

Faith’s Small Group ministry was established in 1995, and included approx. ½ the membership. Later in 1996 Council worked with Classis Hamilton Regional Pastors to look at leadership issues, and in the spring of 1997 Classis Hamilton approved the release of Rev. P. Veltman. A Strategic Planning Committee was formed later in the year to deal with worship perspectives. The congregation purchased a grand piano in 1998.

Pastor Kevin DeRaaf from Owen Sound, Ontario accepted Faith’s call in the spring of 1999, and began work that summer. By 2000 membership began a steady increase, and Love and Learn, a Christian day-care centre moved to Faith’s building. A significant building renovation project began, including new administrative offices. In the summer of 2002 the sanctuary is being renovated completely, with a goal of increasing seating capacity. The Lord continues to bless Faith CRC Burlington.