MOUNT HAMILTON CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

1952-2002

In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the emigration from the Netherlands was at an all time high. Many of these immigrants settled in the Hamilton area and chose as their home church the First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church. Soon the consistory of the church was faced with the problem of insufficient room. On September 10, 1951, that consistory decided to do something about it.

On October 15, 1951 in a consistory meeting at First Hamilton CRC, it was decided that people living on Hamilton mountain would hold their services in the Barton Community Hall.

The morning service was conducted in the English language and the evening service in Dutch. First Hamilton CRC paid the rent of $145.00 per month. Although this group was still part of First Hamilton CRC, they were allowed to keep the budget offerings for the future establishment of a church.

In a meeting held on May 30, 1952 and chaired by Rev. T. VanKooten, pastor of First Hamilton CRC, the new church was officially instituted with a total membership of 57 families, mostly recent immigrants. Office bearers were elected and installed. The following were elected as elders: T. Bruulsema, G. Groen, L. Dieleman, K. Mulder, H. Tiesma and G. Vanderkooi. D. Buma, J. Sikma, H. Snyder, K. Vanderhout and G. VanderWillik were elected as deacons.

In June 1952 a suitable plot of land was located for a parsonage and church. In December of the same year, the official name of the church became "The Mount Hamilton Christian Reformed Church".

A drive held on September 14, 1952 resulted in a total of $3,510.00

With the parsonage well under way, the congregation's attention focused on calling their own minister. The consistory had a difficult task. They need a minister who would preach in both English and Dutch.

On June 14, 1953, Rev. J. Ehlers was installed as the first minister of the Mount Hamilton CRC. Rev. Ehlers proved to be a person with many talents, and much wisdom and patience.

One year after Rev. Ehlers arrival, the decision was made to build a church. It was built by Harm Schilthuis & Sons on the existing property facing Upper Wellington Street. After a bank loan and a mortgage were arranged, Rev. Ehlers obtained approximately $30,000.00 in demand loans from friends and acquaintances in the United States. The estimated cost of the church was $80,000.00.

Rev. Ehlers served our congregation for 11 years and retired in the spring of 1964. During the time that Rev. Ehlers served Mount Hamilton, he baptized 348 infants and 3 adults. He conducted only six funeral services. 177 young people made Profession of Faith, and 84 weddings were solemnized by Rev. Ehlers. The congregation grew from about 60 families to 180 families during these 11 years.

Rev. Arnold Rumph accepted the call to take the place of Rev. Ehlers. At the request of the congregation, Rev. Ehlers installed Rev. Rumph as our new minister on May 31, 1964.

Rev. Harry Mennega accepted our call and was installed on May 15, 1967.

The congregation grew steadily over the years and the financial burden became somewhat lighter. It was decided to have a new organ installed.

After five years of serving the Mt. Hamilton congregation, Rev. Mennega accepted a call to Abbotsford, B.C. Rev. John Jongsma was called and installed on October 4, 1973.

A fire broke out in the church on January 7, 1976. There was heavy smoke and water damage to most of the building, particularly the basement. The worst of the $50,000.00 damage in the fire, believed to be caused by electrical wiring, was the church organ.

In 1979, Rev. Jongsma accepted a call to Brantford. After calling 7 ministers, Rev. Raymond Sikkema form St. Catharines accepted our call.

Rev. Sikkema stayed with Mt. Hamilton CRC until September, 1992, when council voted to lead the congregation out of the Christian Reformed denomination. Approximately 60% of an already declining congregation decided to follow. It was a very sad and trying time for those who remained.

In the spring of 1993, the search committee recommended to ask Rev. James VanWeelden of Grimsby to act as an Interim Pastor for Mount Hamilton CRC.

In 1995, Rev. Henry DeBolster offered his service, also preaching 4 services per month and acting as an adviser to council. With his service, a peaceful end was realized in the schism in the fall of 1996.

In 1997, Rev. VanWeelden retired at 75 years of age and over 50 years in the ministry.

In the summer of 1999, the church agreed to call a candidate. After interviewing 3 candidates, Jeff Janssen was chosen. He accepted the call and was ordained in October, 1999.

Over the  years, Mt. Hamilton CRC has seen the Lord's blessings over and over again. Built by the hands and through the faith of new Canadians, our church has grown to include the talents of many diverse individuals that create a united whole. Through many experiences, trials and triumphs, the Lord has stood by us. Some remember the times we grew by leaps and bounds, adding on to the original building that changed with our congregation's changing needs. We also remember the trials - a major fire in the sanctuary, declining church membership and internal struggles.

"Going forward in faith" is building on the traditions and experiences of our past as we look to the future of Mount Hamilton Christian Reformed Church. With His grace, let us move forward in faith. Thank you Lord, for the 50 years you have provided us.