IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH (SIMCOE)

Immanuel Christian Reformed Church of Simcoe began in the summer of 1957 with the request by 29 Simcoe area families and several single persons approaching the consistory of Jarvis Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church for the approval to approach Classis Hamilton to grant them their desire in establishing a Christian Reformed Church in Simcoe. At the September 11, 1957 meeting Classis granted this request and charged the Jarvis consistory to effect the new organization.

On Sunday, October 6, 1957 the formal organization of the Simcoe congregation took place at a service in the Parish Hall of St. James United Church, the Rev. J. M. Dykstra presiding. Twenty-nine families and three individuals made up the new church with a total of 139 members. The first service held under the new organization took place Sunday, October 13, in the Junior Farmers Building on the Norfolk County Fairgrounds.

In June 1958 the congregation purchased and renovated a property to become our house of worship, on Talbot Street. Our first pastor was Reverend J. Vriend who became pastor on January 14, 1960, and he served the Simcoe congregation until  July 1964. The congregation also undertook another building project and a new parsonage became a reality on Charles Street. The Vriend family moved into this home on September 12, 1961.

Our next pastor, Rev. Gabe Rienks, arrived on October 28, 1964. He served our congregation until November, 1969.

Reverend Fred Bakker began serving us in September 1970, and while he was with us we were blessed with the ability to build our present facility on Oak Street. Our dedication service was held on Thursday, December 9, 1971.

Our next pastor, Rev. Ralph Fluit, served us form October 1975 until March 1980. Rev. Lammert Slofstra came to us in March 1981. After Rev. Slofstra's departure we were served by Rev. John Roke and after a period of vacancy welcomed our present Pastor, Rev. Ray VanderKooij.

We, as Christ's Church, seek to serve our Lord through His power and His Spirit as we live out our local vision and purpose, "to provide an environment that creates excitement and enthusiasm for our members to serve Jesus Christ," ... and ... "to glorify God and promote God's Kingdom". May the Lord continue to lead and guide us a we seek to honour his Holy Name.