History
Zion Christian Reformed Church had its roots planted by mainly Dutch immigrants who came to this region from 1948 through 1952. The first meetings of our ancestors took place in the Anglican Church hall in Cobden.
In the late 1940’s Rev. Rubingh came from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a church planter for new immigrants. The Pembroke/Cobden congregation was designated officially as a church on December 21, 1952. A consistory was elected and installed, consisting of Jacob DeWal Sr. and John Lambers as elders, and John Sinneker and Geerlof van Starkenburg as deacons.
Since we were now an official church, a young couple deeply in love, Adam VanderVelde & Anneke Steinstra, were united in marriage after Rev. Rubingh led the inaugural church service. The first baptism was witnessed as Dirk van Starkenburg son of Janna & Geerlof van Starkenburg was welcomed into the covenant family.
With the influx of immigrants in Pembroke and a decrease in members from Cobden the decision was made to purchase a house on Nelson Street, Pembroke. After renovations were completed the first service was held on August 23, 1953. We also got the informal title “The Dutch Church Across from the Beer Store”.
In this location we met faithfully every Sunday to hear God’s Word. Services were held both in Dutch and English for several years. We enjoyed such programs as Sunday School, Ladies’ Aid, Calvinist Cadets and Calvinettes, choir, Vacation Bible School and Men’s Society, but the Ladies certainly outlasted the men. Here God’s blessings to us were abundantly evident. As the hymn says:
“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God our Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou has been Thou forever will be.”
God’s ordained ministers who faithfully led and guided us spiritually, emotionally and compassionately, were:
Rev. Eugene Rubingh 1952 – 1957
Rev. Gabe Reinks 1959 – 1963
Rev. Jacob Faber 1963 – 1967
Rev. Henry Katerberg 1969 – 1973
Rev. Daniel Tigchelaar 1973 – 1978
It was during Rev. Tigchelaar’s ministry that it was decided to build a sanctuary on the Drive-In Rd. property which had been purchased previously. Construction began in the fall of 1977. With the help of the determination and strong muscles of volunteers, construction went exceptionally well.
In the Spring of 1978 our beautiful new building was dedicated to the glory of God. May we continue to be a witness to God’s love and faithfulness to the community around us. Truly God has blessed us. May we live our lives as thankful Christians in His service.
It is fitting to remember our faithful members who have gone to glory to be with their God and Father and had committed their lives to love, serve and live for their Creator.
After Rev. Tigchelaar, the following ministered to us:
Rev. Jan Pereboom 1979 – 1982
Rev. Ken Ritsema 1982 – 1987
Rev. Martin Vellekoop 1990 – 1994
Rev. Harold VanderSluis 1994 – 2015
The position becoming vacant in early 2015 to the present, God again shows us that He always leads and controls and never abandons the sheep of His pasture. God has truly blessed us by inspiring Rev. Eric Strachan and his wife Sheena to be our under-shepherd. Rev. Strachan’s firm biblical sermons, and their compassionate and social interaction with the members have truly been a blessing to us all.
May we always remain confident that God guides His church and where two or three are gathered in His name, God is truly with them. He has undoubtedly shown us that He is our God on the mountains as well as in the deep valleys in our lives. God promises to lead us all the way. May we always praise God and let others who we come in contact with “Know we are Christians by our love”.
May we be confident in the knowledge that we do not know the future but we do know who holds the future. As the hymn continues,
“Though swift time keeps marching onward,
It will not decide our end.
You will always be our Father,
Loving God, eternal Friend.
When life’s dangers overwhelm us,
You will ever be our stay;
Through Your Son you are our Father,
Always changeless come what may.”
Such is the firm foundation of our faith, a foundation built by God.
Thank you, and may God bless each of us as we continue our life’s journey.
Pastoral Care
Pastor Eric Strachan
Pastor Strachan has been a blessing to this congregation, offering pastoral care to our membership. If you would like to receive a visit or a call from Pastor Strachan, please complete the form on our contact us page and we'll have him reach out.