The roots of Calvin CRC do indeed go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love (ref: Eph. 3:17). This is apparent in our 60-year history as related here…
Members of Hope CRC at Henry Street and Hile Road, along with Bluffton CRC at the corner of Thompson and Walnut streets (which were both mission churches) had discussed and felt a need to join forces. They felt they could be a greater witness elsewhere and took the request to Classis Muskegon, also a Home Mission Committee, composed of John Niemeyer, Henry Hoebeke, Robert Noor, and David Bolema was appointed. They determined the possibility of organizing a new CRC in the very rapidly developing area of the south-western corner of greater Muskegon.
An invitation was issued to area CRC members and on Sunday, September 12, 1964, worship services began in Campbell School, in Roosevelt Park. The guest minister that day was Rev. Jerrien Gunnink of First CRC of Grand Haven. The response was overwhelming, and many additional chairs had to be set up to meet the needs of those who came to worship. Worshipers were mainly from Bluffton, Hope, and about one-third of Immanuel CRC’s congregation.
Because of a strong attachment to neighborhood families a bus was provided and picked up from 50 to 60 children each week for Sunday School. The origin of Calvin has always been community people.
It has been said that there is a Time Capsule somewhere in our walls.