Our Story: Then & Now
Inwood Christian Reformed Church has been in existence for over 100 years. The church began in 1911 as a small group of Christian Reformed families living in the Inwood area. These families would meet above the local pool hall and were often led by office bearers from the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in a neighboring community. Within a short time, ground was purchased to build a church building and by the fall of 1913 the first church building was completed. In 1914, missionary pastor Reverend HJ Heynen became the first pastor of Inwood CRC.
Over the years pastors came for a season of ministry and moved on as God called them elsewhere. One noteworthy pastor was Rev Nicholas Beute who accepted the call to Inwood CRC in 1946. He was a great promoter of Christian Education, and it was during his time serving our congregation that the Inwood Christian School was started. This parent run, Christian day school, continues to serve our community and provide children with a Christ-centered education.
God blessed our congregation with growth and by the early 1960’s the congregation consisted of nearly 90 families. At this time, it was decided to build a new church and shortly thereafter Cadets and Calvinettes programs were started as a way to minister to the youth of our congregation and community. These programs continue to this day, though the Calvinettes program name was changed to GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting their Savior).
Due to continued growth in a vibrant rural community, our congregation once again embarked on a building project in the late 1990’s. At that time our current sanctuary was built, as well as the education wing shortly thereafter. That marks the completion of much of the church building as it stands today, but God has continued to be at work in building up our congregation. We have been served well by many pastors, elders, and deacons over the numerous decades of Inwood Christian Reformed Church’s existence.
Through God’s faithful leadership, the work of the church council, and the contributions of many dedicated members, Inwood CRC continues to be a vibrant community of Christ followers. Our faithful presence in Inwood offers a distinctly Reformed witness and opportunity for discipleship, Christian fellowship, and growing in Christian maturity. Through the regular preaching of God’s Word, the proper administration of the sacraments, and Christian discipleship, we are committed to knowing God deeply, seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit as we imitate Christ, becoming more like him in our sanctification.
There is much more that we could say about how God is at work within our congregation, but the best way to convey what God is doing among us to come and see for yourself. So, whether you are a new member of the Inwood community, a visitor passing through, or in search of a body of believers to belong to, we warmly welcome you to join us in worship and in the life of the church!