The Early Church
By Philip Stohrer
During the pastorate of the Reverend Jacob VanderMuelen, Bethany's second pastor, growth continued. Despite the excavation of a basement under the building by men of the church, space was becoming an issue. By the time that Reverend VanderMuelen left in 1919, the one hundred thirty-five families and two hundred thirty-five communicants could see the need for a larger building. With an eye to the future and trusting in God's leading, they purchased vacant property one block north on Burdick-the site of the present church.
The Reverend Frank DeRoos was called as the new pastor in 1920. Unfortunately, while visiting South Dakota, Rev. DeRoos died suddenly in August of 1921. Bethany remained without a pastor for two years, but growth continued, both in the neighborhood and in the congregation.
In June of 1923, the Reverend Benjamin Lamen was installed as Bethany's fourth pastor. While under his leadership, growth continued and plans were made for a new church building. While the sudden reversal of the nation's economy in October of 1929 heralded the beginning of the Great Depression, Bethany continued on with plans for a new building. In 1931 construction was begun. Reverend Lamen was in failing health, but presided over the laying of the cornerstone. It was his last official act. He died on May 31, 1932, just over a month after the dedication of the new church in April. As Bethany entered the new building, there were one hundred eight families and over three hundred forty communicant members.
The Reverend Jerry Veldman was installed as Bethany's fifth pastor on January 5, 1933. During Reverend Veldman's ten-year service at Bethany a major change took place. In 1934 Bethany members helped to organize Bethel Reformed Church on Kalamazoo's then far east side. As Second had once helped establish Bethany, Bethany was now helping to establish a new congregation. The decision to support the Reformed Church foreign missions also was made at about the same time. First in Arabia and then in India, Bethany's reach had extended across the globe to spread God's word. No longer a mission supported by others, Bethany had become a mature congregation supporting others.
During World War II Bethany had two hundred-nine of its members serving in the armed forces. Three young men, Lt. Robert Pikkaart, Pfc. Henry William Johnson and 1st Lt. Cleve R. Malloy were killed while serving their country.
In February of 1944 the Reverend Edward Tanis was called to Bethany. During his work in Kalamazoo, Bethany grew to include two hundred fifty-one families and five hundred communicant members. Reverend Tanis left in 1947.
The Reverend Frank DeRoos was called as the new pastor in 1920. Unfortunately, while visiting South Dakota, Rev. DeRoos died suddenly in August of 1921. Bethany remained without a pastor for two years, but growth continued, both in the neighborhood and in the congregation.
In June of 1923, the Reverend Benjamin Lamen was installed as Bethany's fourth pastor. While under his leadership, growth continued and plans were made for a new church building. While the sudden reversal of the nation's economy in October of 1929 heralded the beginning of the Great Depression, Bethany continued on with plans for a new building. In 1931 construction was begun. Reverend Lamen was in failing health, but presided over the laying of the cornerstone. It was his last official act. He died on May 31, 1932, just over a month after the dedication of the new church in April. As Bethany entered the new building, there were one hundred eight families and over three hundred forty communicant members.
The Reverend Jerry Veldman was installed as Bethany's fifth pastor on January 5, 1933. During Reverend Veldman's ten-year service at Bethany a major change took place. In 1934 Bethany members helped to organize Bethel Reformed Church on Kalamazoo's then far east side. As Second had once helped establish Bethany, Bethany was now helping to establish a new congregation. The decision to support the Reformed Church foreign missions also was made at about the same time. First in Arabia and then in India, Bethany's reach had extended across the globe to spread God's word. No longer a mission supported by others, Bethany had become a mature congregation supporting others.
During World War II Bethany had two hundred-nine of its members serving in the armed forces. Three young men, Lt. Robert Pikkaart, Pfc. Henry William Johnson and 1st Lt. Cleve R. Malloy were killed while serving their country.
In February of 1944 the Reverend Edward Tanis was called to Bethany. During his work in Kalamazoo, Bethany grew to include two hundred fifty-one families and five hundred communicant members. Reverend Tanis left in 1947.
Founding The Church The Mid-Century
© 2013 Bethany Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan. All rights reserved.
© 2013 Bethany Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan. All rights reserved.
