EST. 1941
The HISTORY OF
MAPLEWOOD REFORMED CHURCH
For many decades, Maplewood Reformed Church has boldly served the Holland area in the name of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since our first service in 1941, we have been a congregation with a rich history and a deep desire to see our community transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Maplewood was planted by the Holland Classis of the Reformed Church in America at the corner of 34th Street and Columbia Avenue. The vision was to reach individuals and families living south of 25th Street in Holland with the message of Jesus Christ—a mission that still inspires us today.
The first worship service took place on July 6, 1941, with 28 people in attendance and the very next day, a Vacation Bible School was launched for the community. This VBS became the beginning of many expressions of God’s love through the years, as we continue to invest in our neighbors and the world. Pastor Ten Clay's first sermon, titled “Praying Without Ceasing,” set the tone for a church grounded in worship and prayer. These are values that remain central to our life together.
Over the past 83 years, we have celebrated many joys and endured many challenges as a community of faith. Through it all, we are deeply grateful for how God has sustained us and shaped us into the church family we are today. Presently, we are small, but mighty in Christ Jesus!
