History of the American Reformed Church- Established November 14th, 1944
Woodstock Community Church — Name Change
After 77 years of being known as the American Reformed Church of Woodstock, the congregation voted to change the name to the Woodstock Community Church. There were several reasons for the name change.
First, when the American Reformed Church name was selected 77 years ago the name communicated to the community who we were. We were not just Dutch immigrants, this was an American congregation, speaking and preaching in English. The name communicated that all were welcome and that this was not an exclusive church but open and welcoming.
Secondly, when the American Reformed Church was started in Woodstock there were four other churches in town. Today we are the only congregation left. This means as a church that we hold a large responsibility in making sure we serve the needs of the community we are called to serve. Woodstock Church has become a melting pot of many different Christian faith expressions and we desire to continue to be a faith community welcoming to others desiring to hear the truth of the Gospel and grow deeper in Christ and the power of His salvation.
Thirdly, the American Reformed name has close ties to the RCA (Reformed Church in America) denomination. Our congregation for 77 years has been a member of the RCA denomination, however in 2022 the Woodstock Community Church joined the ARC (the Alliance of Reformed Churches). Many churches like ours have decided to formulate a new denomination that better aligns with our beliefs and understanding of Scripture.
If you have any additional questions about the name change please feel free to share those questions at woodstockchurcharc@gmail.com.
On Sunday, November 17th the American Reformed Church of Woodstock Celebrated 75 years of ministry. The Video is a collection of pictures gathered to show our 75 year of LIFE.
Picture Archive
Memories over 75 years
Pastor Ed Veldhuizen (son of the ARC church)
Pastor Wendell Brenneman (1984-1989)
Pastor Carl Gearhart (2000-2014) Pastor Leon Draayer (1972-1978)
Pastor Chris Schaefer (2014-2017) Pastor Ivan Veldhuizen (son of the ARC Woodstock Church)
Early History of Woodstock ARC
Humble, Uninvited Beginnings:
Following the Great Depression, (which lasted nearly 10 years in the agricultural community), there was a demand for affordable land. Farmers from N.W. Iowa and other places moved to the Woodstock area. World War II was – at last – nearly over.
Woodstock was the home of St. Martin’s Roman Catholic Church, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Pipestone, County.
Most observers, including people of the Reformed family did not look positively upon the planting of a Reformed Church in Woodstock; Woodstock was a small village, few of Dutch heritage and not very prosperous.
Nevertheless a handful of people had a vision. Where would “the transplants” from N.W. Iowa find a church home when they had to travel–so-many-miles to a house of worship? In addition, there were many un-churched in the area.
The American Reformed Church began 1944. Initially, they worshiped in the basement of the Legion Hall/Community Hall. I remember going to the “Hall” on Saturday night to light the “bop-belly” stove in the corner. Most of us kept our over-coats on during the service on Sunday-morning. Sometimes we had a pastor; at other times weather conditions mandated the reading of a sermon.
The First Pastor:
The first pastor was Reverend Barend Vander Woude, who came to Woodstock from Oak Harbor, Washington. The move was difficult as, Barend and his wife, Grace, lost their dear daughter, Dorothy, in an accident after they had accepted the Call to Woodstock.
Pastor Vander Woude was certainly the right person, at the right time with a variety of gifts; He had carpentry skills and had a great impact on the youth. He led the band of diverse people to pull-as-a-team; they become a working unity.
The initial band of the committed dedicated countless hours in the construction of the first building. With joy, they dedicated the building to the glory of God.
Many of the older members remember the ground being broken to begin pouring concrete for the foundation, the shell becoming a reality, the plastering and electrical labors, the laying of the hardwood flooring, etc. –all labor intensive.
Money was scarce as most members purchased their farms on-a-shoe-string; a few had purchased land while others were renters; much of the land needed tiling; Canadian thistles and quack grass grew in abundance. It is not an exaggeration to ponder that the dream was in jeopardy on a number of occasions. Many remember that on August 20-21, 1950, there was a killing frost --- no corn was harvested for grain, only silage.
Looking back some seventy five years, we see a sovereign God watching over and preserving a small band of Believers who had both a vision and endurance to stay focused in the midst the Evil One’s obstacles and distractions.
Strengths of the Congregation:
The first great strength of the Woodstock Church was lay-commitment and/or lay-ownership.
A second great strength was their ability to adjust to a variety of pastors who had a variety of gifts.
A third strength was “singing” in the midst of all circumstances.
A fourth strength was remaining “Evangelical” & Biblical with a heart for ‘inviting the poor, the bruised, the tossed and scared by the Evil One.”
The Woodstock Church was the place where the “unwanted” were welcomed to find a church home. There was room at the Cross for You.
There is a Grace that is greater than all our sins!
Believe it and live it!
Written by Pastor Edward Veldhuizen
