Oak Harbor’s Christian Reformed Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer.

Certainly, some things have changed. Sermons are no longer delivered in Dutch, the singing of hymns — not just psalms — is allowed, and men and women no longer sit on opposite sides of the church.

In fact, today’s Christian Reformed Church operates much like other Protestant churches whose roots date back to John Calvin and the Reformation. Ministers became known as pastors and the Consistory became the Council. The atmosphere and attire is informal and the language has been entirely English for decades.

“The men always wore suits; the women hats and gloves,” recalls Jo Balda, whose grandfather Jacob helped establish the church in 1902. Balda’s formative years were in the ‘40s, from when she remembers the formal attire of church-goers and a strict attitude. “We went every Sunday unless we were sick,” she said. “We didn’t miss … we had to mind our P’s and Q’s. It was a serious matter.”

The church’s pastor for the past five years, Harold Veldman, attributes the old conservatism to the farm family background of the Christian Reformed Church, which is based in Michigan. “The CRC was very ag-centered with its huge farm families,” he said. Through the years, that farm foundation has slipped way. The Oak Harbor church’s last real farm family, the Fakkemas, sold its dairy herd last year.

“When you lose that farming atmosphere you’re not as insulated as before,” Veldman said.

Today’s Christian Reformed Church in Oak Harbor welcomes people of all races and background, according to Veldman. The old Dutch Bibles and Psalters are displayed in a locked glass case. Everything’s modern, including the NIV Bible, and formal attire is fading fast. “Very few wear suits and ties to Sunday service any more,” Veldman said, describing the church as “part of the American fabric.”

As a church history states, the Dutch started arriving in the Oak Harbor area some seven years prior to the church’s founding. Settlers from the old country couldn’t understand the English Bible and longed for a church of their own. July 14, 1902, is considered the official beginning of the church, when nine families met at the home of Jacob Balda, Sr., to organize a Christian Reformed Church. Many names from those early days still resonate in the Oak Harbor community, but the Dutch are now outnumbered in their own church.

“We’re not Dutch any more,” said Veldman, who is of Dutch heritage but has never been to Holland and can’t speak the language.

But the church hasn’t forgotten its Dutch roots, and there are still plenty of Dutch surnames among the 328 members. According to Jo Balda, several recent immigrants arrived from Holland. “There are all kinds of Dutch people,” she said. Reeta Rientjes, one of the older members of the congregation, still speaks Dutch.

No longer insulated, today’s church, Veldman said, “is much more aware of its community.” It reaches out to newcomers in the Navy and others looking for a church in a new town. He thinks that in the future the church should become even closer to the community and reach out more to other churches. “No one knows what the other church is doing.” He said a network is needed to better help families in need.

One hundred years after its founding, Oak Harbor’s Christian Reformed Church is located at 1411 Wieldraayer Road, in the third building the congregation has built. The low-slung structure sits on a hill overlooking a valley and golf course, and once again it’s beginning to show the strains of growth.Veldman said the church needs more parking, classroom and fellowship space, so the church is likely to continue growing as it begins its second 100 years in Oak Harbor.

Let the birthday celebration begin

The Christian Reformed Church plans several events this weekend for its centennial celebration.

Friday, Aug. 16: A program at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary will remember the highlights of the church’s 100 years. Four former pastors are expected to attend. The meeting will conclude with coffee and snacks.

Saturday, Aug. 17: A salmon barbecue and potluck picnic will begin at 5 p.m. at the church, offering fellowship for all and games for the children. Meat, coffee and juice will be provided. Bring your own table settings, a hot dish, salad or dessert.

Sunday, Aug. 18: Two special services are planned. the morning service will be led by Wilbur DeJong, who was the church pastor from 1961 to 1966. The evening service will be conducted by Don Lagerwey, pastor from 1987 to 1996.