What if walls could talk? The Protestant Reform Church, right here in Chicago, has witnessed a lot. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the waves of Dutch immigrants who shaped Chicago’s spiritual landscape. The Protestant Reform Church tells a tale of two congregations, reflecting the broader story of the Reformed Church in America.
The First Reformed Church of Chicago, the mother congregation, has a fascinating history. Organized in 1853 by Reverend Albertus Van Raalte, it initially served a small group of Dutch families. They yearned for a spiritual home amidst the bustling, polyglot city. Their first church, a humble wooden structure, was built in 1856. It was a far cry from the grand edifices they would later occupy, but it was filled with a fervent faith.
The Protestant Reform Church also reflects the tensions between Dutch traditions and American influences. The congregation grappled with issues like the introduction of English services, the role of Sunday schools, and even the use of hymns alongside the traditional Genevan Psalter. These debates weren’t just about religious practices. They reflected deeper questions of cultural identity and assimilation. One pastor, Bernardus De Bey, even embraced the American revivalist style, attending Presbyterian services to learn their techniques. He marveled at their active, everyday Christianity, contrasting it with what he saw as the “exclusively Sunday Christianity” of his Groningen roots. He found himself drawn to the energy and outreach of the American evangelical tradition.
Another key figure in the Protestant Reform Church’s story is Reverend Henry Schipper. During World War I, he led the church “into further paths of Americanization.” This era saw the shift to English in the primary services and catechism classes. The war, a crucible of national identity, further accelerated the integration of the Dutch community into the American mainstream. This period also brought changes in church practices. Offering plates replaced the traditional “sacks,” women gained the right to vote in congregational meetings, and deacons took a more prominent role in services.
The Protestant Reform Church story isn’t just about assimilation. It’s about the resilience of faith and the enduring power of community. Through language changes, cultural adaptations, and even relocations, the congregation held onto its core beliefs. The Protestant Reform Church stands as a testament to their journey. It echoes the struggles, the triumphs, and the enduring spirit of the Dutch Reformed community in Chicago. They found a way to honor their heritage while embracing their new home. They built not just churches, but a lasting legacy of faith.