“Lijnbaankerk 100 jaar!” That was the headline in Aalsmeer in 2019. It celebrated a century of the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk. But it was not the building itself. It was the congregation’s centennial.
Hello everyone. Right here we see the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk. It stands as a testament to faith. It also represents community.
Let’s step back in time. In the 19th century, several groups of reformed Christians were active in Aalsmeer. They were known as the Afgescheidenen, Kruisgezinden, or Independenten. These groups paved the way for the formal establishment.
The Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk was officially founded on June 3 1919. The members decided to join the national Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken. The early years saw modest numbers. But the congregation grew steadily. By 1929, it had 213 members. By 1936, it reached 304.
The year 1936 is significant for the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk. It marked the inauguration of this very building. Before this, the community gathered in the “klompenschuur”. It was near Zijdstraat 23. That was opposite the korenmolen De Leeuw.
After the war, the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk continued to expand. In 1950, there were 403 members. By 1963, the number rose to 514. The peak was in 1994. It reached 688 members. This included the later independent parish in Hoofddorp. Since then, the membership has gradually declined. It stands at about 370 in 2019.
Despite its history, the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk remains vibrant. It sees itself as a contemporary Christian community. Its roots are in the reformed tradition. The church is dedicated to connecting people with God and each other. It also serves the wider community.
The Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk actively engages with the local community. It partners with other churches in Aalsmeer. Together they support refugee integration. The annual neighborhood barbecue is on the church parking lot. The Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk provides electricity and facilities. Also, a recent AED course highlights community care. It is because there is an AED on the church square.
The 100th anniversary in 2019 was a major celebration for the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk. The festivities included coffee, tea, and a buffet. There was also a surprise for the children. A special service commemorated the centennial. Former pastor André Jansen led the service. The service involved all generations. Together they celebrated Holy Communion. There was also a culinary competition that was called ‘Heel Lijnbaan bakt’.
As we stand here, let’s appreciate the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk Lijnbaankerk’s long history. It is more than just a building. It is a living story of faith, community, and service. It also serves as a beacon of hope in Aalsmeer.