Stratford Christian Reformed Church celebrates 75 years of service and community

By: Amanda Nelson

Christian Reformed Church (CRC) of Stratford is celebrating 75 years of service and local impact this November, and they’re inviting the community to look back.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, the church will hold a public open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 190 Athlone Cres., Stratford.

The open house will include a building tour, photos and information about the church and congregation’s history. A private dinner for current and former members will take place later that evening.

On Sunday, Nov. 22, CRC will hold a special anniversary worship service, followed by a soup lunch, coffee and cake. All are welcome to attend.

The church was founded on Nov. 25, 1951, and initially had 77 members meeting at the YMCA on the corner of Waterloo and Coburg streets. Over the decades, the congregation has grown, worshipping at locations on Church Street and Easson Street before moving to its current home on Athlone Crescent in 2005.

Today, the church serves a vibrant community of about 500 members, including several generational families, such as Betty DeWeerd, who also serves as the church’s office administrator.

“I’ve been with the church for 46 years,” she said. “I started coming here in 1979. I met my husband here, and we’ve grown alongside the church. My husband’s parents went here, and so did his brothers; three of them stayed and are also married. They have children and grandchildren who are all a part of this building. For me, this just shows the closeness of this community.”

DeWeerd says CRC has a long-standing commitment to spiritual growth and community care and often focuses on community connection through adult programs such as GriefShare and Alpha. The church also supports children and youth through ministries including GEMS, Cadets, Youth Group and Vacation Bible School.

Alongside their internal programs, CRC hosts community meals throughout the winter and opens its doors for OneCare exercise programs multiple days each week. The congregation actively supports local initiatives, including the House of Blessing and participation in Ride for Refuge.

Although the church has a small team of two pastors, a treasurer, an admin staff member and a custodian, DeWeerd says it runs smoothly because of loyal volunteers.

“I love this church,” said DeWeerd. “All of the volunteers and people who make it what it is today are so special. We have a small staff, but the volunteers are what make the church run, and that’s so special.”

This anniversary is centered on the theme “God is Faithful,” inspired by Deuteronomy 7:9 and drawn from Psalm 100:5: “His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

“I wonder if the first congregation in Stratford realized what they were building,” said DeWeerd. “I wonder if they realized how great their legacy of faith would be for us. With God’s help, we are celebrating 75 years. And now, as we take a look back, we also look forward to what the Lord has in store for Stratford CRC beyond 2026.”

Community members are invited to join in celebrating this historic occasion and to learn more about the church’s ongoing role in Stratford.