Pella: First Christian Reformed Church

Below is information about the First Christian Reformed Church (now known as Connect Church) in Pella (914 Liberty St.).

Photo of the church building taken in 1930.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: A photo of people entering Pella First Christian Reformed Church, taken across West Market Park. The steeple of the church has been removed, and only the lower portion of the bell tower remains with a smaller pointed roof. Model T automobiles and other cars are parked at the curb of the street, which is unpaved.

Photo of the church building taken in the 1920s.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: The white clapboard church building belonging to the First Christian Reformed Church congregation, as viewed across West Market Park. Liberty Street next to the building is unpaved at this time, and is lined with ruts.

Photo of the church building taken in the 1910s.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: Two picture postcards with the same photo of the First Christian Reformed Church building, which was a white-painted, clapboard building at this time, taken though the trees in West Market Park. It had a tall steeple, and bell tower. To the left of the church is a long, shed with a metal roof, possibly used as stables.

Photo of the church building taken in 1987.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: The new First Christian Church building was completed in 1942, replacing the old wooden church building with its tall steeple and bell tower. The new building is brick and has a crenellated tower forming the main entryway. Sidewalks border the beautifully landscaped lawn and paved streets. A sign with the Church's name and a glass bulletin board sits on the lawn by the front door.

Photo of the church building taken in 1919.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: A picture postcard from Kate F. Scholte Beard daughter of H.P. Scholte,, written in 1913 , with a photo of the First Christian Reformed Church building. The First Christian Reformed Church building was a white-painted, clapboard building at this time. It had a tall steeple, and bell tower.

Photo of the church building taken in 1920s.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: A picture postcard with a photo of the First Christian Reformed Church building, which was a white-painted, clapboard building at this time. It had a tall steeple, and bell tower.

Photo of the church building taken in 1916.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: In 1916, the First Christian Reformed Church building was a white-painted, clapboard building at this time. It had a tall steeple, and bell tower. A electric/telephone pole stands on the corner near the front of the building. Awnings cover some of the windows.

Photo of the church building taken in 1950s.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: The new First Christian Church building was completed in 1942, replacing the old wooden church building with its tall steeple and bell tower. The new building is brick and has a crenellated tower forming the main entryway. Parking spaces border the beautifully landscaped lawn and paved streets.

Photo of First Christian Reformed Church Keepsake Tray.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: A keepsake tray, approximately 6 1/2 X 4 1/2 inches, with a photo of the original First Christian Reformed Church, and an inset photo of the first pastor, Reverend T. Van der Ark. In the corners are embossed horse shoe and buggy whip decorations. Two holes are at the top, which allows the tray to be hung.

Photo of First Christian Reformed Church Parsonage in abt 1907.

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: A picture postcard of the First Christian Reformed Church parsonage at 904 Liberty Street in Pella, Iowa. The two story, clapboard building has a wide, wrap-around front porch and a gabled roof.

Mission Fest at First Christian Reformed Church 1912

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: Model T automobiles line unpaved Liberty Street and West Second Street, and people throng West Market Park in this photo. On the right stands the First Christian Reformed Church. At this time the building is white-painted wood and has a steeple. Telephone poles line the street, and are on the corner of West Market Park. Large, white tents can be seen in the center of the park.

New First Christian Reformed Church Building, after 1942

The photo above is housed at Pella Community Memory Database with the following description: The old wooden First Christian Reformed Church building with its tall steeple and bell tower has been torn down, and this new brick building now sits in its place at 914 Liberty Street, across the street from West Market Park. The new building was completed in 1942. It is a brick building with a crenellated tower forming the main entryway, and half-timbered gables. Sidewalks border the beautifully landscaped lawn and paved streets.

This page was created on 2023-09-29 by Al Hibbard.