Everett’s First Christian Reformed Church to celebrate 100th anniversary
Published 12:01 am Saturday, July 16, 2011
EVERETT — As she stood in the entry of the church’s sanctuary, Marge Wrisley, 78, thought of the memories it holds.
Her baptism. Her wedding. All those Sunday services with her husband and the two children they raised.
Soon, a new memory will be added, as the First Christian Reformed Church of Everett plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
“It’s a milestone,” Wrisley said. “When I was young, church and school were the center of my life; church still remains a part.”
The Rev. James Wiersum has been leading the congregation for 23 years.
“We have families and generations rooted here,” Wiersum said. “One hundred years is a long time. It says something about the congregation and the church has always been there for us.”
In these uncertain times, Wiersum believes it’s the church’s stability and continuity that keep people worshipping.
“It’s attractive to some that we look like a church and sound like a church,” Wiersum said. “In the age we live in, people are searching for that.”
The original church was built in Everett in 1911. But because the congregation expanded, it moved in 1954 a short distance away to its current location.
In 100 years, the church has become a part of Everett’s history.
The experiences of its 110 members are also a part of history.
“This church has gone through war … through world wars,” Wiersum said.
War veterans, Everett natives and other members such as Wrisley have grown to identify congregants as a family over time, Wrisley said.
“We really care about each other,” Wrisley said. “When somebody hurts, we all hurt. When there’s a death, we all mourn. Just like with the joyful moments.”
Three cherished artifacts of the church include its vaulted sanctuary ceiling, colorful stained glass windows and the pipe organ.
Wiersum said the traditional pipe organ identifies the church and is still used regularly.
While 100 years is quite an achievement, he sees more to come.
“We don’t want this to be an endpoint. We want another 100 years,” he said.
Lindsy Wheadon: 425-339-3453; lwheadon@heraldnet.com.
Celebration
The First Christian Reformed Church of Everett is planning its 100th anniversary celebration next weekend.
An ice cream social is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. July 23 and a special service is set for 10:30 a.m. July 24. The church is at 1429 McDougall Ave., Everett.
