Reformed in Cincinnati: A new building for First Holland Reformed Church (1892)

On Jan. 3, 1892, Cincinnati’s First Holland Reformed Church moved into its brand new building on 47 Mulberry St.  They were in need of a new facility due to a recent influx of immigrants from the Netherlands, who had to leave behind family, friends, and jobs due to religious persecution (i.e., the Doleantie).  This day was surely one mixed with both joy and sorrow.  On this occasion, their minister (Rev. Van Vessum) preached a message from 1 Kings 8:57-58, which reads:

The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers.

May we follow in the steps of our Reformed forefathers and respond to trials and joys in our lives with such gratitude for His faithfulness, confidence in His ongoing presence, and a resolve to walk in His ways.