1977
Out of several ministerial applicants, Dr. Albert Vander Meer was selected by the planning and development committee of the Illinois Classis to begin a church in the Quad-Cities. July of 1977 found Al, his wife, Marge, and children, Jennifer and Daniel, in Bettendorf, Iowa. With a short list of names obtained from the Church Herald and the support of the oldest Protestant denomination in this country, the young pastor set out to establish Christ’s Family Reformed Church, of the Reformed Church in America.
He installed an office in the Georgian Square Office complex on Lincoln Road in Bettendorf and proceeded to make himself and his cause known in the area. He introduced himself to the families of Andrew Ter Louw, Bill Heiker, Phyllis Heinen and Barbara Bosch. For twelve weeks these families met on Sunday evenings for home worship and fellowship. Then on the last Sunday of October, 1977, the first publicly announced service was held at the Holiday Inn, Bettendorf.
Services were held in this location for next five years. It was exciting to see the attendance grow, and on April 10, 1978, the church was organized with 68 charter members. Membership grew steadily from that day and there were many activities, including barn services held in June on Ruth Porter’s farm and small group Bible studies, helping growth and community among members.
