First Reformed Church Of Sheldon

Church History

The First Reformed Church of Sheldon was organized April 23, 1895 by several Dutch families with a total membership of nine families and four single persons. Services were held in the Adventist Church, but when the congregation was about four years old a church building was erected.

The church continued to grow and in 1912 a new church and parsonage were built on the corner of Washington Avenue and Seventh Street.

All worship services were conducted in the Dutch language until 1919, when it was voted to hold one English service and one Dutch service each Sunday.

In August of 1929 a Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed…the same organ we use today. It was completely rebuilt in 2004.

By the end of 1946, it became evident that the church building was not adequate, as the congregation had grown to 220 families with 520 communicant members. The East Sioux Classis was in favor of establishing a second church in Sheldon. It was decided we would assist with the establishing of another congregation, and Bethel Reformed Church was organized in 1947.

Only two years after organizing the Bethel Reformed Church, First Reformed again numbered over 220 families, and the building had become inadequate. A new structure was constructed on the same lot and was dedicated in August of 1952. The cornerstone reads: “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

The property across the street from the church was purchased in 1966 and a new parsonage was built in 1969. For a time the old parsonage was used for classrooms.

An educational wing was added to the church in 1972. This new facility provided us with 17 classrooms, as well as a fellowship hall. The original fellowship hall which was in the basement was remodeled, adding space for another nine classrooms.

The old parsonage was removed and the Friendship House was built on the site in 1981. The Friendship House is where our Youth Director has his office. All the youth meetings are held there. This facility, which has two levels, also provides room for a classroom, Bible studies, Consistory meetings, and small family gatherings.

In 2001 we added a contemporary service in the morning. This service is called the Hosanna Service and is held at 10:45 am. each Sunday.

The Lord has blessed our church with excellent leadership and faithful workers. We have had nineteen pastors shepherd us. Our present senior pastor is Dr. David R. Brower. First Reformed Church is, and has always been, a place we can go for meaningful worship, Christian fellowship and experience the love of fellow believers.