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Our Church's History Our Mission and Vision |
Where We Are On the Map Photographs of Our Facilities |
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Where We've
Come From: A Summary:
(click here
for a narrative)
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| 1950s |
89 people Organized the Cascade Christian Reformed Church (April 3, 1952. |
| 1960s |
Rev. Roy Boeskool, Jr. 1958-64 |
| 1970s |
Rev. Wesley Timmer 1972-79 |
| 1980s |
Rev. Durant Van Oyen 1980-88 Rev. Verlan Van Ee 1984-85 Renovation of worship center and enlargement of parsonage 1989 |
| 1990s |
Rev. Jerry Dykstra 1990-96 Computerization
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| 2000s |
Rev. Tim Van Zalen, Pastor from 1998-2003 Dr. Milton Doornbos, Pastor and Minister of Congregational Life from 2003 till 2006 Dr. Paul Bremer, Associate Pastor from 2003 till 2007 Rev. Ben Hulst, Associate and Youth Pastor from 2004 till 2009 Rev. James Karsten, Lead Pastor from 2007 till present Purchase of more property south of the church Construction of new classrooms, offices, and Family Life Center |
Narrative history
Cascade--a historic township nestled on the picturesque Thornapple River--was a growing community in 1951 when several local businessmen met informally to discuss planting a new church between Ada and East Paris. It was evident even then that the Cascade area was destined to grow and develop.In 1952 Classis gave approval for the organization of Cascade CRC. The congregation, comprising eighty nine persons in twenty four family units, grew subdivisions dotted the lush, wooded countryside of Cascade. Four pastors served the church faithfully during those years.
In the early eighties we began a period of steady decline in membership. We had reached a critical stage in our development with many complex forces at work--in the community of Cascade, in the church community at large, and within the Cascade CRC congregation.
In 1990 Rev. Jerry Dykstra became our pastor. In 1992, with a renewed spirit and hope for the future, we celebrated our fortieth anniversary. After helping Cascade Fellowship to grow substantially, Rev. Dykstra was called to California.
Since 1998, Rev. Timothy Van Zalen has ministered at Cascade Fellowship until the end of 2003. Rev. Milt Doornbos became the Minister of Congregational Life. Because of tight quarters, we built a new addition with classrooms, offices, a Prayer Room, and a Family Life Room.
From January, 2004 until January, 2007, we were helped by Rev. Doornbos, Rev. Bremer, Rev. Morrie Greidanus, Rev. Richard Hertel, Rev. Ed Meyers, with Rev. Ben Hulst continuing on as Associate Pastor. Since January 2007, we have been joined by Rev. James Karsten as Lead Pastor. In March 2009, Rev. Ben Hulst accepted a call to Kalamazoo.
We are enjoying the paths they are leading us on.
