First Protestant Reformed Church is Reformed congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This was the first and founding congregation of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America.
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History
It was organised in 1879 as East Street Christian Reformed Church. The congregation followed Herman Hoeksema to pull out of the CRCNA and form the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. The congregation adopted the name First Protestant Reformed Church, Grand Rapids in January 1926. A minority remained as East Avenue Christian Reformed Church.
Under Rev. Hoeksemas leadership the congregation thrilled in the 1940s. In 1944 Rev. Hubert DeWolf become the second pastor of First Protestan Reformed. Rev J. Hanko joined the staff in 1948. In early 1950s DeWolf begun to preach covenant theology, to grow the church with immigrants came from the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (Liberated). Rev. Hoeksema opposed this, and believed that the offer of salvation is for only the elected. A further schism occurred in 1953, the congregation divided again, one group led by Hoeksema and Hanko, the other led by Rev. Hubert De Wolf. This resulted 2 denominations both called Protestant Reformed Church, the group led by De Wolf reunited with the CRCNA in 1961.
Theology
The church adheres to the Apostles Creed, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort and Belgic Confession.
Location
The church building is located in southeastern Grand Rapids at the corner of Fuller Avenue and Franklin Street. In 1985 the church relocated to Michigan Street in Grand Rapids.