December 18 Today in OPC History

On December 18, 1967 at the evening service, the congregation of Bethel OPC, Oostburg, Wisconsin dedicated its new building addition. Through the generosity and sacrificial efforts of the members, the seating was increased to 600 people.

Bethel OP Pastor Donald Stanton presided over the service. Former Pastor John Verhage preached a sermon on “The Christian’s Love for the Lord’s House” from Psalm 26:8.

The Rev. Henry Fikkert, pastor at Calvary OPC, Cedar Grove, WI offered the prayer of dedication. The Rev. Ivan DeMaster, a son of the congregation and the pastor at Westminster OPC in Westchester, Ill brought greetings from the Presbytery of Wisconsin. Mrs. Oscar (Winifred) Holkeboer of Calvin College, widow of the founding pastor, spoke of the early days in 1936 when the Orthodox Presbyterian Church was founded. The choir under the direction of Richard Soerens, with Mrs. John Daane at the organ, sang an anthem of praise.

Picture: Elders and Decaons at Bethel Church circa 1960s Back Row: Lloyd Theune, Howard Le Mahieu, Cal Le Mahieu, Bill TerMaat, Melvin Theune, Ray Le Mahieu; Front Row: Elmer De Blaey, John Daane, Harold Harmelink, John Graskamp, James Van Ess, Melvin DeMaster