NWC, OC, & the RCA: Trinity Reformed Church

1919: Trinity Reformed Church

The use of the Dutch language at First Reformed Church became a contentious issue again in 1919. During World War I, the Governor of Iowa mandated that churches conduct their services in English. First Reformed Church obtained permission from the County Board of Defense to hold a service in English followed by the same service in Dutch. However, after the war ended, the congregation overwhelmingly decided to resume fully Dutch services, which disappointed some members.

On July 11, 1919, a request was made for letters of dismissal for 25 members in full communion to organize a new church, which became known as Trinity Reformed Church. Trinity began as a bilingual church, using English primarily for the benefit of the youth. In 1927, the members voted to end the use of the Dutch language entirely.

Trinity's first church, named the Tabernacle, was a temporary structure built by volunteers in only four days. In 1921, a permanent church building was erected on the corner of Albany and 3rd Street. A new church in a new location east of town was dedicated in 2013. The old building was torn down.