Zeeland in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Reformed Church

Photographed By Kathy Garman, June 6, 2021

1. First Reformed Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Early in 1847 a group of Dutch families met in Goes, on the island of Zuid Beveland, and organized themselves into a congregation. With their pastor, the Reverend Cornelius Vander Meulen, the group sailed in three ships to America in search of freedom. They established their new homes in this forested area of Michigan and named it after their native province of Zeeland. The center of the community was the log church. In 1866 a wood frame structure, with fieldstone foundation, patterned on the church in Axel, the Netherlands, was built on this site. Use of the Dutch language was eliminated gradually and in May 1943 was discontinued. The present church, built around the old, remains as the physical evidence of the Dutch immigrant community founded upon a resolute faith in Almighty God.

Erected 1976 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0397A.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

42° 48.622′ N, 86° 0.854′ W. Marker is in Zeeland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. Marker is at the intersection of East Central Avenue and South Church Street, on the right when traveling east on East Central Avenue. Located across the street from the Three Corner / Vande Luyster Square Park & Gazebo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 148 E Central Ave, Zeeland MI 49464, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Michigan's "Chick Center" (within shouting distance of this marker); Zeeland Cemetery (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); P. Henry De Pree / P. Henry De Pree House (approx. ¼ mile away); Veneklasen Brick Company / Veneklasen Brick (approx. 1.1 miles away); New Groningen / Jan Rabbers (approx. 1.4 miles away); New Groningen Cemetery / Groningen (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Van Raalte Farm (approx. 3.1 miles away); Noordeloos / Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Zeeland.

First Reformed Church and Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, June 6, 2021

2. First Reformed Church and Historical Marker

Three Corner / Vande Luyster Square Park & Gazebo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, June 6, 2021

3. Three Corner / Vande Luyster Square Park & Gazebo

Located across the street from the First Reformed Church of Zeeland.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.