Trinity Christian Reformed Church began in May 1970, when several families from the First and Calvin Christian Reformed Churches of Rock Valley began meeting in the local Christian school gym. As both churches had grown steadily, especially First Church, there was no longer enough space to accommodate all members during worship services. A third Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley was proposed, and after nearly five months of trial services, a new congregation was officially organized on September 30, 1970.
The service was led by Rev. Van Drunen, with a sermon titled “I Will Build My Church.” Forty-two families and five individuals were received as charter members. Robert Mulder, Peter Kooima, and Floyd Terpstra were elected as elders; James Van Engen, Donald Ter Haar, and James Van Maanen as deacons, installed by Rev. Engbers of Calvin Church. The name Trinity Christian Reformed Church was chosen.
The early months saw rapid organization. Catechism and Sunday School began, societies were formed, budgets created, and additional office-bearers elected: Leonard Vanden Bosch as elder and Donald Driesen as deacon. Trinity’s first minister, Candidate James Admiraal, was ordained and installed on September 26, 1971, after three declined calls. Seminarian William Ver Hoef had served during the summer of 1971 in the interim.
A parsonage was built on land donated by John Vanden Bosch, which also served as the future site for the church building. In 1972, with the congregation growing to 63 families, the decision was made to build a church. A building committee was formed, and construction began in Spring 1973 under contractor Charles Stienstra. The cost was approximately $160,000, including a sanctuary with seating for 528, 10 classrooms, a kitchen, and fellowship hall. The first worship service in the new building was held on Christmas Day, 1973, with a dedication service following on January 9, 1974.
Growth continued into the mid-1970s. In 1976, three additional lots were purchased for parking. The evening service time was adjusted, and Pastor Admiraal accepted a call to Massachusetts in February. Candidate Dan De Groot was called, ordained, and installed on October 24, 1976. The Artley house was purchased in September for extra classroom space.
In 1982, Pastor De Groot left for Ontario, and in 1983, Pastor Robert Timmer was installed. Membership growth prompted facility expansion. In 1987, a new fellowship hall and second-floor classrooms were approved and dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1988, at a cost of $237,000. That same year, Rev. Bill Van Dyken joined as assistant pastor.
In 1990, Pastor Timmer accepted a call to Michigan. Rev. Jelmer Groenewold was installed on May 9, 1991, and later that year, a Moller organ was purchased for $45,000. The previous organ, donated by Ben Husiken, was given to Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church in South Dakota.
The 1990s saw additional growth and leadership development:
2010: Pastor Al Kuiper retired; Pastor Bobby Van Otterloo, a Rock Valley native, was installed. Membership reached a peak of over 850 people in 205 families.
2011: Pastor Van Dyken retired. A mentorship approach to public profession of faith began.
2012: Pastor Stanley Groothof arrived from British Columbia. Kevin Nibbelink began as Financial Recorder.
2013: Pastor Dan De Groot retired. Trinity became a sister church to Abide in the Vine Disciples Church in Harbel, Liberia. Baptized children were welcomed to the Lord’s Supper.
2014: Pastor Mark Beernink accepted a call to Minnesota. Longtime secretary Jo Dirksen retired. The position was renamed Ministry Coordinator and filled by Kim DeJong. A Director of Youth and Family Discipleship position was created, filled by Shelli Kollis.
2015: Membership stood at approximately 830 people in 300 families.
2016: Pastor Van Otterloo accepted a call to Sioux Center. The nursery was renovated.
2017: Pastor Dale Ellens retired. Pastor Henry Lengkeek arrived from California as the church’s first Senior Pastor.
