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Our History
Bethel Community Church has been a cherished home for believers for over 70 years, spanning multiple generations who have faithfully brought their children and grandchildren to worship.
We are so excited to welcome new faces and guests who join the Bethel community and become part of our ongoing story. Here, God continues to work and provide abundantly.
Bethel Community Church on Gladwin Road
1954
A seed is planted.
In 1954, three immigrant families learned Rev. Ten Zijthoff was leading a Reformed Church in Vancouver. Together, these families visited other Dutch immigrants interested in Reformed worship. They rented the Baptist Church in Matsqui Village and on December 11, 1954, Rev. Ten Zijthoff traveled from Vancouver to conduct the first worship service. He suggested continuing services every Sunday evening thereafter.
1956
Finding a home.
Over time, neighbouring Reformed Churches showed interest in the small group. On October 30, 1956, under the direction of the Classis Cascades of the Reformed Church in America, Bethel Reformed Church was officially organized with 30 families, 46 communicants, and 75 baptized members. In December, Rev. Boekhoven from Edmonton accepted a call to be the new pastor and a church building was purchased in Abbotsford.
1981
A new church building is constructed.
In 1979, the church decided to purchase the property on Gladwin Road. They made new building plans, and plans to sell the old building. Construction of the new church began in 1980. In October of 1981, they met for the last time, in the church that they had called home for 25 years.
2001
Fundraisers pay off the mortgage.
Over the years, several pastors and congregants helped organize fundraiser to raise money to pay off the church's mortgage. In October 2001, Chris Postma, Jerry Feenstra, Bernie Smid, and Pete Gemser were part of a hair and beard cutting. With Jerry Woelinga as barber, the quartet generated almost $5000-which represented the final amount needed to bring the mortgage home.
2012
The Opmeers come to Bethel.
In January 2012, Ron Opmeer, our current pastor, accepted the call to come to Bethel Church. He and his wife Melanie, along with their four boys, moved to Abbotsford from Athabasca, Alberta in August 2012.
2022
Bethel joins a new denomination.
In October of 2022, Bethel Community Church left the RCA to become part of the Reformation Canada Network (RCN). This was done to enhance the ministry of the local congregation by being in a communion of churches which holds their leaders accountable to historic Christian teachings.