Although the skyline of the city has changed with the competition to build the tallest building in Grand Rapids, one item remains the same – the many steeples of the churches that are the foundation of our ancestors who settled along the banks of the Grand River.
Each of these represents our past and the immigrants that settled in our area to give Grand Rapids the nickname “Furniture City”.
In this series you will follow the Steeple Chase throughout this great city and view the awe inspiring architecture of our forefathers. The distinct architectural styles represent the great churches of Europe from which these immigrants fled to find a new life in the United States.
This is not meant to promote any one religion, but to show how all have blended together within the City of Grand Rapids to make this one great place to live.
Providence Reformed Church
In 1906, the Bethel Reformed Church was established by the Fourth Reformed Church to offer services in English for its parishioners living on the east side of the Grand River. At the time, it was the fourth English speaking congregation of the Reformed church in Grand Rapids.
Initially, the congregation built a modest church building. As the church membership grew, the need for larger facilities was also needed. In 1928, the current building was constructed.
In 2000, Bethel Reformed Church was disbanded. The current Providence Reformed Church now meets at this beautiful north side church building.
(source: http://dutch-reformed.wikia.com/wiki/Bethel_Reformed_Church,_Grand_Rapids,_Michigan )