Our History
Faith Reformed Church began as an offshoot of the First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove. Growth at First Reformed Church during the late 1950s and early 1960s lead to overcrowding at Sunday morning worship services. A second Sunday morning worship service was introduced. Finally in 1964, a small group from First Reformed decided to start a new church. The first worship service was held on July 12, 1964 in the gymnasium of the Cedar Grove Elementary School (currently the site of the public library).
On January 12, 1965 Faith Reformed Church was officially organized under the Classis of Wisconsin within the Reformed Church in America (RCA). This meeting was attended by 90 eligible voters representing approximately 40 families. The name Faith Reformed Church was officially selected and the first twelve member consistory was elected. Our first pastor, Reverend John Van Mantgem, was installed on July 17, 1965. He served Faith Reformed Church until October 1970. During this time the planning, construction and dedication of our present church building were completed.
The second pastor of Faith Reformed Church was Reverend Phillip Frens. He was installed on June 16, 1971 and served Faith Church for just over three years. He was followed by the Reverend Leon Dykstra who was installed on January 28, 1975 and continued serving Faith Church until his retirement in 1989.
From 1989 through August 2001 we were led by the Reverend Van Rathbun. During this time the number of young families in attendance grew significantly. Additional offices, meeting rooms and an expanded foyer were completed during this time. In 1998, we hired Tom Davila as our first youth director. Many of the ministries that he developed for our youth are still going strong today. He served Faith Reformed Church through January of 2010.
The Reverend Earl Slotman served as Senior Pastor from October 2002 through May 2012. He led us through an 8-year process resulting in a new addition completed in 2009, including a fellowship hall/great room, classrooms, kitchen, nursery, office, bathrooms and an elevator. Eric Lashbrook served as youth director from May 2011 until June 2017. Our church profited greatly from his fresh outlook on the ministry.
Reverend Ron Sanford, was installed on July 14, 2013. He came to use with experience both as a pastor and leader of a Mission agency, and brought those gifts to the FRC family. He was a strong, humble servant with strengths in mentoring and discipleship. Pastor Sanford retired in September 2019. Jon Damkot started as Youth Director in November of 2017. He has been a youth leader at Faith Reformed Church for many years.
In 2019, Faith Reformed Church transferred its denominational membership from the Reformed Church in America (RCA) to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
In 2020, a new senior pastor was called – Pastor Zach Tarter.