Baptists of the continent, in the interests of good-fellowship and
mutual inspiration.

The Baptist World Alliance represents the Baptists of the whole world
and especially of the United States, Canada and England. It holds a
meeting every five years which is intended to be mainly inspirational.

THE SECOND CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

In the year 1897, Rev. R. Van der Kieft, an Evangelist, arrived in Pella
from Holland. At that time the Fourth Reformed Congregation was without
a regular Pastor and they engaged Rev. Van der Kieft to preach for them.
Later it was the desire, both of the congregation and of Bey. Van der
Kieft, that he should be ordained as a minister of the Reformed Church,
and he made an application to be examined and ordained. This was not
granted and a number of the present members of the 2nd Christian
Reformed Congregation organized that Congregation under the leadership
of Bey. Van der Kieft, who was ordained as a Minister of that
denomination, and the congregation was received in full fellowship.

For a time services were held in the old City Hall, but a few weeks
later the church building was purchased, where the Congregation still
worships.

The first members of the Consistory were: Elders, James Muntingh, W. J.
Midendorp, W. den Hartog. Deacons, Herman Bogaard, Jan Bloem, H. Ryken.

Rev. R. Van der Kieft served the Congregation as Pastor for ten years.
His work was greatly blessed and he enjoyed the earnest support and
loyal co-operation of the entire membership. When, at the end of this
period, he accepted a call to Michigan, it was a matter of sincere
regret to the Congregation.

A call was then made to Rev. Van der Berg, of Nebraska, which was
accepted. He served the Congregation for four years during which the
Church grew in membership under his devoted leadership. When he accepted
a call from the Reformed Church in Kilduff, Iowa, it again left the 2nd
Church without a Pastor.

At a congregational meeting it was decided to issue a call on Rev. Fles,
which was accepted. He served the congregation with ability and devotion
for a period of four years, during which the greatest harmony prevailed
and the Church was built up and strengthened under his Pastorate.

Owing to the failing health of Mrs. Fles and the advanced age of the
Pastor, he was compelled to ask for his release, which was granted. His
departure was the occasion for deep regret on the part of the entire
Congregation.

The following five years after the departure of Rev. Fles, the
Congregation was ably and acceptably served by the Rev. G. G. Haan. At
the end of five years as Pastor he accepted a call from the Reformed
Congregation of Bethel.

From July, 1921, the Congregation has been under the leadership of the
present Pastor, Rev. Walkotten. While he has served but a short time,
the Congregation is greatly pleased with his work and the greatest
harmony and goodwill prevails in every department of the Church. It is
the earnest hope of the membership that the Congregation will enjoy the
leadership of the Rev. Walkotten for many years to come.

The Church is free from debt and own the modern parsonage on East First
street, and the church building.

The present Consistory is composed of the following members: Elders,
Hendrikus van der Kieft, Wm. Huiser, T. Zylstra, Nickolaas Booi.
Deacons, Merijn Van Gorp, Leendert Wielaard, Jacob Kuyk, Teunis Van
Dyke. Superintendent of Sunday School, L. Braam.