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I GREW UP ATTENDING 1st CRC in Grand Rapids Michigan in the 70's & 80's and still return to visit periodically. It's also known simply as "First Church". It's on Bates Ave , as well as Franklin, not far from Eastern Ave. It is an "inner city church" in regards to the neighborhood but in terms of the parishioners it's mostly educated white families who attend or attended Calvin College and the Christian Reformed Schools of Grand Rapids, as did I and members of my family. I was recently back at 1st CRC this summer ...nice to see some familiar faces again, including Mr & Mrs Blickley, also David Holwerda (former seminary professor), among others. I think I also saw Bruce Vandraager & his wife Kristy ...although they weren't members back in the day, apparently they are now involved at 1st CRC. I think he's a CRC pastor too, but doesn't seem to be leading a church at the moment. I noticed a few familiar names in the bulletin too, including the Ruiters (Gary the father & his wife, and their one son Joel, who was a year older than me) who are apparently still attending. I also noticed the father of our former pastor, Morris Greidanus, listed as a "greeter". This would be Sid Greidanus who I do not remember attending 1st CRC back in the day. Sid also taught at the seminary and was a bit overbearing at times, maybe a bit of a bully personality (sorry, I've got to be honest). The Greidanus family is apparently from Canada, and maybe still have dual citizenship, I don't know. And there's lots more to say but I have to leave it at that for now. Just to be sure, this BLOG is NOT in any way officially affiliated with 1st CRC, nor represents any of their official thoughts, statements, or opinions, etc. This is just my blog pertaining to mostly FOND memories of 1st CRC, and my involvement there growing up and even still to this day in Spirit and in Prayers. And I continue to PRAY for 1st CRC family. God be with US and bless us, both those who are there every Sunday or more, as well as those who still are there in Spirit & in Truth.