Ben Wigger is an elder in the Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan.

(Editor’s Note: For some inexplicable reason the Postal Service took several days to deliver the March 15 news column the few miles from Hudsonville to Grandville, with the result that there was no news column in the March 15 issue. With the News Editor’s permission, I here present a condensation of his March 15 and April 1 columns. HCH)

Ministers, Trios, Calls

Trio: First P.R.C., Holland, Michigan: Revs. J. Kortering, R. Van Overloop, B. Woudenberg.

Call declined: Hope P.R.C., Isabel, S.D., by Rev. D.J. Engelsma.

Rev. Steven Houck, missionary in Modesto, California, has undergone further testing for nausea which could be due either to an ulcer or to gall bladder problems. He thanks the congregation in Redlands, CA, as well as all of us, for our prayers of support.

Building Projects and Improvements

—Hope P.R.C., Redlands, CA, recently decided to build a new garage at the parsonage. To help finance this improvement a box was placed at the rear of the auditorium for a few weeks to receive cash and pledge donations.

—Southeast P.R.C., Grand Rapids, MI, is in the midst of an extensive building improvement program. Their monthly paper, News From De Pews, tells of an unplanned addition to the program; a burst water pipe flooded their basement recently, with the result that the basement carpet will have to be replaced—with help from their insurance company.

—Lynden P.R.C., Lynden, WA, recently rescinded their decision not to build on their current property, and has instructed their New-Church-Building Committee to investigate thoroughly the possibilities of building on their present property.

—In Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, the congregation was to be given an opportunity to inspect the building of the Nazarene Church which is for sale.

—Hudsonville (Mich.) Protestant Reformed Church has a new sanctuary organ—a digital computer organ, product of the Advanced Custom division of the Allen Organ Company. It features 46 equivalent ranks, numerous front and rear speakers, and chimes. The February 17 Dedication Program featured selections by the Choral Society and an organ recital by Mrs. Fran Lubbers, member and organist of Southeast P.R.C. A couple weeks later Mr. Carlo Curley, world-renowned organist, presented a concert of classical organ music which also served to demonstrate the potential of the new instrument.

—If you have driven past Southwest P.R.C., Grandville, MI recently, you will have noticed that their new sanctuary is rapidly taking shape.

Young People’s Convention Fund Raisers

Several bulletins carried announcements of various activities designed to raise funds for next summer’s convention.

—At Trinity P.R.C., Houston, Texas, the young people sponsored a chili and hot-dog supper.

—At Hull, Iowa P.R.C. the young people sponsored their annual soup supper.

—At South Holland, Illinois P.R.C. the YPS sponsored a gym night.

—The Federation Board also sponsored a gym night/volleyball tournament.

—Hank and Lois Brands recently gave a slide program on Europe at Hope School, Walker, Michigan; and the proceeds were for the Young People’s Convention.

Outreach

—Rev. T. Miersma (Edmonton P.R.C.) and Rev. D. Kuiper (Lacombe P.R.C.) recently visited Monarch, Alberta in response to a request for help from some saints there. Edmonton and Lacombe plan to keep in touch with these devout people; but they do not see this area as a field of labor for the present.

—South Holland, Illinois, P.R.C., because of interest in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area, has begun conducting a regular Bible study there. If anyone knows of persons in the Ft. Wayne area who might be interested in a Reformed Bible study, invite them to attend and put them in touch with South Holland Church.