BLYTH 140TH ANNIVERSARY SALUTE 2017, PAGE 9.
Blyth Christian Reformed Church now 55 Church founded by Dutch immigrants in 1962 is still going strong
the congregation boasted 59 families from the original 32, and hosted its first Calvinette (now GEMS) Stamppot supper – which is a continuing tradition today. In 1984 the side entrance door was added, and in 1985 the house on the North side of the church was purchased and torn down to extend the parking lot. This increased in size again in 1989 when the congregation purchased the adjoining lot for parking and added a second storey on the back to accommodate the burgeoning congregation of 92 families. In 2002, the bus parking garage on the north side was purchased as well and torn down for more parking. Currently the Blyth Christian Reformed Church includes a wheelchair accessible elevator (added in 1990) and three renovated bathrooms, and two separate accessible bathrooms, renovated in
2012. As well, a Pastor’s office was added in 2008 and the basement hall was reconfigured to include an accessible side door, and a more functional kitchen and updated fellowship space in 2015. The congregation is currently enjoying its 55th year as Blyth Christian Reformed Church in 2017, with Pastor G. VanLeeuwen serving as minister (2013 – present). And
while its inaugural cadets and calvinette clubs began back in 1967, the Blyth Christian Reformed Church continues to offer its GEMS and cadets programs, as well as Community Vacation Bible School, Coffee Break, Youth Group and various other programs, as well as two Sunday services at 10 am and 7:30 pm from its location on Queen Street.
The building was originally the Blyth Methodist church.
Blyth Christian Reformed Church marks its 55th anniversary in 2017, in the former Methodist church building. World War formed Blyth’s first By Kirsten Passchier Christian Reformed Church For The Citizen congregation in 1962. The original The town of Blyth hosts many church congregation was made up of unique landscapes familiar to its 32 families who rented space from residents as you pass through town. the Continuing Presbyterian Church The tall steeple atop the Blyth (original Methodist Church) for an Christian Reformed Church is one annual rental fee of $950.00. such landmark, which has been a Reverend R. Sikkema was the part of Blyth for as long as anyone minister at this time from 19631966. The building was then can remember. Situated on Main Street, what is purchased by the congregation for now the Blyth Christian Reformed approximately $15,000.00 in 1969. Church, was originally constructed From 1967-1973 Reverend H. Kroez in 1889, built at a cost of $5,350 for pastored the congregation. the Methodist Church formed in Past ministers have included: Rev. T. Blyth in 1860. Hart Massey, later Hoogsteen (1973-1979), Rev. A. grandfather of Vincent Massey, Dieleman (1979-1983), Rev. R. Canada’s first native Governor Gelwicks (1984-1987), Rev. W. General, came to Blyth to lay the Lammers (1989-1992), Rev. A. cornerstone for the new building. VanGeest (1994-2001), and Pastor J. The church boasted two Kuperus (2003-2010). While many changes have taken cornerstones, into the first, laid by Hart Massey, four newspapers, place since its purchase in 1969, the church documents and coin of the Blyth Christian Reformed Church realm were placed. The second was still contains a majority of the laid by Mrs. A Coulter and Mrs. N. original benches. In addition, the Young on behalf of the women of the congregation continued to use the original pump organ until 1971, congregation. The official opening of the when their first electric organ was church took place on November 7, purchased. However, the pipes from 1889. It then became the Queen the original pump organ are still in Street United Church in 1925. place at the front of the sanctuary. In 1971 an addition of four rooms However, after amalgamating with St. Andrews United Church and two bathrooms was added to the (formerly St. Andrews Presbyterian), church, and in 1972 the first kitchen to form Blyth United Church in 1934 was constructed in the building. the church building was sold to the However, as some members recall, Continuing Presbyterian Church the congregation was still required to bring their own coffee mugs. congregation in 1936. Ten years after purchasing the In 1962 immigrants who had arrived to Canada after the Second Blyth Christian Reformed Church
Congratulations Blyth on your 140th Anniversary! from the
The original organ is still in the church.
Blyth Lions Club
430 Queen Street - currently Queens Bakery & Accommodations 1881 - 430 Queen Street was built in 1881 and is situated in the Milne Block. James McMurchie operated a private bank in the North section of the building immediately to the North of 430 Queen Street and then later went into the flax business. McMurchie’s name appears on many land transactions as he was a conveyancer involved in many real estate deals. It is likely that Dr. W.J. Milne owned most or all of the Milne Block at this time including 430 Queen Street location. 1902 - Sam Herrington operated a dry goods store - clothing & fabrics (S. Herrington, Blyth) 1906 - 1938 Ezra Bender (married Emma Wagner in 1908) operated a dry goods store - clothing, fabrics, groceries. Pay cash for farm produce. (E. Bender, Blyth) 1931 building completely gutted due to fire. Damage to neighbouring buildings was minimal due to firewalls on each side, therefore the decision to rebuild the two storey building was made. Jim Cutt may have operated a dry goods store here. But speculation suggests that Mr. Cutt may have operated in a different location located in the block to the south. 1938 - Wilmot F. Webster, an undertaker, had a furniture store & funeral parlour. (Wilmot F. Webster Furniture & Funeral Service) 1939 - 1946 Harold & Myrtle Vodden rented the building from Mary Milne and operated a bake shop later locating in the building next door to the North (Sharon Davis building). The Vodden family lived above the store. (Vodden’s Bakery) 1948 - Kay & William J. Heffron operated a dry goods store, Ladies & Men’s wear. The Heffron family lived above the store. (W. J. Heffron) 1949 - 1950 Building vacant 1950 - 1969 Moses Wineberg (who also had a store in Brussels at the time) operated a yard goods, men’s & ladies and children’s wear, boots & shoes, called The Arcade Store. His sales clerk was Mrs. Etta Laidlaw and she and her husband occupied the apartment above. Mr. Wineberg closed the store and it remained vacant for a few years 1973 - 1980 Larry & Barbara (Holland) Walsh & Mary Holland purchase; complete renovation to store and apartment. Walsh’s opened a fabric shop - B J Fabrics in March 1974. 1980 - ? Floyd & Liz Herman open the Blyth Saga gift store in July and live in the apartment upstairs. ? - ? Lois Van Vliet owns & operates the Blyth Saga 1992 - 2006 Dan & Donna Taylor own & operate The Blyth Apothecary drug store. 2006 - 2012 Tim Saunders owns & operates The Three Squirrels Antique shop 2012 - present March 2012, 430 Queen Street Corporation purchases building. Total renovation to store & accommodations above. Open the Queens Bakery September 7, 2012 and open the accommodations which includes five separate bedrooms, 2 shared washrooms, shared kitchen and shared living room for patrons to rent on a night by night basis.
In 1990 an addition was built on the rear of the church.