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The Modern History of Covenant Reformed Church

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The congregation of Covenant Reformed Church held its first worship services in the Douwstra Auditorium on the campus of Pella's Central College on July 6, 1998. At this time, the congregation, which called itself the First Independent Reformed Church, had just separated from the Christian Reformed denomination due to denominational decisions and issues. 

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The congregation soon purchased a building site located near the airport on the west side of Pella and began planning a new space for worship. As building and design plans were considered, the congregation remained focused on the Reformed character of worship and how that could be expressed in a worship space. With the Psalmist, the congregation realized that "unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psalm 127:1, NKJV)

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As building progressed, the congregation took other steps forward. Pastor Carl Heuss was installed during a worship service held at Pella Christian High School on September 6, 1998. The church changed its name to Covenant Reformed Church on December 7, 1998, recognizing the covenantal character of God's relationship with His people.

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A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the church's construction site on August 14, 1999, and by the spring of 2001, the building was being utilized. A wedding and an open house in May were the first ceremonies held in the new space. The first worship service followed soon after on June 3. A building dedication service took place on June 20, 2001.

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After investigating possible affiliation options, the congregation voted on January 21, 2003, to affiliate with the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA). The URCNA federation consists of many congregations with histories similar to Covenant's; it also adheres to the Three Forms of Unity as does Covenant Reformed Church.

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Covenant Reformed Church of Pella, Iowa, was provisionally accepted into the URCNA by Classis Central U.S. on March 3, 2003.  At the URCNA Synod in June of 2004 in Calgary, Alberta, Covenant Reformed Church was officially welcomed into the federation.

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As the church grew, several members gained approval for a church plant in Des Moines and by September 16, 2007, that group became its own entity within the URCNA. About 40 individuals from Covenant Reformed Church permanently joined the new congregation, now known as Providence Reformed Church.  

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The current membership of Covenant Reformed Church stands at over 500 souls. Fourteen elders and ten deacons provide leadership to the congregation.

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Remembering with gratitude God's gracious provision in the past, Covenant Reformed Church looks to the future, trusting in God's continued guidance. The congregation remains committed to "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25, NKJV)

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