History of First Reformed Church 

1940

On October 8 the Classics of West Sioux accepted 21 charter members into the newly organize First Reformed Church under the direction of Rev. John Nieuwsma. Worship began in the YMCA auditorium

​1941

Consistory and congregation began discussing plans to build a church. The slogan "fifty families and $5,000 was used to indicate the temporary goal the  congregation was striving for. 

​1942

The congregation decided to purchase lots on the southwest corner of 19th and Grange at the cost of $750. Building of the actual church was postponed temporarily due to the wartime restrictions during those years. 

​1943

A parsonage was purchased at 324 W. 19th Street at the cost of $4,062.

​1945

Rev. Nieuwsma was called to a church in Bellflower, California

1946

Rev. Albert Van Dyke accepted the call for First Reformed in Sioux Falls. Under him, efforts were revived toward the construction of the church building. 

1947

A building committee was formed, and the congregation purchased a surplus mess hall at the Sioux Falls Army Air Field for $4,700. Members and friends of the congregation dismantled the building, obtaining 24,000 board feet of lumber and a profit of $3,800 toward the church building. 

1948

June 19 excavation and construction began. Total cost of the building and equipment was about $65,000.

1949

The first service was held in the new church on Easter Sunday, April 17, with some 265 people attending. On October 17, the new church was dedicated to the glory of God, at which time there were 148 members.

1956

Thirty-five members from First Reformed Church transferred to help start Community Reformed Church in Eastern Sioux Falls. 

1962

A new wing was completed at a cost of $55,613. We assisted with the Billy Graham Crusade held in Sioux Falls. 

1965

The church has "growing pains" - particularly needing space for parking on Sunday mornings. Visitation programs canvassing each church family was planned. A pictorial church directory was produced. 

1968

There was an interest in education, with a request to appoint a head librarian, an additional facilities installed in the southeast corner of the Fellowship room of the church basement. 

1972

A committee purchased a 1960 Chevy 48-passenger bus to begin a "bus ministry". It was used for many different church functions for all ages

1974

Arrangements were made with North American Seminary to have students there assist with pastoral work in our church. 

1976

After much discussion from the congregation, the consistory was authorized to investigate new locations, lot size, purchase price and a minimum of 3 acres.

1981

Sioux Valley Hospital offered to buy our church property. Five acres were purchased for $100,044 at 57th and Tomar, a rural setting south of Sioux Falls. On May 4th, a special congregational meeting was held, which approved the preliminary plans for the new church. Lyle Kroon became music director on July 4th. 

1982

While our new church at 57th and Tomar was being built at an approved cost of $600,041, our Sunday morning services were held in the Jeschke Fine Arts Center at Sioux Falls College. Our evening service was housed at the Wellness Center at Sioux Valley. A formal dedication of the church took place on Sunday, May 2nd. 

1985

The church grew rapidly. The growth promoted discussion of future expansion for an educational wing, additional space for the sanctuary, fellowship area and choir loft. 

1988

Due to rapid growth, it was necessary to have two identical worship services on Sunday morning, one at 8:30am and the other at 11:00am, with Sunday school in between.

1991

Dedication of our new sanctuary, grand piano, Bibles and hymnals were highlight experiences for everyone.

2005

Email prayer chain began for those who have computers 

2006

Rather than having two blended services, traditional service was designated for the first service followed by a praise and worship at 2nd service.

2012

Evening meals referred to as "The Table" started being served on Wednesday evenings. Ken Eberline, who had been a frequent guest minister, was hired as a part-time associate pastor.

2013

Pastor Ken Eberline was hired full time to be Pastor of Discipleship and Missions. 

2014

New title for Pastor Steve Anthes- Pastor of Education and Spiritual Growth. New title for Pastor Ken Eberline - Pastor of Worship and Administration. The front of our sanctuary was completely remodeled, and for three months, Sunday services were held at "The District". On November 16, full time worship services resumed with the addition of a new weekly service at "The District".  Pastor Ken Eberline took charge of this ministry until January 2017.. 

2015

Pastor Steve Anthes, plus three members of the congregation spent a week in Florida training for the Stephen Ministries. A new concise Mission Statement has been implemented: "Connect with others, Grow  in faith, and be Transformed by the Holy Spirit.  Tanner Mans joined the staff as youth director.