Willard CRC was founded in 1896 by Dutch immigrants. They moved from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the ‘muck’ farmlands to start a new life. Most importantly, they brought with them their Reformed Faith. For these Dutch women and men, worshiping together was vitally important, and early on they gathered together for church in their homes. Settling the wild marshland and eking out a living off meager resources was difficult and demanding. But their commitment to each other, to God, and to shared worship sustained their struggling community and developed it into a thriving village of strong ties and resilient faith.

For the first 10 years of Willard CRC, the Dutch immigrants had no minister for their church. Willard CRC members had such resolute faith and commitment to their convictions that they continued to worship together, grew in their faith, and were strengthened in their love for God and each other. As the community grew, they built a church, a school, and a chapel in the muck to minister to traveling farm workers. The church has continued to nurture faith and spiritual growth even as they have weathered two World Wars, two pandemics, and various social and economic changes.

Today, Willard CRC includes people from various backgrounds and professions who still draw strength from the traditions of their Reformed mothers and fathers. Their vibrancy of faith, commitment to God, and love for others is a testament to the grace of God who has sustained Willard CRC. We hope that as you get to know us, you too will experience the blessings of the rich heritage of our Reformed faith, and experience how our history calls us to faithfully continue our story of God's grace by loving God and loving others.