From the mid-nineteenth century until well into the twentieth century, Aalten had a number of church youth associations. Below are extracts from several newspaper articles about the Reformed Young Men’s Association ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ (U.K.K.). Further information about this and other church youth associations is welcome.
40th anniversary
Nieuws van den Dag, 11 February 1908 (Delpher):
The Reformed Young Men’s Association ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ in Aalten will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 11 February. The festive address will be given by Mr J. Gommer, minister of the Reformed congregation there.
Golden jubilee
De Graafschapper, 29 January 1918 (Delpher):
As already reported in the local news, two Reformed Young Men’s Associations in this area, the one in Varsseveld and ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ in Aalten, hope soon to commemorate their 50th anniversaries. Not a silver jubilee, then, like that of Patrimonium in Aalten, but a golden one. It is a pity that circumstances do not allow this remarkable event to be celebrated as one might expect in normal times. Festivities are out of the question at present. A worthy commemoration, however, should not be omitted. To fail to commemorate the occasion would be tantamount to ignoring the blessings God has bestowed through the young men’s associations in both Varsseveld and Aalten.
58th anniversary
Nieuwe Winterswijksche Courant, 19 March 1926 (Delpher):
At the annual meeting of the Young Men’s Association ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’, the association’s 58th anniversary was commemorated under the chairmanship of Mr J.D. van Lochem. The secretary, Mr Krajenbrink, reported on the year’s activities. His report showed that 46 meetings had been held and numerous subjects discussed. The association had 37 members and 80 supporters. The treasurer, Mr C.H.J. Heij, reported income of ƒ 307 and a favourable balance of ƒ 43.
The librarian, Mr L.C. Winkelhorst, reported that 340 books had been read and that the association owned 412 books, divided among five sections. The rest of the evening featured an introductory talk, dialogue, music, recitations and tableaux, while rolls, biscuits, coffee and cigars also helped to make the evening a success. Mr G. Breekveldt gave the closing address and ended with a prayer of thanks.
60th anniversary
Nieuwe Aaltensche Courant, 24 January 1928 (Delpher):
From this place we offer our warm congratulations to the Young Men’s Association ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’, whose foundation recalls the name of the Rev. D. Breukelaar. May it continue for many years along the path intended by its founder.
De Graafschapper, 3 February 1928 (Delpher):
By half past six on Thursday evening the Oosterkerk was already completely full. The decorations on the platform referred to the great event of the day. Rev. Gommer was the first speaker. After Psalm 138, verse 1, had been sung, he led the congregation in prayer and read Psalm 138. A short opening address followed, in which he began by pointing to the great privilege that U.K.K. was able to commemorate that evening. He congratulated the association and referred to the interest shown in youth organisations in the present day.
Sixty years earlier, Christian youth associations were scarcely taken seriously, and those who received their training there were mocked. Today people think differently: everyone recognises the value of Christian young men’s associations, and many movements have begun working with young people in the same way. A young men’s association on Reformed principles, the speaker said, brings rich blessings for the whole of life, provided that the bond with God and His Word remains strong.
The speaker welcomed Dr K. Dijk of The Hague, who had been invited to deliver the festive address and had willingly travelled from the capital to do so. First a choir, conducted by Mr K. Broos, sang several songs. It performed them excellently, particularly considering the few hours that could be spared from limited free time for rehearsals. ‘Rest, my soul, your God is King’ sounded especially fine in the spacious Oosterkerk, and the solo deserved particular praise. The highlight of the evening then followed: Dr Dijk’s address, ‘Learning the Bow’.
After Psalm 72, verse 11, had been sung, the speaker led a prayer of thanksgiving. It was an unforgettable evening for the association celebrating its jubilee, and the great event of the day was commemorated in a dignified and moving manner.
80th anniversary
De Graafschapper, 7 February 1948 (Delpher):
Anyone who was in Irene Hall in Aalten last night and witnessed the interest shown in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Young Men’s Association on Reformed Principles ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ could scarcely imagine that, eighty years earlier, Rev. Breukelaar, then a Reformed minister in Aalten, had struggled to found and maintain an association with just eight members. A photograph of Rev. Breukelaar hung above the platform, framed in the national colours.
It was as though the intention that evening was to bring past and future face to face through that photograph. Indeed it was, as the chairman, Mr H. Luimes, said in his opening remarks and as Prof. Dr Dijk and Rev. Zwart later emphasised. This Young Men’s Association is the oldest in terms of years. Strong emphasis was placed on the need, even in these times — especially in these times — to prepare oneself for one’s task in life. ‘Our thoughts also go out to the servicemen in the Netherlands and in the Dutch East Indies.’
‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ ninety years
Dagblad Tubantia, 25 March 1958 (Delpher):
To mark the 90th anniversary of the Young Men’s Association on Reformed Principles ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ in Aalten, a commemorative gathering was held on Monday evening in the Reformed Oosterkerk. The meeting opened with congregational singing, after which the chairman, Mr G. te Brake, gave a brief review of the association’s fortunes over the years. H. Algra of Leeuwarden, a former federation chairman and member of the Senate, then spoke on ‘Gratitude and Calling’. Former U.K.K. member Rev. G. Hengeveld of Woubrugge also spoke, on the subject ‘We Live Only Once’. The programme was interspersed with congregational singing, choral singing by the evangelisation choir conducted by J. Debbink, organ playing by Jan Luijmes and recitation by J. Kraaijenbrink. Rev. L. Blijdorp, Reformed minister in Aalten, gave the closing address.