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 ‘Maranatha’, later renamed ‘Calvijn’. Further information about this and other church youth associations is welcome.
19th anniversary
Nieuwe Winterswijksche Courant, 10 May 1902 (Delpher):
The Reformed Young Men’s Association ‘Maranatha’ celebrated its 19th anniversary yesterday, Ascension Day, in Church B here in Aalten. Rev. Eelderhof of Doesburg had been invited to give the festive address and chose ‘Maranatha’ as his subject. He spoke about Christ’s Ascension and His promised return. At the end of the world, when the cry of Maranatha is heard, we shall see that victory is ours. To fight that struggle well, we need men with determination, men who know what they want and who, in the strength of God, are willing to act on what they know. The Young Men’s Association is a training ground for such men: not yet fighters, perhaps, but pupils preparing for the struggle. The speaker then addressed an earnest word to the association, encouraging its members in the struggle of life, and concluded with a hymn by Da Costa. It was a pity that attendance was so limited.
50th anniversary
Nieuwe Aaltensche Courant, 3 March 1933 (Delpher):
Calvijn, one of the oldest Young Men’s Associations on Reformed principles in our town, celebrated its golden jubilee this week, albeit a few months early. Its history: the association was essentially the result of the work of Rev. J.H.F. Gangel. On his initiative it was founded under the name ‘Maranatha’. In 1887 it became the Reformed Young Men’s Association ‘Maranatha’, and in 1897 a request for supervision by Reformed Church B was granted.
Around 1907 the association was renamed ‘Calvijn’, and in February 1908 its principles and purpose were formally laid down in its rules. Its purpose was now defined as follows: to teach its members to understand and profess Reformed principles for Church, State and Society.
At about the same time as the Gelderland division of the Federation of Young Men’s Associations on Reformed Principles was established in 1893, the association itself joined the Federation, which benefited it in many respects. It continued along these lines until 1926, when a split led to the creation of the Dr A. Kuyper Young Men’s Association. To this day ‘Calvijn’ holds an honourable place among our Reformed young men’s associations.
Aaltensche Courant, 3 March 1933 (Delpher):
On Wednesday evening a commemorative gathering was held in the Westerkerk to mark the 50th anniversary of the Young Men’s Association ‘Calvijn’. Its honorary chairman, Rev. A. Schouten Sr, opened with prayer and gave a short address. He observed, among other things, that during its half-century of existence the association had produced men who held leading positions in numerous bodies and whose names guaranteed that, even at critical moments, they would stand for the honour of God. He then welcomed Mr H. Bijleveld, who took the pulpit. A choir sang several songs, after which Mr Bijleveld delivered his address, entitled ‘In Remembrance’.
Eighteen eighty-three was almost a time of living in caves and dens, yet it was a time in which God caused light to shine. A programme of principles was drawn up and has hardly been altered since. Most important of all, the spirit of the people changed. Patrimonium already existed before a Social Democratic party had been founded here: proof that Christians too devote themselves to such matters and that God is willing to bless their efforts. Thus remembrance will find expression in the hymn ‘This favour God has shown His people’. Should another turbulent wave come upon you, never give way. Do not be distracted by talk that things may be this way or that, but hold fast to ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’. The speaker finally touched briefly on the political situation of the day and reminded his audience of its great responsibility. Psalm 25, verse 2, was sung, after which he closed with a prayer of thanks.
Aaltensche Courant, 3 March 1933 (Delpher):
Last night (Thursday, ed.) the Reformed Young Men’s Association ‘Calvijn’ celebrated its 50th anniversary in the Patrimonium Building. The secretary, Mr A. Lammers, gave a historical review, while F.H. Somsen, an alderman of Aalten, and A. Stapelkamp, secretary of the Christian National Trade Union Federation in Utrecht, both former members of Calvijn, gave addresses. Recitations, choir singing and tableaux provided variety during the evening. The closing words were spoken by the honorary chairman, the Rev. A. Schouten, retired minister in Aalten.
