Coming together in the outdoors at least once per year is important for the Reformed area churches of Dutch descent. Even if for much over 100 years now we do not consider ourselves primarily Dutch, we still appreciate our common roots and the bonds of friendship that have developed over the years.
And so we met again this past July at the old VanWickle House, built by the Delaware-Raritan Canal. Did you know that the house predates the Canal by more than 100 years? It was built in 1722; the Canal followed in 1830.
Today, the house is maintained by the Meadow’s Foundation. That group has turned it into a beautiful home for memorabilia of Dutch origin. The house also serves as the meeting point for a variety of events, most notably the Sinterklaas celebration in early December when the Dutch counterpart to the American Santa Clause arrives there. Frequently, our Dutch Dancing Group has graced his arrival with a performance.
The collegiate summer service was followed by a picnic prepared by three Reformed churches: The Reformed Church of Highland Park, and First and Second Reformed Church of New Brunswick. One of the nicest things that day was the fact that so many of our new and younger members were in attendance. It was a great way of passing on the tradition.
