CONNECTIONS recently chatted with Harry & Joan van Tol and Ted Vanderhorst, father of Joan, about their ties to Ladner CRC. Ted is the oldest member of our church, looking forward to celebrating his 95th birthday on August 28! Joan and Harry were married in our church more than 50 years ago, on June 27, 1969 by Rev. Aren P. Geisterfer in the Ladner CRC. Fifteen relatives of Joan’s (related to Ted) travelled from the Netherlands to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary last summer!

When did you become involved in Ladner CRC? 

Harry: When our family moved from Abbotsford to Ladner in 1956. 

Joan: I guess from birth, when the CRC started in Ladner. 

Ted: I immigrated from the Netherlands in 1948. Before Ladner CRC began (1949/50), we could catch a ride for $1.00 to worship at Vancouver First CRC. 

What’s your first memory of Ladner CRC? 

Harry: I recall going to church by crossing a small bridge off Ladner Trunk Road—our church was located at the current site of Delta Christian School. I also remember getting a treat bag from our Sunday School each Christmas – a Mandarin orange, candy, and a small book. 

Joan: I remember having Sunday School in a small Council room with Ben Bolt and Bill DeVos as my teachers.

Ted: Our church began meeting in what is now the Delta Optimist building with about 15 people. We all liked Rev. De Koekkoek very much. 

How were you involved in LCRC? How are you involved now? 

Harry: I participated in Sunday School, Young People’s Society, the Boys and Girls Club, choir and eventually Council. Now I am part of the Men’s Breakfast, Worship Committee, Maintenance Committee, Council (as an elder), and a Praise Team.

Joan: I was part of Sunday School, Young People’s Society, the Boys and Girls Club, choir and eventually Council. Also, I was head counsellor for GEMS (formerly called Calvinettes) for many years. I continue to serve in the nursery, and am part of Single Parents, Basic Skills Camp, and the Seniors Ministry. 

Ted: I was a deacon and a member of the choir. 

What sort of work did you do, and what sort of work do you do now? 

Harry: I worked on a chicken farm, then a soil-based farm, and have been in construction for nearly 60 years. Still learning new technology!

Joan: I worked at the Delta Optimist office for 1967-1972. I volunteered and then became a paid member of the office staff at Delta Christian School until my retirement in 2012 – that was thirty-one years!

Ted: In the Netherlands, I worked in a bicycle shop. In BC, I worked on farms and at a rice mill. Then I found work at what was McGavins Toastmaster (now Westons) for thirty years. I had to take early retirement due to a disability. And I love to garden! 

How do you bring your faith to work with you?

Harry: I always try to lead by example with regard to jobsite language and integrity. I have been able to have some good discussions with employees regarding commitment to our Lord’s commands for all of life. 

Joan: I made it a point to be cheerful, helpful, and to welcome all visitors to the school with a smile!

Ted: Just doing an honest day’s work.

What is something people may be surprised to learn about you? 

Harry: I was a volunteer firefighter for many years at Ladner Firehall #1. 

Joan: I was one of the first babies to be baptized by Rev. De Koekkoek at Ladner CRC. I played and taught accordion as a teenager!

Ted: I followed my sweetheart Effie to Canada after she and her family immigrated in 1948. We were married by Rev. Jacob Paauw at Vancouver First CRC. My birth certificate says my birthday is August 29, but it is actually August 28. My father made an error when he registered my birth! 

What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? 

Harry: I find it challenging to resist negative influences of the world around me in my walk of faith, but rather to live out God’s love for me!

Joan: I struggle with the political correctness expected in this day and age. It is more difficult to express our Christian beliefs with so many different faiths in Canada today. 

Ted: It is difficult to keep up with all the changes. 

What is one of your favourite Bible passages? 

Harry: Our wedding text: 

May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

-Psalm 90:17

Joan: The GEMS theme has always been a favourite, which is Micah 6:8: 

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

And Ephesians 2:10: 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ted: Psalm 23 brings comfort to me: 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.