By Genevieve Richards

          Monarch Reformed Church reached a milestone few churches are able to achieve.  On August 15, 2009 it celebrated its 100 year anniversary with a day of socializing followed by a banquet and a special Sunday Service.

            This little country church was started by ten Dutch family settlers who made their homes in the area. The church received membership papers on August 12, 1909 and officially held its first Service on Sunday August 15, 1909 at the Rose Butte School.  The Church building itself, completed in March of 1911, with several upgrades, still resides in the same location 100 years later.

            Saturday’s celebration, attended by 250 people, was held at the Nobleford Community Complex and was the culmination of a year of celebrations and several years of planning.  Guests ranging in age from four to ninety seven attended and traveled from all areas of North America.  In attendance were RCA dignitaries for Canada and the United States with Reformed Church of America Vice President Don Poest bringing wishes to those who have attended Monarch Reformed Church, “May you be as blessed going forward as you have been in the past.”

           Sunday service attended by 220 people, celebrated Communion using the churches original Communion plates and wine glasses.  After Service, was the unveiling of the Centennial Monument in front of the church followed by a brief commemorative service held at the Nobleford – Monarch Cemetery to dedicate the new cemetery sign and park benches which mark this milestone.