Our Invitation

To all who need rest;
to all who need comfort;
to all who need friendship;
to all who need hope;
to all who sin and need a Savior,
this church opens wide its doors, and
in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, says
"Welcome!"

Our Purpose

To share the good news that all are welcome to enter into the Kingdom of God!

We do this by:
     making disciples who follow in the way of our savior Jesus Christ and
     loving the Lord our God and to love our neighbors as Christ would.

Who We Are

Second Reformed Church is a Reformed Church in America Congregation. The word "reformed" comes from the Protestant Reformation which swept across Europe in the 1500's under the leadership of persons like Martin Luther and John Calvin. The Reformed Church came to America in 1628 and has had a continuous ministry. We are a mainline evangelical Church.

We believe
- in a God who loves
- in Jesus who saves
- in the Holy Spirit who gives life
- in the Bible as God's Word
- in living the Christian life marked by faith, love, and hope.

A Brief History of Our Church

         During the last quarter of the nineteenth century many immigrants came from Germany to the growing town of Pekin. They were faithful Christian people who identified with the teaching and preaching of the Reformed Church in America. The Reverend Wilburt Denekas wrote, “ these sturdy Germans longed to have the Bible taught and preached in the language which they understood best.” Services began in homes or other small buildings. The congregation was organized in 1867 with 56 charter members. It became part of the Classis of Pleasant Prairie, a group of over 20 German-speaking congregations stretching all the way from central Illinois to northern Iowa. A house of worship was soon built on the corner of North Sixth Street and State Street. During its long history, major renovations and improvements have been made to the building. A basement was added in 1927; an educational wing was completed in 1957; a new parsonage was built in 1973. In 1974, a complete enlargement and renovation took place. A new organ, elevator, and air conditioning were added in the 1990s. In 2006, six more classrooms and new restrooms were added on. The tin ceiling in the sanctuary and the bell in the tower remain as originally installed. Long ago the church realized that its calling is to reach out to the people of the community and to present the claims of Christ to them. Second Reformed Church has touched many lives during its history and continues its mission to welcome graciously all those whom God is calling to himself.