There were the “Welcome” flags on display along Main Street. There was the small group discussion that concerned itself with the topic “Smoking.” There were the winding trails through Newton Hills State Park. There was the night of the banquet, and there was the ever-present black and white sign on which was printed “Soli Deo Gloria.” These are only a few of the many scenes, incidents, and activities which will always be among the memories of the twenty-seventh annual Protestant Reformed Young Peoples’ Convention.
In the afternoon of August 15, about seventy-five excited young people from the Grand Rapids area left their homes and headed for South Holland. Upon arriving, we were met by the South Holland young people and at 5:00 calmed down enough to eat supper in the church basement. From here we left by bus for the train depot in Chicago. By 7:00 we and our luggage had managed to board the train and began the slow long ride to Hull. Our chaperone diligently counted and recounted noses to make certain that none were left behind. And for the next thirteen hours there was almost no sleep but only ride, ride, ride between thirty-five stops. When one weary conventioneer was asked at 2:00 in the morning “What are your reactions to the convention thus far?,” he could only reply “When, when do we get there?” One other half-sleeping person remarked “I think tonight is the longest night in the world.” At one time all were rudely awakened by cries of “We’re crossing the Mississippi!” At 5:00 we stopped for a snack in Dodge City and at 8:00 we stumbled and tumbled off the train into Le Mars, about twenty-five miles from Hull. We were finally off the train but it made little difference by this time because for most the world continued to sway and move for the next several hours. From Le Mars we were herded to the Hull church for lodging and registration. At this time we received our first impressions of Hull. Mainly the city seemed composed of cornfields, soybeans, pig smell, Brummels and Hoekstras. The rest of the day was free and most of us settled down to catch up on lost sleep. Some, however, took this opportunity to put on display their talent for horseback riding. Things were going well until one exceptionally fine rider missed a turn, broad-jumped a ditch and then almost caught himself up in Mrs. Van Maanen’s clothes lines. But we survived, sore bottoms and all. That night many of us toured the big town of Hull and some even discovered where the neighboring metropolis of Doon was located. Meanwhile at the church, registration was held for those conventioneers who arrived later. Friday morning most of us managed to drag our weary bones to the 9:00 business meeting. Almost never before has business been taken care of so quickly and efficiently to the relief of many. Several routine decisions were made and new officers were elected. They were, Vice-President: Randy Meyer, Vice-Secretary: Sue Swart, Treasurer: Tim Heemstra, and advisor: Rev. Kortering. At noon lunch was served and at 1:00 about fifty faithful reassembled in the church auditorium for a Bible quiz. We were quizzed on quotations, parables, and were asked questions. One of us even had the audacity to give Ben Franklin credit for one of Solomon’s proverbs. That evening Rev. Vanden Berg addressed us at the Mass Meeting on The Idea of “Soli Deo Gloria.” He pointed out the fact that all things must be to God’s glory, only to God’s glory and nothing may detract from it. Afterwards we were served refreshments, played games, and became acquainted. All were asked to observe a 12:30 curfew for the convention but some of us didn’t always make it. “After all,” one complained, “how can you be home by 12:30 when you have to go halfway across the state to bring someone home.” Strangers noted that it was easy to get lost, since in Iowa things have progressed to the point where street names are outdated and all directions are given in a “two miles north and three miles east from Perkins Corner” fashion.
Six o’clock Saturday morning almost half of the crowd met at church and began the day by touring two farms. After this the greased pig contest was held. The poor pig ran for his life but when big Tim Heemstra came bearing down, he just didn’t have a chance. The girls then had the opportunity to participate in an ungreased chicken contest. After this we were free until dinner and most of us went swimming, one swearing blue jeans and sneakers. After dinner we journeyed to Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota. We spent the afternoon hiking, playing volleyball, football, and softball. After a delicious broasted chicken supper Mr. Dale Kuiper spoke to us on The Basis of “Soli Deo Gloria.” He emphasized the necessity of a strong faith because if our lives are going to be lived to God’s glory, then we must be able to resist the continual temptations of the devil.
Sunday also found us with a busy schedule. Church services were held at 9:30 and at 1:30. That evening at 7:30 a singspiration was held at the Community Hall. This too was centered around God’s glory.
Monday at 8:00 was the pancake breakfast at Rock Valley Park. Because there was no business meeting, we were free to roam until about 11:00 at which time discussion groups were held. Again about fifty faithful attended and voiced their opinions on the assigned topics. Dinner was then served and afterwards a debate was held on “Juvenile Delinquency” and its relationship to parents’ responsibility. At 2:00 the East- West ball game was held with victory going to the East this year. At 5:45 everyone posed prettily for the convention picture. At first it appeared as though everyone might not be able to fit on, but we all sat tight and things went well. The banquet was held at the Holland House near Sioux Center. The theme was “Launched in Service, Anchored in God.” After the meal, Rev. Decker addressed us on The Expression of “Soli Deo Gloria.” He again reminded us of the opposition we meet when we strive to live to God’s glory and challenged us to express “Soli Deo Gloria” in our entire lives, in all that we do. After a brief intermission we watched the film “The Five Major Religions of the World.” The new officers were then introduced and it was announced that the twenty-eighth annual convention would be held at the First Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In conclusion we sang “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” and thus the 1967 convention came to its end.