From the mid-19th century well into the 20th century, Aalten had various church youth associations. Well-known examples include the Dutch Reformed boys’ associations ‘Josa’, ‘De Knipperbol’ (The Flickering Light), ‘het Vendel’ (the Banner), and the meisjesverenigingen (girls’ associations) ‘De Kaarsvlam’ (the Candle Flame) and ‘Zonnestraal’ (Sunbeam). In addition, there were the Christian Young Men’s Association ‘Timotheüs’, the Reformed Young Men’s Associations ‘Uw Koninkrijk Kome’ (Thy Kingdom Come), ‘Maranatha / Calvijn’, and the Reformed Girls’ Associations ‘Lydia’ and ‘Voor Jezus’ (For Jesus). Other names encountered include the Knapenvereniging (Boys’ Association) ‘Samuël’ from IJzerlo, the Reformed Young Men’s Association ‘Bidt en werkt, waakt en strijdt’ (Pray and work, watch and strive) from Barlo, and the girls’ associations ‘Waakt en bidt’ (Watch and pray) in Aalten, ‘Door onderzoek tot kennis’ (Through research to knowledge) on the Haart, and ‘Bidt en werkt’ (Pray and work) from IJzerlo.
We would welcome further information about these and other church-based youth groups.
