Blekkink, Evert J. (1858-1948). Papers, 1895-1948.

Evert John Blekkink was born in Oostburg, Wisconsin, on May 26, 1858. He graduated from Hope College in 1883 and from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1886. He married Henrietta (Hattie) Edna Meerdink the same year. Blekkink served three churches in New York from 1886 to 1899, and two churches in Kalamazoo from 1889 to 1912. He taught at Western Theological Seminary as Professor of Systematic Theology from 1912-1928. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Hope College in 1909 and another from Rutgers University in 1920. He was president of the General Synod in 1918.

Many friends and students sent testimonials of appreciation to Blekkink on his ninetieth birthday. He passed away two months later on July 17, 1948, and ten days later, on July 27, 1948, his wife, Hattie, died.