Skip to main content

Michigan, Zeeland. Vriesland Reformed Church. Records, 1848-1984.

 Collection
Identifier: W88-0622

Scope and Contents

The records consist of consistory and congregational minutes, member records, history and the sermon by Rev. R. Schaap celebrating their 100th anniversary. Most of the records are in Dutch and translations are included. Also, the January 8, 1979 to December 13, 1982 records include minutes of elders meetings, as well as consistory and congregational meetings.

The history, done by Rev. De Jonge, includes information about the community, names of new arrivals, the struggles of the first settlers, as well as the history of the church.

Dates

  • Creation: 1848 - 1984

History

Vriesland Reformed Church was organized in 1846 in the Netherlands, although the congregation soon left for the United States. Their first worship service was held aboard the Vesta in New York harbor the first Sunday of June 1847. August 1847 marked the beginning of worship in Vriesland, Michigan. Services were held outdoors as weather permitted; they also worshiped in the Kaslander family home. In the fall of 1848, the first church building was built, where the congregation worshiped until 1852 when it was abandoned for the schoolhouse. The current church building was built in 1857.

Rev. Martin A. Ypma accepted the call to become their first pastor before the group left the Netherlands, and remained with them until 1852. Six pastors were recorded by the end of the historical record which ends with 1911.

Extent

1.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Dutch; Flemish

Abstract

Founded in Vriesland, the Netherlands, in 1846; relocated in what is now Zeeland, Michigan (1847). The records consist of consistory and congregational minutes, member records, history and the sermon by Rev. R. Schaap celebrating their 100th anniversary. Most of the records are in Dutch and translations are included. Also, the January 8, 1979 to December 13, 1982 records include minutes of elders meetings, as well as consistory and congregational meetings. The history, done by Rev. De Jonge, includes information about the community, names of new arrivals, the struggles of the first settlers, as well as the history of the church.

Provenance

Vriesland Reformed Church

Status
Completed
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hope College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Van Wylen Library
53 Graves Place
Holland Michigan 49423 United States
616-395-7798