De Bruin, Cornie A. and Frances (1897-1988). Papers, 1924-1985.

Cornie A. De Bruin was born in Pella, Iowa, on August 21, 1897. He attended school in Pella and later went on to graduate from Central College in 1923 with a B.A. and a certificate in public speaking. He studied Sociology at the University of Wisconsin, and received his B.Th. and Th.M. from Western Theological Seminary in 1926. He was ordained by the Classis of Pella, Iowa, that same year. In 1967, he was awarded a D.D. by Central College.

In 1924, he married Frances Lepeltak (1925-1965). Two years later, they were assigned to the Arcot Mission of India where they quickly learned Tamil language and embraced the missionary life. As a missionary for the Reformed Church of America, De Bruin was involved in many activities: teaching at Voorhees College in Vellore, India, managing high school and college dormitories, and eventually serving as vice principal of the college.

He and his wife returned to the United States in June of 1933 because of a lack of missionary funds. They were assigned to a church in Westfield, North Dakota, where the De Bruins remained until June of 1935. During his time there, De Bruin published a book entitled The Challenge of Matthew’s Gospel, affectionately dedicated to the people of Westfield. When they returned to Tindivanam, India, in 1935, the De Bruins submerged themselves in many missionary activities, i.e. supervising the work of the Bible women, managing the boys’ school and Christian hotel, organizing and leading church services, and serving as pastor for two mission churches. De Bruin was busy also as treasurer of the Arcot Mission for ten years, president of the mission three different times, and chairman of various mission committees.

The De Bruins had one daughter, Joyce, who along with her husband, James W. Dunham, is a missionary to Bahrain. When the De Bruins retired from missionary life in 1966, they returned to Pella. Soon after reestablishing themselves in Iowa, Central College offered Rev. De Bruin a job as Director of Deferred Giving, which he promptly accepted. Mrs. De Bruin passed away on July 1, 1971, after a second heart attack. Later in his life, De Bruin moved from his home in Pella to Fair Haven Rest Home. He died on October 1, 1988.