Hope in Holland in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Western Theological Seminary

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

1. Western Theological Seminary Marker

Inscription. Theological training began here in 1866 when seven of the first eight graduates of Hope College petitioned the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America for such training. The request was granted and classes were begun, using the facilities and staff of Hope College. In 1867 the Rev. Cornelius E. Crispell, D.D., was elected by the General Synod as the first professor. In 1869 the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, founder of the Holland Colony, and the Rev. Philip Phelps, Jr., were also made professors. Financial difficulties, caused primarily by a national depression, forced the suspension of classes in 1877. The seminary was reorganized in 1885, and classes were resumed. It was then officially designated as Western Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in America. Its purpose has been, and continues to be, the preparation of men and women to become ministers, missionaries and scholars in the service of Jesus Christ.

Erected 1966 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0276B.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures

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• Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 42° 47.195′ N, 86° 6.254′ W. Marker is in Holland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is in Hope. It is on College Avenue 0.1 miles south of East 10th Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Holland MI 49423, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan,

specifically in Greater Grand Rapids,

and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hope College (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Van Vleck Hall (about 700 feet away); The Netherlands Museum (about 700 feet away); Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church (approx. 0.2 miles away);

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

2. Western Theological Seminary Marker

Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dutch in Michigan (approx. ¼ mile away); Holland Post Office (approx. ¼ mile away); Knickerbocker Theater (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holland.

Western Theological Seminary and DeWitt Theological Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

3. Western Theological Seminary and DeWitt Theological Center

Western Theological Seminary image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Garman, June 4, 2021

4. Western Theological Seminary

The address for the Western Theological Seminary is 101 East 13th Street, Holland, MI 49423.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.