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.
Western Theological Seminary. . 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.
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.)
42° 47.195′ N, 86° 6.254′ W. Marker is in Holland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is in Hope. Marker 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.
3. Western Theological Seminary and DeWitt Theological Center
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 174 times since then and 27 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.
