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

Hope College

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

1. Hope College Marker

Inscription. In 1851, four years after settlers from the Netherlands founded Holland, the Pioneer School was established to meet some of the educational needs of the young colony. This school, the predecessor of Hope College, received direction and financial support from the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America. The school evolved into the Holland Academy, which in 1862 enrolled its first college class. On May 14, 1866, the institution was chartered as Hope College, and on July 17, 1866, the first class of eight students was graduated. The college’s name, seal, and motto are derived from a statement of the founder of Holland, Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, who said of the Pioneer School, “This is my Anchor of Hope for this people in the future.” In the decades that followed, a strong college of arts and sciences was developed which continues to serve the church and the community.

Erected 2019 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0231.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.

Location. 42° 47.25′ N, 86° 6.255′

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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. Located in front of Graves Hall, just to the right of the main entrance to the campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 263 College Ave, 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

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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: Western Theological Seminary (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Van Vleck Hall (about 600 feet away); Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church (about 600 feet away); Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church (about 700 feet away); The Netherlands Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knickerbocker Theater (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dutch in Michigan (approx. 0.2 miles away); Holland City Hall and Firehouse No. 2 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holland.

Hope College Marker and Graves Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

2. Hope College Marker and Graves Hall

The Main Entrance to the Hope College Campus image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

3. The Main Entrance to the Hope College Campus

In front of Graves Hall.

The "Anchor" referenced on the Marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

4. The "Anchor" referenced on the Marker.

The plaque on the base of the Anchor monument says: "We desire that every one of you lay hold of the hope set before us, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." Hebrews C: 11.18.19

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 726 times since then and 23 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.