Elton J. Bruins, long-time professor in the Department of Religion at Hope College, spent years collecting documents by and about Albertus C. Van Raalte, founder of Holland, Michigan and early patron of Hope College. Documents were gathered from dozens of public and private collections, making a nearly exhaustive collection of Van Raalte's writings and reflections. It is these documents that make up the "Van Raalte Papers."
Digitizing the Van Raalte papers was supported by the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York. The project was done in partnership with Heritage Hall at Calvin University, which also digitized its Van Raalte collections.
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Meeting Minutes of the Consistory of the First Reformed Church
A. C. Van Raalte, G. Wakker, William Buursma, and Althea Buursma
At the meeting of the consistory of the First Reformed Church at which Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte presided, memberships were received and also transferred. The Board of Education of the denomination informed congregations that it is in deficit in the amount of about $5,000. A collection would be taken on 17 August for this cause.
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Meeting Minutes of the Consistory of the First Reformed Church
A. C. Van Raalte, G. Wakker, William Buursma, and Althea Buursma
At a meeting of the consistory of the First Reformed Church at which Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte presided, it was reported the Kommer Schaddelee resigned his membership. A church in Patterson, New Jersey, requested a contribution to help in the building of a new church.
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Meeting Minutes of the Consistory of the First Reformed Church
A. C. Van Raalte, G. Wakker, William Buursma, and Althea Buursma
At a brief meeting of the consistory of the First Reformed Church at which Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte presided, Maria Bakker Sloter and Elisabet van Harweijer van Rij were accepted into membership.
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Meeting Minutes of the Consistory of the First Reformed Church
A. C. Van Raalte, G. Wakker, William Buursma, and Althea Buursma
At a meeting of the consistory of the First Reformed Church at which Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte presided, four young people were present to make confession of faith. Two of them were admitted but decision on the other two was postponed. The membership of Bernardus Gro[o]tenhuis and his wife were also received from Grand Rapids A financial report of the poor fund was made. $694.42 was received and $633.28 was disbursed. The church accounts had a balance of $28.80.
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Meeting Minutes of the Consistory of the First Reformed Church
A. C. Van Raalte, G. Wakker, William Buursma, and Althea Buursma
At a meeting of the consistory of the First Reformed Church at which Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte presided, new members were received. Hubrecht Marselije [Marsilje] and his wife transferred in from Kalamazoo as did the G. van den Beld family. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Everese transferred in from Vriesenveen, the Netherlands. Collections for Higher Education will cease and the deacons will canvass the congregation for necessary funds instead. Elders reported on their family visitation calls. Annual rental of the pews will take place on December 31. No place would rent for less than fifty cents. The congregational meeting will take place on January 1, 1863. It was not held on Thanksgiving Day because it "was a special day of prayer as well, because of the tragic circumstances of the war [Civil War]."
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Meeting Minutes of the Consistory of the First Reformed Church
A. C. Van Raalte, G. Wakker, William Buursma, and Althea Buursma
The consistory of the First Reformed Church held a brief meeting at which Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte presided.
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Dr. and Mrs. Albertus C. Van Raalte Received a Letter from Their Son, Ben
Ben Van Raalte, Clarence Jalving, and Nella Kennedy
Dr. and Mrs. Albertus C. Van Raalte received a letter from their son, Ben. He reported how brother, Dirk, and he were faring in the army. He was helpful in building a better housing situation for his tent buddies and himself.
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In a Letter to His Father, Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, Son Ben Gives Another Update About His Camp Experiences
Ben Van Raalte, Clarence Jalving, and Nella Kennedy
In a letter to his father, Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, son Ben gives another update about his camp experiences. He is very upbeat about army life. He is well and not homesick as someone reported to his parents. He has plenty of clothing. His colonel and commanding officer is very well liked. Ben seems to think that the soldiers are getting very good training and being well treated. He still has not been paid. "Unkel Sam" owes him forty dollars. He advised his father to have some stirrups made so that his boots would not get dirty when he is out riding.
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Letter from Ben Van Raalte to A. C. Van Raalte
Ben Van Raalte, Clarence Jalving, and Nella Kennedy
Benjamin Van Raalte kept in close touch with his family. In this letter to his father, Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, he gives details about camp life but he also inquires about his father's business affairs. He offers his advice. Ben seems to have good business sense. His description about Kentucky, camp life, and Confederates make for interesting reading.
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Benjamin Van Raalte Wrote to His father, Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, That His Company Marched Seven Days Before They Arrived at This Place.
Benjamin Van Raalte, Clarence Jalving, and Nella Kennedy
Benjamin Van Raalte wrote to his father, Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, that his company marched seven days before they arrived at this place. The company is located near the Green River on which the other side, Conferate troups are massed. Under the direction of Colonel Morgan, these troups are expected to attack the Union troups. Due to heavy rain, some things in his knapsack got wet such as the pictures of his family. With all the rain came the mud. He had to pitch his tent in the mud but manages to stay dry. He had a better sleep than if he were sleeping on the "old lumpy bed in his room." Ben never complains about the conditions under which he is now living.
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In a Letter to His Mother, Mrs. Christina de Moen Van Raalte, Son Benjamin Wrote of His Experiences in This New Location
Benjamin Van Raalte, Clarence Jalving, and Nella Kennedy
In a letter to his mother, Mrs. Christina de Moen Van Raalte, son Benjamin wrote of his experiences in this new location. He appreciated receiving two letters from home. He is well and reports also that brother Dirk is well and working in the hospital. Ben seems to enjoy army life very much. On Sunday, he is able to go to the local Presbyterian church.
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Letter from Ben Van Raalte to A. C. Van Raalte
Ben Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte received this letter from his son, Ben, who has joined the army. His company will soon be leaving. There was a dress parade the previous Saturday when the colonel received a beautiful sword. Ben is very upbeat about his army experience thus far.
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Letter from Mrs. Christina Johanna Van Raalte to Her Sons Ben and Dirk
Christina Johanna Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
A rare letter written by Mrs. Christina Johanna Van Raalte to her sons Ben and Dirk in Kalamazoo who have enlisted in the army and are currently stationed in Kalamazoo. She asks Dirk if he needed shirts. She makes a reference to a band of Indians in the vicinity who are feared to have "evil in mind." She hopes that son Albertus will make inquiry about them. Jan Oggel plans to be in Kalamazoo soon and they may likely see him. She hopes that they got the "goodies" she sent along with a Willem [Visscher?] for them. In conclusion she admonishes them to "seek God, seek deliverance for that never ending eternity, pray much." She signs as "loving mother."
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Christina Van Raalte Wrote Her Parents, Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte
Christina Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
Christina Van Raalte wrote her parents, Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte, that she has been on the job now for five weeks. She needed some money again although she realized that her father's wallet was probably empty. She wondered if her mother could send her a scarf Most of the letter is about the costs of items and fashions.
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Christina Van Raalte Wrote Her Parents, Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte
Christina Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
Christina Van Raalte wrote her parents, Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte, that she was sorry that her father had been so ill but is better again. The shop is very busy but she dislikes the airless room in which she has to work. Mrs. Pijster, the shop keeper, is very pleased with her work. She has not heard from her brothers for twelve days. She is eager to see her parents again.
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Christina Wrote a Song to Her Mother
Christina Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
Christina Van Raalte wrote her mother that she did not have another toothache. She has had extensive dental work done. She also reported that she is not yet allowed to cut fabric. That will happen after she has been on the job for four months. She is praised by the shop owner for her fine sewing skills. She receives a letter from her brother, Dirk, every Thursday. He is serving in the Union Army.
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Letter from Christina Van Raalte to Her Parents Albertus and Christina Van Raalte
Christina Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
Christina Van Raalte wrote her parents, Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte, that she had letters from her father, brother Dirk, and her mother. She also reported on money matters such as paying for her room and board bill. As for money, she speaks in terms of dollars and shillings. She enjoys her work very much and gives many details about dressmaking and current fashion.
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Letter from C. J. Van Raalte to Dirk Van Raalte
C. J. Van Raalte and Nella Kennedy
A rare letter written by Mrs. Christina Johanna Van Raalte to her son Dirk who presumably is with his brother Ben in camp at Kalamazoo. She advises Dirk to sew his name in his handkerchiefs and in anything else he may buy. If he doesn't come home, he is to send the key of his desk to her. Daughters Christina and Maria hope to visit him during the summer but it is not clear when Dirk enlisted. Dirk has been assigned hospital duty. She admonishes him to "flee freely with all your sins to the atoning blood...." She closes her letter by writing, "Having embraced you in my thoughts I am your loving mother, C. J. Van Raalte."
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Meeting of the Board of Regents of the Holland Academy
Adrian Zwemer
Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte was present at this meeting of the Board of Regents of the Holland Academy on this date. Since the Board was in debt, it simply not accept any students who depended on the Board for financing their education. All students will need to fund the purchase of their books now.
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The Meeting of the Board of Regents of the Holland Academy
Adrian Zwemer
In the meeting of the Board of Regents of the Holland Academy, important decisions were made. In attendance were: Rev. Philip Phelps Jr., Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, Rev. Cornelius Vander Meulen, Rev. G. J. Nykerk, Rev. Herman Stobbelaar, Rev. Roelof Pieters, Rev. Christian Vander Veen, Rev. Adrian Zwemer, and elders, Gerrit Wakker, H. Broek, and H. Yntema. Rev. J. M. Ferris and Elder B. Ledeboer, M.D., from the Classis of Michigan were also present. Pieters was elected president for the coming year. Matters regarding students and finances were taken care of. Principal Phelps proposed a more permanent basis for the Academy. It was resolved that a normal school class be started for the purpose of educating teachers. Then as a follow-up of Phelps's proposal, a plan was presented the next day involving Supervision and Professorships. "The action of the Principal in the establishment of a Collegiate Department is approved." With this action, Hope College is founded!!
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A Statement by B. F. Bailey About Business Dealing with Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte
B. F. Bailey
A statement by B. F. Bailey about business dealing with Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte. A Mr. Harrington is mentioned in the document. The month is not given at the conclusion of the document although day and year were given.
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Rev. Pieter J. Oggel Composed a Poem on the Occasion of Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte's 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Pieter J. Oggel and Nella Kennedy
Rev. Pieter J. Oggel composed a poem on the occasion of Rev. Albertus and Christina Van Raalte's 25th wedding anniversary. Oggel was a beloved son-in-law of the Van Raalte's. He reflects on many of the Van Raalte have had in the Netherlands and in America. He prays that they may also celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in the future, an event that did not come to pass.
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It Was Reported in Ter Nagedachtenis Van Rev. Cornelius Van Der Meulen That Vander Meulen Was Installed as Pastor of the Second Reformed Church.
The Standard Printery and Henry ten Hoor
It was reported in Ter Nagedachtenis van Rev. Cornelius van der Meulen that Vander Meulen was installed as pastor of the Second Reformed Church. Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte preached the sermon that morning on I Thessalonians 5.25 (page 125). The newly installed pastor preached at the afternoon service.
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A Letter of A. C. Van Raalte to Philip Phelps
A. C. Van Raalte
A letter of A. C. Van Raalte to Philip Phelps, about the organization of a second church in Holland, which would be English speaking. (The be-ginnings of Hope Reformed Church.) A.C.V.R. had a reservation that a second church would retard the Americanization process of the emigrant church.
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A Letter of A. C. Van Raalte to Philip Phelps
A. C. Van Raalte
A letter of A. C. Van Raalte to Philip Phelps, on financial matters.
