Donald J. Griffioen (1932-) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Donald J. Griffioen was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 10, 1932. Son of a pastor, Griffioen was raised going to Christian schools and was baptized at Bates Street Christian Reformed. In 1951, Griffieon made his confession of faith and enrolled at Calvin College and Seminary. He graduated from Calvin Seminary in 1957. He married Martheen Geelhoed, also a Grand Rapids native. Griffioen accepted the call from Madison Ave in Paterson, New Jersey where he was ordained in 1958.

In 1964, Griffieon decided to pursue Home Missionary work. He served the Hackensack and Hudson Classis. By 1971, he became Missionary at Large for Grand Rapids Board of Evangelism. Griffieon also served as President at Madison Square Christian Reformed Church Council and as pastor at Grand Rapids Vietnamese Reformed Christian Church. In 1984, he received his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Griffioen retired in 1997.