Trap, William M. (1887-1958) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

William M. was the last of twelve children born to the Martin Trap family.  He was born December 23, 1887, in Muskegon, Michigan.  Since he revealed a desire to enter the ministry, he was the one child to receive a college education.

After graduation from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1913, he began his active ministry at the Christian Reformed Church in Willard, Ohio, 1913-1918. In 1913 William Trap married miss Johanna C. Ten Hoor. He went on to serve Third Roseland, Chicago, Illinois, 1916-1918; and Twelfth Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1918-1920. From 1920-1923 William Trap became a student again pursuing a doctoral program at the University of Michigan and a post-doctoral research of universities in Amsterdam, Okhard, and Heidelberg.

His career as a teacher began at the University of Michigan, 1923-1925, and continued at Wayne University where he developed the philosophy department, 1926-1955.  The last four years of his teaching career were limited by failing health.

Although he left the active ministry in 1920, he maintained an active interest and intermittent activity in the church throughout his teaching career at Wayne University.

He maintained a close and contributing relationship to the Dearborn Christian Reformed Church and was active in the Christian school movement.

William M. Trap passed away at the age of seventy; recognized for his erudition, spirituality, and scope of influence.

Collection Description:

The collection includes sermonic material of his preaching years, notes of his student days, and lectures and papers when he was professor at Wayne University.