Van Vessem, Marinus (1866-1945) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Marinus Van Vessem was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 10, 1866. In 1883 Van Vessem made his confession of faith and by 1887 he was the youngest graduate of the Calvin Theological Seminary. After earning his diploma, Van Vessem accepted the call from the Clymer congregation of New York. The young Rev. Van Vessem was able to preach his sermons in three different languages:  English, German, and Dutch.

In 1888 the Synod chose Van Vessem to become a home missionary. Rev. Van Vessem was a very successful missionary, he accepted 142 people for baptism or confession of faith.  By 1890 Rev. Van Vessem returned to the pulpit in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Rev. Van Vessem went on to serve the congregation of Fulton, IL (1895-1897); Overisel, MI (1897-1903); Drenthe, MI (1903-1910); Graafschap, MI (1910-1915); Frist Zeeland, MI (1915-1928); and Comstock, MI (1926-1928). In 1928 Rev. Van Vessem accepted the role of Hospital Pastor at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Cutlerville, Michigan.  He served the institution until his retirement in 1938. On November 27, 1945 Rev. Marinus Van Vessem was walking across a street when he was struck by a car, he passed away the same day. He was survived by his wife, Anna Vos, and their children.