Van der Werp, Marvin John (1902-1976) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Marvin John Vanderwerp was born in Grand Haven, Michigan on August 29, 1902.  He attended Calvin Prep School, and then went off to Calvin College. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in 1925.  Vanderwerp taught at the Christian School of Fulton, Illinois for two years. During this time, he met his bride-to-be, Anna Huizenga.

Vanderwerp return to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin Theological Seminary and graduated in 1928.  In the same year, Vanderwerp accepted his first charge in Peoria, Iowa. He would serve the Peoria congregation until 1932. He went on to serve the congregations of Prinsburg, MN, 1932-35; Second, Orange City, IA, 1935-40; First, Jenison, MI, 1940-44; Warren Park, Cicero, IL, 1944-48; Second, Fremont, MI, 1948-52; Ninth St., Holland, MI, 1952-58; Delavan, WI, 1958-62; and Spring Lake, MI, 1962-67. After many years of active ministry, Rev. Vanderwerp retired in 1967.

During his career Rev. Vanderwerp served the denomination in various ways. He was a delegate to synod, he was a member of the Board of Trustees for Calvin College and Seminary, and as a synodical deputy. Even after retirement, Rev. Vanderwerp served many churches as an interim pastor. On December 29, 1976, Marvin John Vanderwerp passed away due to a lingering illness. At the time of his death he was serving as an assistant pastor at Ninth Street CRC in Holland, Michigan.