Breen, Quirinus (1896-1975) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Son of Rev. Evert Breen, Quirinus Breen was born on March 3, 1896. He graduated from Calvin College in 1917 and then entered Calvin Seminary. While attending Calvin Seminary, Breen became a pupil of Professor Dr. Ralph Janssen. Breen bore witness to the infamous “Janssen Case” at the 1922 Christian Reformed Synod.  At the time of the trial Breen was a pastor at Twelfth Street, Grand Rapids. Disillusioned from the trial, Breen bid farewell to the Christian Reformed Church. Breen received his doctorate from University of Chicago in 1931, receiving his Doctor of Philosophy degree.  Breen taught at Hillsdale College, Albany College, the University of Oregon, and Grand Valley State.

Breen fell victim to Parkinson’s disease and passed away in Eugene, Oregon in 1975.  He left behind his wife, Helena Marguerite (DeValois) and children –Elizabeth Edna and Quentin L. Breen.  He was grandfather of Theresa L. Miller, Bernard Q. Petersen, Debra M. Petersen, Gregory A. Petersen, Kurt J. Petersen, and Katherine H. Breen.