Vander Kam, Henry (1917-1996) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Henry Vander Kam was born in Houwerzijl, Groningen, the Netherlands on November 8, 1917.  Vander Kam immigrated to the United States, and attended Calvin College and Seminary. He graduated with a Th.B. in 1945.  Vander Kam's first charge came from Prosper, Michigan, where he served from 1945 until 1950. Rev. Vander Kam other charges include the congregations of Second Pella, IA (1950-55); Twelfth Ave, Jenison, MI (1955-65); Grace Kalamazoo, MI (1965-78); Lake Worth, FL (1978-79) and Doon IA (1979-82). He retired in 1982.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rev Vander Kam served on the Calvin College and Seminary Board of Trustees. From 1970 to 1973 he even served as its president. He also became president of the Board of Home Missions of the Christian Reformed Church, and was a president of the 1976 Synod. Another undertaking of Rev. Vander Kam was being one of the founding members of Mid-America Reformed Seminary located in Dyer, Indiana. He became a professor at the Seminary after retirement. He also found time to write articles for various church publications and even a book.

In 1992 Rev. Vander Kam helped established the Free Christian Reformed Church, an independent congregation of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He served as its pastor until his death on January 11, 1996. He passed away due to congestive heart failure. He was survived by his wife, Elaine Dekker, and their 5 children.