Schaver, John L. (1897-1956) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

John L. Schaver was born in Chicago on January 28, 1897. When he was still very young the Louis E. Schaver family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Oakdale Christian School, and later attended Calvin College and Theological Seminary. After graduation from the seminary, he was ordained in 1927 and accepted a call to New Era Christian Reformed Church in New Era, Michigan. Our collection has a "self-evaluation" sheet covering that period of his ministry.

His ministry at Lucas Christian Reformed Church began in November of 1932, and he served that congregation until 1945. His last congregation was in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where he ended his active ministry in 1951 due to ill health. The years of his retirement were spent in Detroit, Michigan, where he died on Friday, May 4, 1956. He was survived by his wife, Florence (Boonstra), and their five children.

For a number of years, the name Schaver was almost synonymous with Church Order. He authored The Polity of the Church in two volumes. One volume contains the Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church and the decisions of previous synods. The third edition was copyrighted in 1947. John Schaver also wrote a catechism book entitled Compendium Studies in 1939. He also served on the Board of Foreign Missions and as stated clerk of Classis Chicago North.

Our collection includes written notes on subjects ranging from Abraham to Mohammedanism (articles beyond "M" were not in his papers), notes on a few sermons, his notes of Bible books, and clippings for various magazines.