Jacob Noordewier (1839-1938) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Jacob Noordewier was born in Niezijl, Groningen, The Netherlands on December 27, 1839.  Noordewier  wanted to become a minister, so he began training under Rev. Roelof Duiker. In 1867, Rev. Duiker accepted a call from the only Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan and brought along his young assistant, Noordewier.  While in Grand Rapids, Noordewier furthered his studies at Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating in 1869.  In the same year, two other major events happened. First, the 29 year old, Noordewier married Johanna Hillegonda Gezon. Second, Noordewier and his new bride moved west to Pella, Iowa where he accepted the call from the First Christian Reformed Church.

Rev. Noordewier also served the following charges–First Kalamazoo, MI (1871-1873); Central Ave., Holland, MI (1873-1878); Lafayette, IN (1878-1880); First Kalamazoo, MI (1880-1885); and First Fremont, MI (1885-1891).  In 1891, he was asked by the board of home missions to help collect money for Theological School’s building development. In 1893, he returned to his work in ministry at Kelloggsville, MI, and served there until 1896. He then went off to serve the congregation of Jenison, MI (1896-1907).

His final charge was in Firth, Nebraska in which he served until he reached emeritus status in 1912. 

Beyond his service as a minister of the CRC, Noordewier also served as the treasurer of the Synod, associate-editor of the De Wachter, curator of the theological school, and assisted on publishing the church yearbook. After a 43-year career in active ministry, Rev. Jacob Noordewier passed away on February 5, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI. His five children mourned his death.