Masselink, Edward Johann (1901-1999) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Edward Johann Masselink was born on May 1, 1901 in Meservey, Iowa. Masselink earned his B.A. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1925. He went on to earn his M.A. from the University of Chicago in 1926, and attended a year at Calvin Theological Seminary. In 1927 Masselink accepted his first charge at Trinity Reformed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During this time Rev. Masselink was also furthering his education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1928 he received his Th.D. from the Seminary.  By 1929 Rev. Masselink went to his second charge at Burton Heights, Grand Rapids which he would remain at until 1940.

Rev. Masselink served several other congregations including Lagrave Avenue, Grand Rapids (1940-1944); First Cicero, Illinois (1944-1950); Twelfth Street, Grand Rapids (1950-1955); Central Avenue, Holland, Michigan (1955-1962); and Thirty-sixth St., Grand Rapids (1962-1966). In 1966 Rev. Masselink retired from active ministry. During his career he was known to have a powerful presence on the pulpit, as well as being a kind and faithful person. Throughout World War II, Rev. Masselink wrote a monthly personal letter to each of the 120 serviceman in his congregation. While serving in Cicero, Masselink and Sid Youngsma had a half hour radio program every Sunday afternoon. In honor of the Heidleberg Catechism's centennial, Masselink wrote a history of the writing called, The Heidelberg Story, in 1963.

Masselink kept busy in retirement by serving as the editor in chief of Christian Cynosure from 1976 to 1982. Over course of his life, he served as a delegate to Synod four times, and was a member on the Home Missions Board and Korean Relief Committee. In 1999 Rev. Masselink was attacked with pneumonia and congestive heart failure causing to pass away on July 5. He was married to Clazina Baker on July 10, 1939 and together they had four daughters.