Boomsma, Clarence (1917-2007) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Clarence Boomsma was born in Hammond, IN on March 9, 1917. Boomsma attended Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. He earned his Th.B. in 1943. He also pursued graduate work from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia and New College in Edinburgh, Scotland. Boomsma received his first call to service from Imlay City, MI which he served until 1948. Boomsma went on to Calvin CRC in Grand Rapids, MI. He served the Calvin congregation until his retirement in 1983.

Rev. Boomsma devoted a lot of time and energy into the CRC denomination. He served as a delegate to the Synod eight times, and four times as its president. He also was heavily involved in the Christian Reformed Interchurch Relations Committee as its secretary for many years. In this capacity he was able to significantly improve the contact between the CRC and the post-apartheid South African churches. He also served many years as the convener of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod and served on the Board of Publications.

Clarence Boomsma passed away on May 28, 2007. He was ninety. He was survived by his wife, Shirley Balk, their 3 children, and grandchildren.