Schrotenboer, Paul G. (1922-1998) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Paul Gerard Schrotenboer was born in East Saugatuck, Michigan on May 10, 1922. As a high school senior, Schrotenboer felt the call to become a minister. Schrotenboer pursued his dream by entering Calvin Theological Seminary where he earned his Th.B. in 1947. He earned his Th.M. from Westminster Seminary in 1949 and travelled aboard to earn his Th.D. in 1955 from Free University in Amsterdam. Schrotenboer first call from the congregation of Ottawa, Ontario. He served there until 1960 when he accepted the call from the congregation of St. Catharines, Ontario.  For a few years Schrotenboer also worked part-time as the development director for the Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship (AACS), now the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS).

During the 1963 meeting of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod (RES) in Grand Rapids, Schrotenboer was offered a staff position of General Secretary for RES.  Hiring Schrotenboer resulted in RES having a greater world presence. He visited other world gatherings as a RES representative. He made connections with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the World Council of Churches, and World Evangelical Fellowship. He also held close connections with the churches in South Africa. He greatly opposed apartheid, and played a significant role in helping end it. Despite having a busy work schedule, Schrotenboer still found time to write.  He had written a great number of books, pamphlets, and essays. He remained with the Reformed Ecumenical Synod until he retired in 1988. Although retired, he still worked part-time for the International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education.

After a long fight with cancer, Paul Gerard Schrotenboer passed away on July 16, 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was survived by his wife of 52 years, Bernice Oatmen. He was also survived by his 3 sons and their families.