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Hero Bratt Collection

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Abstract

Biographical Note

Detailed Description

[General Materials]

Pastors of Pillar Church

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Title: Hero Bratt Collection, 1822-1996

ID: COLL/441

Primary Creator: Bratt, Hero (1910-1996)

Extent: 0.75 Cubic Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Hero Bratt was a religion teacher in Holland, Michigan, and a local historian. He was a life-long member of Pillar Christian Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan. The collection includes biographies of the pastors of Pillar CRC; translated Pillar CRC minutes (1850-1854); documents relating to the secession of Pillar CRC; construction of Pillar CRC; A. C. Van Raalte documents on the Virginia colony; Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church centennial material; Classis Hackensack secession of 1822; historical basis for secession of 1857, and Freemasonry information.

Hero Bratt was born in Holland, Michigan on May 5, 1910.  Bratt attended Calvin College to pursue a career in education.  Throughout his career, he taught all grades, but mostly at the high school level. With the exception of seven years of teaching in Northern Michigan and Chicago, Bratt had lived and taught almost exclusively in the Holland, Michigan area.  He taught at the Holland Christian High School for thirty-five years.

Besides teaching, Bratt's time was devoted to his church, Pillar Christian Reformed Church, community matters, and local history. For the Christian Reformed Denomination, Bratt served many years as an elder and a frequent delegate to the Synod.  In his community, Bratt served on the Herrick Public Library Board, Evergreen Kiwanis Club, and Holland Historical Trust. He was one of the founding members of the Holland Historical Society. Bratt continued to teach and speak to community and church groups even after his retirement.

On a personal level, Bratt was married to Winnie Heuker in 1932. After Winnie passed away in 1942, Bratt got remarried to Anne Westveer in 1948. Bratt had four children and 10 grandchildren.  Another personal accomplishment of Bratt's was compiling and editing the history of the Pillar Christian Reformed Church from 1847 until 1984. He published it into a book entitled, "The Pillar Church: A Book of Remembrance."

On April 18, 1996 Hero Bratt passed away due to accidental injuries. He was 85 years old. His funeral service was held at the Pillar Christian Reformed Church.