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Martin Monsma Collection

Overview

Abstract

Biographical Note

Detailed Description

Biographical Information: Student Notes

Articles in De Watcher

Articles in Federation Messenger, etc

Church Order Commentary and Correspondence

Church Order: Letters of Advice

Church Order Revision

Seminary Material

Synodical Committees

Varia

Daily Manna (devotionals)

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Title: Martin Monsma Collection, 1911-1967

ID: COLL/452

Primary Creator: Monsma, Martin (1893-1968)

Extent: 9.0 Cubic Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Minister of the Christian Reformed Church; professor of practical theology at Calvin Theological Seminary; founder and editor of Daily Manna, a devotional calendar (1936-1968). The collection includes: manuscripts, articles, topic files, anniversary booklets, pamphlets, synodical committee reports, class notes, Daily Manna (1936-1978), and correspondence (correspondents include Henry Beets, John C. De Korne, H. J. Kuiper, W. H. Rutgers, and R. Wezeman).

Martin Monsma was born in Berlikum, Friesland, Netherlands on November 23, 1893.  In September of 1902, the Monsma family immigrated to the United States. Even at an early age, Monsma expressed his interest in becoming a minister.  He attended Calvin College and Seminary earning his diploma in 1924.  His first call to service came from Doon, Iowa. He was ordained on October 8, 1924. He chose Psalm 39:7 as his inaugural sermon.

He served the Doon congregation until 1928. He went on to serve the following churches Detroit, MI (1928-34); Second, Pella, IA (1934-43); and Grandville Av., Grand Rapids, MI (1943-53). In 1953 Rev. Monsma returned to Calvin Theological Seminary, this not as a student, but rather a faculty member. He accepted the position of lecturer in Practical Theology.  A year later he became professor of Practical Theology. He remained a professor at the Seminary until his retirement in 1964.

Monsma was very involved in denominational boards and committees. He served on the Calvin College Board of Trustees; Church Order Revision Committee; Home and Foreign Missions' Educational Policy Committee; Committee on Ecumenicity and Interchurch Correspondence; and the Committee on Revised Compendium.  Monsma also found time to write articles and publish books. He even was the founder and editor of Daily Manna, a devotional calendar which he overall saw for 32 years.

Martin Monsma died on January 31, 1968 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He passed away due to a heart attack. He was survived by his wife, Marie Vos, with whom he married in 1924. Together they had 3 daughters and two sons, who also survived him.