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Ralph Bronkema Collection

Overview

Abstract

Biographical Note

Detailed Description

Addresses, Papers

Heidelberg Catechism Sermons

Sermons for Special Days

Sermons:  Genesis to Luke

Sermons:  John to Revelation



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Ralph Bronkema Collection, 1924-1954 | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

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Collection Overview

Title: Ralph Bronkema Collection, 1924-1954

ID: COLL/026

Primary Creator: Bronkema, Ralph (1893-1973)

Extent: 5.0 Boxes. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Subjects: Bronkema, Ralph, Sr., 1893-1973, Netherlands - History - 1945-, Netherlands - Social life and customs

Abstract

Minister of the Christian Reformed Church. The collection includes sermons and reminiscences entitled "Our Impressions of the Netherlands," describing post-war aspects of the Netherlands.

Biographical Note

The Yearbook of the Christian Reformed Church lists only one church under the name of Ralph Bronkema.  In 1929 he accepted the call of First Orange City, Iowa, and served that congregation until 1952.  Our collection of sermons makes references to churches where he preached some of his sermons after his retirement.  Although he retired early because of diabetic disabilities, he was able to serve for brief periods in Los Angeles, California; Edmonton, Alberta; Dresden, Ontario; Salt Lake City, Utah; Eau Galle, Florida, and British Columbia; Tyler, Minnesota; and Neerlandia, Alberta.

Ralph Bronkema was born, June 10, 1893, of immigrant parents, members of the Coldbrook CRC, Grand Rapids, Michigan.  As a young man he contributed to the family finances by working at various jobs while continuing his education.  After two years at the seminary he accepted a teaching position at the newly founded Christian high school in Grand Rapids.  After teaching Bible for five years he continued his theological instruction at the Free University of Amsterdam.  His doctoral dissertation was entitled The Essence of Puritanism. Bronkema married Ella Hofstra of Grand Rapids. Together they had 4 children–Betty, Lois, Ralph (Don) and Rosalie.

While in the Netherlands he established good relationships with many people.  He preached for forty weeks in the Bergen church.  After WWII he organized a relief program using his friends in the Netherlands as contact person for the distribution of tons of food, clothing, and medicine from Northwest Iowa.  For this work the Dutch government knighted him.  In the collection there is a vivid mimeographed account of his visit to the Netherlands after the war.

Ralph Bronkema passed away on May 4, 1973. Although he served only one congregation during his active ministry, his activities reached people beyond the immediate area of the congregational membership.  His line of communication crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Subject/Index Terms

Bronkema, Ralph, Sr., 1893-1973
Netherlands - History - 1945-
Netherlands - Social life and customs


Box and Folder Listing


Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Addresses, Papers, 1929-1954],
[Series 2: Heidelberg Catechism Sermons, 1929-1938],
[Series 3: Sermons for Special Days, 1929-1945],
[Series 4: Sermons:  Genesis to Luke, 1932-1944],
[Series 5: Sermons:  John to Revelation, 1932-1944],
[All]

Series 2: Heidelberg Catechism Sermons --- 1929-1938
Box 2
Folder 1: Lord's Day 45 - Lord's Day 52 --- October 1929-May 1930
Folder 2: Lord's Day 1 - Lord's Day 11 --- July 1930-November 1931
Folder 3: Lord's Day 12 - Lord's Day 52 --- December 1931-May 1934
Folder 4: Lord's Day 1 - Lord's Day 52 --- July 1934-January 1938

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Addresses, Papers, 1929-1954],
[Series 2: Heidelberg Catechism Sermons, 1929-1938],
[Series 3: Sermons for Special Days, 1929-1945],
[Series 4: Sermons:  Genesis to Luke, 1932-1944],
[Series 5: Sermons:  John to Revelation, 1932-1944],
[All]


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