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John Masselink Collection, 1934-1964

Collection Overview

Title: John Masselink Collection, 1934-1964

ID: COLL/446

Creator: Masselink, John (1891-1964)

Extent: 1.0 Cubic Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Abstract

Minister of the Christian Reformed Church. The collection includes family genealogy, personal notebooks, letters written to servicemen, ministerial credentials, correspondence regarding the seminary situation, Reformed doctrine course materials, photographs, and a funeral remembrance book.

Biographical Note

John Masselink was born near Reeman, Michigan on September 23, 1891.  At a young age Masselink made his confession of faith. Growing up Masselink knew he wanted to pursue a career in serving God as a minister. He attended Calvin College and then furthered his education at Grundy College and Seminary. He graduated from the Seminary with a diploma in 1918. He eventually earned his Th.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1938.

Masselink first charge was in Ridott, Illinois where he was ordained on November 17, 1918. He served the Ridott congregation until 1920. Masselink's other charges include Fulton, IL (1920-24); Second, Muskegon, MI (1924-27); Third, Kalamazoo, MI (1927-43); First, Grand Haven, MI (1943-49); Second, Orange City, IA (1949-58).  Rev. Masselink had the unique talent of being able to preach in three languages: English, Dutch, and German. In 1958 Rev. Masselink retired from active ministry.

Masselink was deeply concerned with unconverted. He especially focused on Christian education and missionary work. While in Fulton, Illinois he transformed the basement of his church into a full Christian school. He also often would preach at State Mental Hospitals. He also taught catechism classes and held chapel services in nearby schools.

John Masselink passed away at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 21, 1964.  Three days before his passing he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He was survived by his wife, Katheryn (Neessen), 2 children, and 7 grandchildren.


Box and Folder Listing

Series 1: [General Materials]
Box 1
Folder 1: Masselink Family Genealogy --- 1984
Folder 2: Miscellaneous correspondence --- 1936-1958
Folder 3: Personal notebooks
Folder 4: Notebook
Folder 5: Notebooks
Folder 6: Notebooks
Folder 7: Physical examination results --- 1934
Folder 8: Ministerial credential --- 1943
Folder 9: Samples of Rev. Masselink's prayers
Folder 10: Correspondence re: Call to Second CRC, Orange City, IA --- 1949
Folder 11: Letters Written to Servicemen --- 1953, undated
Folder 12: Letters from William Masselink re: Seminary Situation --- 1953, undated
Folder 13: Letter of Call from Second CRC, Byron Center, MI --- 1953
Box 2
Folder 1: Reformed Doctrine course written by J. Masselink
Folder 2: Letter written to consistory re: his doctrinal views
Folder 3: Red Cross certificate --- 1940
Folder 4: Remembrance book from J. Masselink's funeral, pen with holder, First Christian Reformed Church --- 1964
Oversized OS16: Oversized Items (located with oversized photographs)
Item 1: Photo: 8th Graduating Class Chaplains School, Harvard University --- March 1943
Item 2: Unidentified group photo
Item 3: Diplomas, Grundy College --- 1918
Item 4: Calvin diploma --- 1915