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Richard De Ridder Collection, 1962-2004

Collection Overview

Title: Richard De Ridder Collection, 1962-2004

ID: COLL/063

Creator: De Ridder, Richard (1921-2006)

Extent: 2.0 Boxes. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Date Acquired: 00/00/2004

Abstract

Minister of the Christian Reformed Church and professor of church polity and church administration at Calvin Theological Seminary. The collection includes lectures; minutes, correspondence, and proceedings of the Calvin Institute of Missions; the translation of "Ecclesiastical Manual: Including the Decisions of the Netherlands Synods and Other Significant Matters Relating to the Government of the Churches"; and "Before I Forget the Rest: A Story About the Life of Richard Ralph De Ridder," Judy Flietstra, 2004. [See also the Campus Titles Database.]

Biographical Note

Richard Ralf De Ridder was born May 9, 1921 in Holland, Michigan. De Ridder received his B.A. from Calvin College in 1943 and his Th.B. from Calvin Seminary in 1946. While attending Calvin Seminary, he married Adrianna Jaarda in 1944. Together they had five children-Sharon, Mary Ann, David, Judith and Joyce. After his graduation in 1946, De Ridder accepted the call to serve the congregation of Dispatch, Kansas and was ordained. De Ridder went on to serve other congregations such as Coldbrook in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Pleasant St. in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

He continued his education at Hartford Theological Seminary, Massachusetts where he received a master’s degree in 1956. De Ridder traveled aboard to receive his Ph.D. in Theology when he graduated from Free University of Amsterdam. De Ridder also worked as a missionary with a focus in Sri Lanka from 1956 to 1960. Once De Ridder returned to the United States, he became pastor at First Muskegon, Michigan, First Sioux Center, Iowa, and Silver Springs, Maryland.

In 1973 accepted the position of chair of missiology at Calvin Seminary and later as associate professor of church polity. He stayed at Calvin Seminary until his retirement in 1986. Although retired, De Ridder taught at the International Theological Seminary in Los Angeles for three years. Richard Ralf De Ridder passed away on July 5, 2006.

Administrative Information

Alternate Extent Statement: 0.75 cubic ft.

Acquisition Source: Gift of R.R. De Ridder. Gift of Judy Flietstra, 2004

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1: Papers and Calvin Institute of Missions --- 1962-1985
Box 1
Folder 1: Articles and Papers --- 1962-1985
Folder 2: Calvin Institute of Missions, In-Service Seminar --- March 4-8, 1974
Folder 3: Calvin Institute of Missions, minutes and reports --- 1973-1976
Folder 4: Calvin Institute of Missions, second In-Service Seminar --- November 10-14, 1975
Folder 5: Calvin Institute of Missions, workshop, "The Mission of the CRC" --- March 29 - April 1, 1976
Folder 6: Calvin Theological Seminary Convocation Address: "Ordination:  A Reformed Perspective" --- September 4, 1985
Folder 7-8: Ecclesiastical Manual --- 1982
Box 2
Folder 1: Before I Forget the Rest:  A Story about the Life of Richard Ralph De Ridder, Judy Flietstra --- 2004