Goote, Marinus (1912-1999) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Marinus Goote was born on July 14, 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Goote made his confession of faith in 1929 at Alpine Ave. Church. He attended Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. He graduated from the Seminary in 1939 earning his Th.B.  He was ordained on Sept. 28, 1939 at Aetna Christian Reformed Church.  With the outbreak of World War II, Rev. Goote served as a Chaplain for the U.S. Army.  He was stationed in the Asian theater from 1943 to 1945. He ministered to troops in India, Burma, and China. He also assisted in hospitals, and travelled with wounded soldiers.

Returning from the war, Goote served several other congregations, Allen Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan (1946-1951); Second Lynden, Washington (1951-1954); Evergreen Park, Chicago (1954-1962); Boston Square, Grand Rapids, Michigan (1962-1972); Immanuel, Grand Rapids, Michigan (1972-1977). In November of 1977 Rev. Goote retired.  During his career he was a delegate to the Synod 6 different times. He also served on the Board of Trustee of Calvin College and Seminary.  During retirement, Goote stayed active as the chaplain of the Wyoming, Michigan fire department. He also worked with the denominational archives in Calvin College's Heritage Hall.

Marinus Goote married Emma Schaap in November 1937. Together they had four daughters. Two weeks after his wife of sixty-two years passed, so too did Marinus Groote on February 27, 1999.