Bolt, Ralph (1873-1951) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library
Name: Bolt, Ralph (1873-1951)
Historical Note: Ralph Bolt was born 9 April 1873, in Groningen, the Netherlands. His parents were Roelf Bolt and Sjoukje Vander Molen. He came to Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of eighteen and worked in a furniture factory. He graduated from the Calvin Theological Seminary in 1903 and served churches in Luctor, Kansas; Lucas, Michigan; Fourth Paterson, New Jersey; Graafschap, Michigan; Sully, Iowa; Whitinsville, Massachusetts. In 1939 he began to assist the Neland Avenue Church and did so for 12 years. Bolt also served as a member on the Board of Missions. Bolt was married to Anna Vander West and they raised four children together Sophia, Delia, Ralph, and Marvin. He died 7 April 1951.