Heyns, William (1856-1933) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

William Heyns was born in Haarlemmermeer March 18, 1856.  His parents had settled on a farm in the Haarlemmermeer polder soon after that area of Haarlem "Lake" was changed from a polder into a fruitful agricultural area.  When the young man was needed on the farm, his educational program ended.  However, the farm labor ended after three or four years and he was able to continue his education. He prepared for a teaching career at the Normal School at Amstelveen.  After a few months of study, he was called to military service in Hertegenbosch.  This was also a service of brief duration because he was released from military duty when the classis to which he belonged offered financial help to him to pursue study at the Kampen Theological School where he was a student until June 1881.

Again, William's education was temporarily disrupted when his parents moved to America.  After the death of his father, he was able to continue his studies at the Theological School in Grand Rapids.  His theological training at the Theological School began December 1882 and in June of 1883, he obtained a diploma.

He served in the following congregations: Allendale, Michigan, 1885; Harrison, South Dakota, 1891; Prinsburg, Minnesota, 1898; First Chicago, Illinois, 1900.  He became professor of practical theology in 1902.  During his tenure, William Heyns wrote a number of textbooks.  Most of them were mimeographed manuscripts.

When he served as associate editor of the "Gereformeerd Amerikaan," he wrote regularly on church government.

William Heyns was known as one of the hardest working men in his profession and he diligently served the church.

This kingdom worker died at the age of 77 on November 9, 1933. His wife, née Tien, preceded him in death in 1928.