Van der Meer, John (1903-1962) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

John Van der Meer was born in Groningen, the Netherlands, February 25, 1903.  Shortly before leaving for America, at the age of twenty, he had made profession of his faith.  When he graduated from Chicago Christian High School he entered Calvin College and then Calvin Theological Seminary in 1934.  After graduation he served in Tracy, Iowa, 1935; Hollandale, Minnesota, 1938; missionary at Star Lake, New Mexico, 1941; in military chaplaincy, 1943; Holland Marsh, Ontario, 1946; Home Missions Cochrane, Ontario, 1951; Barrie, Ontario, 1955; and Essex, Ontario, 1958.

During his active ministry he served the denomination on the Board of Trustees and twice as a delegate to Synod.  He was active in the Canadian classes.

On Sunday, June 24, 1962, Rev. Van der Meer preached twice and also visited the sick of the congregation.  The following day he and Angeline planned to go on vacation with their son and his family.  However, early Monday morning John died in his sleep.  There had been no illness or evident physical weakness.

Collection Description:

Our collection includes papers of his service as chaplain in the military during World War II and classical minutes and notes while active in the Canadian churches.