Bratt, Albert H. (1887-1962) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

The Rev. Albert H. Bratt was described as “the Soldier’s Pastor” because he successfully and faithfully served as a Camp Pastor during the two world wars.  During WWI, he was called by Pella to serve in Camp Funston, Kansas, and in Camp Pike, Arkansas.  From 1943 to 1945, he ministered as Camp Pastor in the Southern States and from 1952 until his retirement, in 1954; he was service pastor of Midland Park, New Jersey.  I recall a weekend visit he made to Little Rock, Arkansas, when I was Chaplain at Camp Robinson.  Rev. Bratt met with a group of Christian Reformed servicemen.  Although it was a very hot Sunday, he did not remove his dark blue coat.  He had good relationships with the men in the service but he always remained “the dominie” in his appearance.  (Marinus Goote)

Albert H. Bratt was born in South Olive, Michigan, on August 11, 1887.  Before graduating from Calvin Seminary in 1913, he spent a brief period as a teacher in Sioux Center, Iowa.  During this time, Bratt met his bride-to-be, Anna Visser. They married in the summer of 1913. Together they had 3 children, 2 of which preceded him in death as well as Anna. Bratt eventually remarried. After he graduated from the seminary, he served in Eddyville, Iowa, 1919; Platte, South Dakota, 1921; Fourth Roseland, Chicago, Illinois, 1925; Manhattan, Montana, 1928; Edmonton, Alberta, 1941; Bellflower, California, 1943; Hollandale, Minnesota, 1945; and Doon, Iowa, 1949. In 1952, Bratt served Midland Park, New Jersey until his retirement in 1954.

After a lingering illness, Albert Bratt passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 17, 1962. He was survived by his wife and son Albertus.