Bratt, John H. (1909-2000) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Rev. John Harold Bratt was born in Holland, Michigan on 23 October 1909. Bratt graduated from Calvin Seminary in 1937. He accepted scholarships from both Columbia Seminary in Decatur, Georgia and from Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He earned a master’s degree in systematic theology in 1939. From 1939-1942 Bratt was a Bible teacher at Grand Rapids Christian High School. Bratt then became the pastor at Dorr Christian Reformed Church until 1946. In 1946 Bratt gladly accepted position as faculty at Calvin College. While at Calvin, Bratt taught biblical studies but also served on many committees, and was an elder and vice-president of the consistory. During his off months, Bratt attended Union Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned a doctorate in Theology. Bratt also found time to write articles for The Banner and Zondervan’s Bible Dictionary. Bratt diligently served the Calvin College community until his retirement in 1976.

In 2000, Rev. John Bratt passed away from congestive heart failure. Bratt is survived by his wife Gladys (Buurma); by their children, Marica and Ken Weidenaar, Evonne and Peter Kok, and James Bratt; and by six grandchildren.