Barend Klass Kuiper (1877-1961) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Son of Rev. K. Kuiper, Barend Klass Kuiper was born in the Netherlands on July 16, 1877. At the age of 14, Kuiper’s father accepted the call from the Frist Church of Grand Haven, Michigan. The Kuiper family travelled across the Atlantic to immigrate to the United States. Kuiper enrolled at the University of Chicago where he graduated with a B.A. degree in 1900.

After graduation, Kuiper was offered a teaching position by the Synod in the literary department of the Calvin Theological Seminary. In 1903, he was granted a leave of absence to continue his education. He continued his studies at the Free University of Amsterdam until 1907. He returned to Calvin as a History Professor, serving the school until 1918. In 1926, he accepted the position of Professor of Church History at the Seminary.   

From 1918 to 1922, Kuiper served as the editor of the De Watcher. Kuiper suffered from diabetes and was hospitalized. Barend Klass Kuiper passed away on July 21, 1961. His wife, Cornelia (Van Zanten), and their son, K. V. Kuiper, survived him.

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