Robbert, Jacoba N. (1863-1957) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Jacoba N. Robbert was the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Beuker, who served the Christian Reformed Church as professor of theology in the Seminary (1894-1900). She was born in Zwolle, the Netherlands, on October 3, 1863. In 1893, she came to America with her husband, the Rev. Jan Robbert.

Jacoba's life, until her husband passed away in 1922, was one of parsonage experiences in her father's home, and later with her husband. The parsonage was the place where she came into contact with such men as the Rev. A. Brummelkamp, a leader of the Secession; Dr. Gerhardus, a cousin; Dr. Herman Bavinck; Dr. Abraham Kuyper; and others. It was also the place from which she served the church. From 1922-1957 she lived outside of the parsonage, but continued to serve the church and maintained a keen interest in the varied activities of the church. Her contact with the State Mental Hospital in Kalamazoo prompted her to call together leaders of the church and businesses to establish a Christian Mental Hospital. Mrs. Robbert became one of the "founders" of Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Cutlerville, Michigan.

Our collection includes notebooks giving her reflections on a number of books of the Bible; they are all in longhand.

Dr. Jacob Hoogstra, her pastor during the last seventeen years of her life, described her "a Mother in Israel," who knew "she was saved by grace" (The Banner, August 23, 1957, page 32). Jacoba Robbert passed away on Friday, July 12, 1957.