Huizenga, Bartel N. (1922-1993) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Bartel (Bart) Nicholas Huizenga was born on October 31, 1922 in Highland, Indiana. Even at a young age, Huizenga knew he wanted to pursue a career in ministry. He enrolled at Calvin College and then the Theological Seminary. Once he earned his Th.B. in 1947, he became ordained at the Le Mars CRC in Iowa. He served the congregation until 1950. He went on to serve two other churches, Kenosha, WI (1950-54) and Bethany, Bellflower, CA (1954-1958).

From 1958 to 1965, Huizenga was a home missionary for Classis Rocky Mountain at Albuquerque, NM. He continued to serve as a home missionary in Visalia, CA (1965-70) and Olympia, WA (1970-74). During this time Huizenga attended Fuller Theological Seminary and earned a M.A. from the University of New Mexico in 1970. From 1974 through 1975, Huizenga served as Regional Home Missionary for the United States' Southwest. He went on to serve as a home missionary in Otay Mesa, CA (1975-81) and Porterville, CA (1981-1986). In 1980, Huizenga earned his M.Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary. Before retiring in 1990, Huizenga served one last congregation as pastor in Akron, OH.

Huizenga served the denomination as a delegate to the synod a number of times. He started churches in Bakersfield CA and El Paso, TX.  He also served his communities in different service clubs, public school PTAs, juvenile project committees, and desegregation committees. On August 8, 1993, Huizenga passed away from a brain tumor and heart attack. His wife, Tena, and their six children survived him.