Dekker, Harold (1918-2006) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Name: Dekker, Harold (1918-2006)

Historical Note: Harold Dekker was born in Wichert, Illinois and grew up in Roseland, on the Southside of Chicago. He attended Chicago Christian High School and then studied at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. He served in the U.S Navy as a chaplain. After his service, he became faculty at Calvin College in 1946. From 1947 to 1950 he was the pastor at Christian Reformed Church of Engelwood, New Jersey. In 1950, along with Rev. Peter Eldersveld joined the Back to God Hour as a radio preacher. In 1954, he returned to Calvin College and became their dean of students. Eventually he was appointed as chair of missions and academic dean. Among his various commitments to the CRC and Calvin College, he also a member of the Grand Rapids City Commission (Third Ward) during the 1970s and 1980s. Also a founding member of the Area Agency on Aging and Human Relations Commission of Michigan. He retired in 1987.

Records or Manuscript Collections Created by Dekker, Harold