IN MEMORIAM OF The Reverend Peter DeBruyn

Born Oct. 24, 1850-Died May 18, 1897

In regard to the death of our dear brother, the Rev. Peter DeBruyn, who departed this life on the 18^th of May last, the Classis of Grand River desires to put on record an appreciation of his character and services.

In his death we mourn the loss of a brother beloved, a man of sterling integrity and sincere piety, a Nathanael, in whom there was no guile, and whose aim it was to walk in the foot-steps of the Master.

In our ecclesiastical meetings h was dignified, prudent and moderate, always seeking the best interests in the extension of the cause of Christ. As a preacher he was sound, evangelical, and faithful in presenting the truth as it is in Jesus. He was a model pastor, keeping himself in close and sympathetic touch with his people, so that he had a strong hold upon their esteem and affection.

God honored him by giving him for a period of twenty-four years a sphere of great usefulness in two prominent churches, where his memory will be long cherished with affectionate regard.

In the midst of his years, in the full developments of his natural and acquired gifts and graces, with apparently many years of usefulness before him, our beloved brother was suddenly translated from the service in the sanctuary on earth to a higher service in the many mansions prepared for the people of God.

16 June 1897 - Grand Haven Daily Tribune , p.4

While it does not become us to scrutinize the infinite wisdom of Divine Providence, we bow submissively to the will of our heavenly Father, feeling assured that He makes no mistakes, and we also recognize the fact that in serving the cause of Christ on earth no man is indispensable. At the same time we feel that in the sudden departure of our brother we are reminded to heed thee voice of the Master, "to work while it is day, the night cometh when no man can work," and also that other word, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

We extend to his bereaved congregation our kindest expressions of condolence and to his still more deeply bereaved widow and children we tender our sincere and heartfelt sympathy in their sore bereavement, and command them to the God of all consolation, who is a "Father of the fatherless and a Judge of the widows."

Resolved, That a copy of this minute be sent to the family of Rev. Peter DeBruyn, and to his congregation, be recorded in the minutes of the Classis, and be sent to De Hope, The Christian Intelligencer and the Grand Haven Tribune for publication. In behalf of the classis, Committee - June 14, 1897

D. Broek, J. W. Te Winkel, F. Van Zanten,

Transcriber: Barb Jones
Created: 4 Sep 2010
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/obits/a-j/debruynPeter.html