17 October 1896 - Grand Haven Daily Tribune, p. 4
Death of Rev. Vander Veen

Another of the original Dutch settlers of Ottawa county, and one of the foremost Reformed preachers in America, passed away this morning, when Christian VanderVeen departed this life, at his home in Grand Rapids.  Death had been expected for sometime as the well known Dominie’s past five years and more have been years of suffering.

Rev. VanderVeen was born in the Netherlands about 58 years ago. He was brought to this country by his parents in 1847, and they founded a home in the wilderness, now occupied by the city of Holland. It was in this wild country that he was reared and received his early education. He attended Hope College and later went to Rutger’s in New Jersey where he graduated, having taken a theological course.

The young pastor’s first charge after leaving college was the First Reformed church of this city. He was the first pastor of that congregation and remained in charge from 1861 to 1868. It is largely through his efforts that the early years of this congregation were prosperous and gradually from small beginnings made the most powerful church in this community.
After leaving his first pastorate Rev. VanderVeen went to Grand Rapids; then Drenthe, and then took charge of De Hope, the Reformed church paper. A pastorate in Montague was offered him and accepted, and from there came to Grand Haven to become pastor of the Second Reformed church. He was the second pastor of this church, succeeding Rev. Vander Haar, and had charge for five years.

Leaving Grand Haven he went to Grand Rapids where he has resided a number of years. He has had no regular pastorate but has preached when ever health would permit.

Deceased had held many important positions in his synod and was once president of the Reformed Synod of America. He was a candidate in the 80’s for Regent of the University on the Democratic ticket.

Rev. VanderVeen had a well earned fame as a preacher. His sermons were models of language and he was undoubtedly one of the best pulpit orators of his church in America.

His many warm church friends and citizens generally, of Grand Haven regret his departure, and can sympathize with the bereaved family.

His wife and the following children survive: Richard, Charlotte, James, Louise, Hugh, Theodore, Frank, Agnes and Edward. Besides these his brothers Jacob and Dr. A. of this city and a number of other relatives in the county.

The funeral will take place next Tuesday from the Second Reformed church of Grand Rapids.

Transcriber: Barb Jones
Created: 4 Sep 2010
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/obits/s-z/vanderveenRev.html