Vol 16 Issue 22

My dearly beloved people! I feel that it would be quite impossible for me to give expression to all that is in my heart at this moment. I am simply overwhelmed by all the expressions of your love and appreciation which you finally symbolized in these tangible presents. I feel that this day was of great significance in my life, especially because I have felt, you have made me feel, the bond of love in Christ that unites us. I can only express my heartfelt gratitude to the committee that worked so hard to prepare this day, and to you...

Mr. President, Rev. and Mrs. Hoeksema, Beloved in the Lord: It would not do to begin my speech somewhat on this order—On this joyful occasion I am very glad to be in your midst, and as I look upon your smiling and happy faces, etc., etc. No, that would be the wrong approach. The truth of the matter is that I am about 2,500 miles away from you as I speak these words, and I am looking into a little instrument which seems to have a great power to embarrass me. Moreover, I am far from looking into any smiling...

Mr. Chairman, Guest of Honor, Brothers and Sisters: The committee of arrangements for this festive gathering requested me to say a few words at this meeting and speak for the congregation. In the past I have noticed that at special occasions our pastor, who otherwise is an expert in extemporaneous speaking, writes out his speech and partly reads what he has to say. And as this occasion is of a special nature, I presume that you will allow me to also read what I have to say. In the first place let me begin with a word of congratulation. Our...

It is now 25 years ago that Rev. Hoeksema entered upon his career as minister of the gospel. It is this event in the life of our brother that we now commemorate. Rev. Hoeksema, as we all know, did not begin his ministry in the denomination of Protestant Reformed Churches. This cannot be, as 25 years ago the denomination of Protestant Reformed Churches did not exist. Our brother began his ministry in the denomination of Christian Reformed Churches. His first charge was the Christian Reformed Church of 14th St., Holland, Mich. It was this congregation that instrumentally vested him with...

We have gathered here today, as Protestant Reformed brethren and sisters, to celebrate Rev. Hoeksema’s 25th anniversary as minister of the Word of God. Surely, no higher calling can any mortal have than to be minister of God’s Word. The connection between this anniversary and our Standard Bearer is not difficult to see. Of these 25 years he has labored now almost 16 years as Editor-in-Chief of our well-known semi-monthly standard of the truth of the Holy Scriptures. Besides, the Standard Bearer surely represents his untiring efforts in the proclamation of the sovereign grace of God which we love. Hence,...

On Thursday, August 15, we, as a Protestant Reformed people, came together at John Ball Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan, to commemorate Rev. Hoeksema’s 25th anniversary as minister of the Word of God. Surely, no greater privilege and no greater work can be bestowed upon mortal man than to preach the Word of God. Ordinarily this is an event worthy of remembrance. And when a minister of the Word of God has labored 25 years in his chosen work, this event is usually celebrated in some form or another. Fact is, the Bible is the Word of God, the infallible, divinely...

It is indeed an occasion for great rejoicing that has brought us together here this day. It is approximately twenty-five years ago that our highly respected, and greatly beloved brother in Christ, the Rev. Herman Hoeksema, was called and ordained unto the ministry of the Word and of the holy sacraments. In him the Lord has given unto His Church an outstanding and able minister of His Word, and equipped him with singular gifts wherewith to labor in that ministry. By the grace of God he did not squander or bury the talents entrusted unto him by his Lord, but...