VandenBurg, Louis (Rev.), 1878-

VANDENBURG, VAUPELL

Posted By: Lydia Lucas, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/19/2013 at 07:12:42

ALTON YOUTH WINS LAURELS

We present herewith pictures of Rev. Louis Vanden Burg of Alton and the Second Presbyterian church of Brooklyn New York where he preaches. He was called to this pastorate in November 1904 at a salary of $3000 a year with a two months vacation yearly. At the time of his call extended mention was made thereof in the columns of the Eagle and the Standard and the Times--leading dailies of Brooklyn. The Standard says he was first considered as a possibility when he preached in the First Reformed church of Brooklyn of which Dr. Farrar was pastor. The Standard quotes Dr. Farrar as saying that Rev. Vander Burg is one of the rising young clergymen of the east. The Times publishes an excerpt from one of his sermons under the following introductory remarks:

"The Rev. Mr. Vanden Burg, pastor of the Reformed Chrch of Mahwah New Jersey and a nominee for the pastorate of the Second Presbyterian Church of this borough, preached at yesterday morning's services in the latter church, corner Remsen and Clinton streets, and created a very favorable impression. His manner was frank, vigorous and unassuming. Some of his arguments were sensational, but all were logical. He did little beating around the bush--all that he had to say was delivered in a crisp, straight-from-the-shoulder manner that aroused admiration from the entire congregation. Young, fearless and of an agreeable personality, the Rev. Mr. Vanden Burg would have little trouble in filling the existent vacancy in the Remsen Street Church. He has preached twice in the second Presbyterian Church, and on both occasions has won the commendation of the congregation."

The Brooklyn Eagle on the same occasion presented a portrait of Rev. Vanden Burg with the following concerning his acceptance of the charge:

"The Rev. Louis Vanden Burg, pastor of the Reformed Church in Mahwah New Jersey who was called unanimously, by a rising vote, to the pastorate of the Second Presbyterian Church, Clinton and Remsen streets, abut ten days ago, has forwarded his letter of acceptance to the church. He expects to begin his work about November first. Mr. Vanden Burg succeeds the Rev. Alexander McGaffin, who resigned nearly two years ago on account of ill health, and who now has a pastorate in Lockport New York. Mr. Vanden Burg comes highly recommended as a young man of power in the pulpit, and he leaves his present charge, the first in his career as a minister, with the great regret of the people. Mr. Vanden Burg is a Dutchman. Both his parents were born in the Netherlands. He was born in Chicago, in West Harrison street, on February twelfth 1878, and he is, therefore, in his twenty-seventh year. When he was seven years old his parents moved to Alton, Iowa where he entered the public school. At the age of twelve he entered the Northwestern Academy, of Orange City, Iowa and was graduated at the age of fifteen. In the fall of 1893 Mr. Vanden Burg went to Hope College, Holland, Michigan and was graduated from there at the age of nineteen. In the fall of 1897 he went to Princeton Theological Seminary and was graduated a the age of twentytwo. He then received a call from the Reformed Church at Mahwah, New Jersey and began his work as a minister at the age of twentytwo in the first month of the first year of the twentieth century. His parents worked hard to give him an education, and he says he owes much to the influence of an earnest Christian mother."

The church of which Rev. Vanden Burg is pastor was founded in 1822. The building shown herewith was erected in 1851. It stands at the corner of Clinton and Remsen streets a block from the city hall. The congregation has had as pastors such able men as Rev. Samuel Cox, Rev. Melancthon Jacobus, Rev. Henry Jackson Van Dyk, Rev. Arthur Crosby, Rev. John Fox and Rev. Alexander McGaffin--who was Rev. Vanden Burg's immediate predecessor. The congregation now numbers about 800.

Rev. Vanden Burg and wife--formerly Miss Jeanette Vaupell of Holland. Michigan--are now visiting his parents Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit Vanden Burg in Alton. We are pleased to say that Rev. Vanden Burg will favor the Alton people with an American sermon at the Dutch Reformed church Sunday night.

Source: Alton Democrat, August 18, 1906.
The article includes a portrait shot of Rev. Vanden Burg and a photo of the exterior of the church.

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The Alton Democrat of August 4, 1949, features a tribute to Dr. Louis Vanden Burg published in the Paterson [New Jersey] Morning Call on his 35th anniversary as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Paterson.