Van Houte, Rev. Jacob 1845-1919

VANHOUTE, STEETS, SCHUITEMAKER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Source: Boyden Reporter (10-23-1919)

Born: December 7, 1845
Died: October 19, 1919

REVEREND JACOB VAN HOUTE, EMERITUS PASTOR, IS CALLED BY CREATOR--PASSES AWAY ON OCTOBER 19TH--SERVES ACTIVE MINISTRY FOR 50 YEARS--BECAME EMERITUS PASTOR IN AUGUST 1916---13 YEARS MINISTRY AT BOYDEN

Reverend Jacob Van Houte, of Boyden, Iowa, Emeritus Pastor of the First Reformed Church in America, passed away at his home on the 19th day of October, in the year 1919, after an illness of only a few weeks duration. Funeral services for the deceased was held at the Reformed Church of Boyden, on Wednesday afternoon, with Reverend R.D. Douwstra officiating, assisted by other ministers. Interment was made in the Boyden Cemetery, one mile northwest.

Reverend Jacob Van Houte, was born in Breskens, Zeeland, Netherlands, on the 7th day of December, in the year 1845, and passed away at his home in Boyden, on the 19th day of October, 1919, at the age of 73 years, 10 months, and 12 days. He was united in marriage to Maria Steets at Nijverdal, Netherlands, in June, 1871. To this happy union, two children were born, Jeanette of Sheldon, Iowa, and Theodore, who died at Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1899. After a brief period of married life he suffered the loss of his wife, and in 1877, he was married to Johanna Maria Schuitemaker, to this union nine children were born: Wilhelmina and Mrs. Henry J.Rensink, of Boyden; Maurice of Sioux City, Iowa; Jacob, Jr. of Strasburg, North Dakota; John of Billings, Montana; Henry of Big Timber, Montana; Gerrit of Portland, Oregon. Elizabeth died in infancy at Holland, Michigan and William died at Boyden, Iowa, are left to mourn the death of a noble husband and father.

The late Reverend Jacob Van Houte, began his career as a Preacher when but 21 years of age, and during his ministry he served eight congregations, covering a period of fifty years. Seldom do we hear of a minister with a record of nearly a half century of active service to his credit. His first pastorate was at Nijverdal, Ntherlands, where he served for eleven years, next at Almeloo, Netherlands, for four years, and then two years at Holtweg, Netherlands, when at the expiration of this time he received a call from the United States from the congregation at Cleveland, Ohio. This he accepted and after coming to this country he served at Cleveland for two years. After leaving Cleveland he served six years at South Holland, Illinois, eight years at Holland, Michigan, three years at Grand Rapids, Michigan and thirteen years at Boyden, Iowa. He became Emeritus Pastor o August 1st, 1916, and remained in Boyden until his death.

Funeral services for the Reverend Jacob Van Houte, were held at the First Reformed Church of Boyden, with Reverend R.D. Douwstra officiating, assisted by other Ministers. The pallbearers at the funeral of the late Reverend Van Houte, were as follows: Reverend Jan DePree, of Sioux Center, Iowa; Reverend H. Douwstra of Middleburg, Iowa; Reverend J.P. DeJong of Alton, Iowa; Reverend H. Veldman of Newkirk, Iowa; Reverend J. Engelsman of Orange City, Iowa; and Reverend J.W. Kots of Matlock, Iowa. The older ministers were asked to be pallbearers, while the others who attended the funeral and the consistory of the Boyden Church were requested to act as honorary pallbearers. The funeral was attended by a very large crowd, which filled the church beyond standing room .

In the death of the Reverend Jacob Van Houte, we truly and keenly realize the loss. There is no language at our command by which we can fittingly portray the sincerity of his Christian Character.