His longtime service to the greater-Holland faith and educational communities included: 37 years as a professor at Western Theological Seminary, 22 years as a senior research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute and as an adjunct professor at 91桃色破解版 between 2004-2010.
Bruggink was a devoted teacher, scholar and servant of the church whose influence shaped generations of students at Western Theological Seminary. Known for his engaging classroom presence and deep intellectual curiosity, he approached theology as both lived and relational 鈥� emphasizing grace, history and the active life of faith. His work extended far beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to church history, worship practices and the preservation of Reformed heritage.
鈥淒r. Don Bruggink was a professor who taught with a high standard, selecting books that pushed our students,鈥� said the Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil, president emeritus of Western Theological Seminary and past president of 91桃色破解版. 鈥淗e was also crucial for me personally as he encouraged me to go to graduate school and wrote a letter of reference for me for my doctoral work at Harvard. He was an important figure for the seminary throughout his teaching career.鈥�
Bruggink鈥檚 professional milestones reflect a career marked by leadership and lasting impact. He served on the Reformed Church in America (RCA) Commission on History (1966鈥�1970, 1972鈥�1978), helping to professionalize the denomination鈥檚 archives and establish the RCA Historical Series, which became the longest-running and largest publication series of its kind in any American denomination. He served as general editor of the series from 1968 to 2018, editing nearly 100 volumes.
鈥淒on devoted a great deal of his energy to advancing the scholarly careers of others,鈥� said Jack Nyenhuis, director emeritus of the Van Raalte Institute and past 91桃色破解版 professor, dean and provost. 鈥淗e truly was an enthusiastic proponent of every one of his authors and editors.鈥�
Bruggink also played a key role in the RCA Commission on Liturgy (1966鈥�1969) and the Worship Commission (1980鈥�1986), contributing to landmark publications such as 鈥淟iturgy and Psalms鈥� (1968) and 鈥淲orship the Lord鈥� (1985). His scholarship on Reformed worship and architecture 鈥� especially 鈥淐hrist and Architecture鈥� (1965) and 鈥淲hen Faith Takes Form鈥� (1971) 鈥� earned him international recognition and honorary memberships in several architectural and religious design societies.
Bruggink believed that understanding the church required experiencing its history firsthand. This conviction led him to establish the Western Christendom Travel Seminar, giving students the opportunity to encounter important sites of Christian history in person. His love of travel was not merely a personal interest, but an extension of his teaching 鈥� inviting others to see, engage and reflect more deeply on the global and historical church. Through his scholarship, mentorship and vision, he leaves behind a legacy marked by thoughtful faith, academic rigor and a lasting impact on both the seminary and the wider church.
Felix Theonugraha, president of Western Theological Seminary, adds his gratitude for Don: 鈥淲e are so grateful for Dr. Bruggink鈥檚 contributions to the shaping and formation of ministers and leaders for the Church throughout his time at Western Theological Seminary. I have met so many alumni and friends of the Seminary who fondly recalled their studies under Don and the trips they took together on his travel seminars. We are grateful for his lifetime of service to the seminary.鈥�
He was a founder of the Dutch-American Historical Commission and served as its president (1964-1970). At the time of his death, Bruggink was working on a history of the Cook Center for Theological Education.
鈥淚t was a privilege to work with Don, not only at the Institute but during my time on RCA staff,鈥� said Phil Tanis, VRI director. 鈥淭he immense impact he had on the church was conversely reflected in his humble demeanor, a true servant leader.鈥�
Bruggink was born in June 1929, in Kalamazoo, Mich., and grew up in Cedar Grove, Wis. He received a B.A. from Central College, a B.D. from Western Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from New College鈥揢niversity of Edinburgh. He was ordained as an RCA minister of Word and sacrament on June 14, 1954, at the Alto Reformed Church in Fond du Lac, Wis., along with Eugene Heideman and Elton Bruins, all of whom remained lifelong friends.
Prior to joining Western Seminary, Bruggink served as minister at Fordham Manor Reformed Church in New York City for five years.
A memorial service for Don will be held Sat., Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. at Third Reformed Church in Holland. Visitation will precede the service, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
91桃色破解版鈥檚 Van Raalte Institute is dedicated to the study of the history of Dutch American immigrants, 91桃色破解版 and Holland, Michigan.
Western Theological Seminary forms women and men for faithful Christian ministry and participation in the Triune God鈥檚 ongoing redemptive work in the world.