Western Theological Seminary, VRI and Hope College Pay Respect to Devoted Theologian and RCA Leader Don Bruggink

Holland, Mich. — Eminent theologian Donald J. Bruggink passed away on July 27, 2026 at the age of 97. 

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 Hope College 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 — 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.

“Dr. Don Bruggink was a professor who taught with a high standard, selecting books that pushed our students,” said the Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil, president emeritus of Western Theological Seminary and past president of Hope College. “He 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.”

 Bruggink’s professional milestones reflect a career marked by leadership and lasting impact. He served on the Reformed Church in America (RCA) Commission on History (1966–1970, 1972–1978), helping to professionalize the denomination’s 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.

“Don devoted a great deal of his energy to advancing the scholarly careers of others,” said Jack Nyenhuis, director emeritus of the Van Raalte Institute and past Hope College professor, dean and provost. “He truly was an enthusiastic proponent of every one of his authors and editors.”

 Bruggink also played a key role in the RCA Commission on Liturgy (1966–1969) and the Worship Commission (1980–1986), contributing to landmark publications such as “Liturgy and Psalms” (1968) and “Worship the Lord” (1985). His scholarship on Reformed worship and architecture — especially “Christ and Architecture” (1965) and “When Faith Takes Form” (1971) — 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 — 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: “We are so grateful for Dr. Bruggink’s 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.”

 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.

“It was a privilege to work with Don, not only at the Institute but during my time on RCA staff,” said Phil Tanis, VRI director. “The immense impact he had on the church was conversely reflected in his humble demeanor, a true servant leader.”

 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–University 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 Theological Seminary, Bruggink served as minister at Fordham Manor Reformed Church in New York City for five years. 

The memorial service will be on Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Third Reformed Church in Holland. Visitation will precede the service, from 9:30 to 10:30.

Hope College’s Van Raalte Institute is dedicated to the study of the history of Dutch American immigrants, Hope College and Holland, Michigan.

Western Theological Seminary forms women and men for faithful Christian ministry and participation in the Triune God’s ongoing redemptive work in the world.