Difference between revisions of "Jacob Kraai"
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==Early Life== | ==Early Life== | ||
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Jacob Kraai was born May 2, 1877 in Grand Haven, MI to Tonnes “Tony” (1843-1920) & Minna “Minnie” (Bolhuis) Kraai (1840-1910), both born in the Netherlands, and died in Grand Rapids, MI. | Jacob Kraai was born May 2, 1877 in Grand Haven, MI to Tonnes “Tony” (1843-1920) & Minna “Minnie” (Bolhuis) Kraai (1840-1910), both born in the Netherlands, and died in Grand Rapids, MI. | ||
===Tonnes=== | ===Tonnes=== | ||
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Tonnes may have been born Sept. 12, 1843 to Jan Arends Kraai (1800-1861) and Teetje Tunnis de Haan (1802-1851). He married Minna on Feb. 10, 1869 at the Alpine Ave Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. | Tonnes may have been born Sept. 12, 1843 to Jan Arends Kraai (1800-1861) and Teetje Tunnis de Haan (1802-1851). He married Minna on Feb. 10, 1869 at the Alpine Ave Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. | ||
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===Minna=== | ===Minna=== | ||
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Minna “Minnie” Bolhuis Kraai was born July 30, 1840 to Jacob Eibes Bolhuis and Grietje Hindriks Medema. They emigrated to the U.S. in 1867. | Minna “Minnie” Bolhuis Kraai was born July 30, 1840 to Jacob Eibes Bolhuis and Grietje Hindriks Medema. They emigrated to the U.S. in 1867. | ||
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==Siblings== | ==Siblings== | ||
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Jacob had two brothers:<br /> Jan “John” T. Kraai (1870-1946) | Jacob had two brothers:<br /> Jan “John” T. Kraai (1870-1946) | ||
Thomas Kraai (1881-1962) married Jacob’s wife’s sister, Maggie “Madge” Veyer (1884-1940), and later remarried Donna Agnes Smith Converse (1881-1977). | Thomas Kraai (1881-1962) married Jacob’s wife’s sister, Maggie “Madge” Veyer (1884-1940), and later remarried Donna Agnes Smith Converse (1881-1977). | ||
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==Marriage== | ==Marriage== | ||
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On May 16, 1907 Jacob married May “Mary” Veyer, a dress maker. Mary was born February 23, 1879 in Olive Center, MI to Lucas (1847-1903) and Martha Rohorst (1844-1925) Veyer, both born in the Netherlands, and died in Grand Rapids. | On May 16, 1907 Jacob married May “Mary” Veyer, a dress maker. Mary was born February 23, 1879 in Olive Center, MI to Lucas (1847-1903) and Martha Rohorst (1844-1925) Veyer, both born in the Netherlands, and died in Grand Rapids. | ||
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Jacob and Mary’s wedding was officiated by the Rev. Menno John Bosma (1874-1912), who later wrote a noteworthy exposition on Reformed doctrine that is still in print. Mary died March 4, 1948. | Jacob and Mary’s wedding was officiated by the Rev. Menno John Bosma (1874-1912), who later wrote a noteworthy exposition on Reformed doctrine that is still in print. Mary died March 4, 1948. | ||
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==Occupation== | ==Occupation== | ||
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1900: Spindle Carver; His brother John was a Cabinetmaker, and his brother Thomas was a Sawer. And his father, Tony, was a Filler. | 1900: Spindle Carver; His brother John was a Cabinetmaker, and his brother Thomas was a Sawer. And his father, Tony, was a Filler. | ||
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==Children== | ==Children== | ||
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They raised four children in the earliest days of Northwest Gospel Hall: | They raised four children in the earliest days of Northwest Gospel Hall: | ||
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* [[Mabel Louise Kraai]] born Feb. 14, 1912, died Aug. 23, 1912 of “Addison’s anemia”. | * [[Mabel Louise Kraai]] born Feb. 14, 1912, died Aug. 23, 1912 of “Addison’s anemia”. | ||
* [[James Murray Kraai]] (1913-1992) married [[Bernedean Johanna Derks Kraai|Bernedean Johanna Derks]] (1913-1985) | * [[James Murray Kraai]] (1913-1992) married [[Bernedean Johanna Derks Kraai|Bernedean Johanna Derks]] (1913-1985) | ||
| − | * [[Muriel May Kraai Gephart]] (1919-2012) married Charles Edwin Gephart (1917-2007), and attended an Evangelical Covenant | + | * [[Muriel May Kraai Gephart]] (1919-2012) married Charles Edwin Gephart (1917-2007), and attended an Evangelical Covenant church. |
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==Church background== | ==Church background== | ||
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===Jacob=== | ===Jacob=== | ||
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Jacob’s family was involved with the 5<sup>th</sup> Reformed Church, then in July of 1900, Jacob and his parents and two brothers were baptized into Roosevelt Park. | Jacob’s family was involved with the 5<sup>th</sup> Reformed Church, then in July of 1900, Jacob and his parents and two brothers were baptized into Roosevelt Park. | ||
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===Mary=== | ===Mary=== | ||
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Mary’s family was involved with the Dutch Reformed Church in America since March 12, 1866, including First Reformed Church (Holland, MI), Coldbrook Reformed Church, then in 1887 into Alpine Ave. Reformed Church. | Mary’s family was involved with the Dutch Reformed Church in America since March 12, 1866, including First Reformed Church (Holland, MI), Coldbrook Reformed Church, then in 1887 into Alpine Ave. Reformed Church. | ||
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==Assembly involvement== | ==Assembly involvement== | ||
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In 1893, at the age of sixteen, Jacob was involved with Peter Pell, Sr.’s Bible class for young men. | In 1893, at the age of sixteen, Jacob was involved with Peter Pell, Sr.’s Bible class for young men. | ||
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===Northwest Gospel Hall founding=== | ===Northwest Gospel Hall founding=== | ||
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Around 1922, he and a few other believers started a meeting above a woodshop that became [[Northwest Gospel Hall, MI]]. | Around 1922, he and a few other believers started a meeting above a woodshop that became [[Northwest Gospel Hall, MI]]. | ||
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==Death== | ==Death== | ||
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He died January 14, 1945, at his residence of 1930 W. Leonard St., Grand Rapids. | He died January 14, 1945, at his residence of 1930 W. Leonard St., Grand Rapids. | ||
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===1945 Links=== | ===1945 Links=== | ||
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====Memorial Service report==== | ====Memorial Service report==== | ||
| + | At Jacob’s memorial service, Peter Pell, Jr. read the 84<sup>th</sup> Psalm, and Peter Pell, Sr. prayed. Will Pell read of Jacob’s meeting with God at Pennel in Genesis 32, and also the account in Hosea 12. He pointed out many parallels in the life of Jacob of the Bible and that of Jacob Kraai’s. Peter Pell, Jr. followed with devotional comments on the 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalm linking it with the preceding and following Psalms. <br /> <br /> It was the 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalm that Mrs. Kraai had read to her husband, and probably the last words he was intelligently able to understand. Peter drew analogies between Jacob’s experience as a shepherd and the Lord as our Shepherd, and applied them to the life and experiences of Bro. Kraai. | ||
| − | + | Leon Bradford, Mr. Kraai’s nephew, sang two songs. One was Mr. Kraai’s favorite… remember? “When we walk with the Lord… Trust and Obey…” The other hymn was “Fade, fade each earthly joy… Jesus is mine”. Our brother was buried in Greenwood Cemetery where Peter read suitable Scriptures, and Will prayed.” | |
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====Brother Kraai, A Man of Prayer==== | ====Brother Kraai, A Man of Prayer==== | ||
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“We promised to tell you a little more about our departed brother, Mr. Jacob Kraai, in this issue of Links. We are pleased too, to be able to give you this picture of him. On the Wednesday night after his death, several tributes were paid in his memory. <br /> <br /> One of the brethren recalled the early days in the history of the assembly. As you know, Mr. Kraai spent most of his time going from door to door selling household necessities and Christian literature and supplies. During one of his calls to the Pell’s home, more than a quarter of a century ago, he was quite enthused about some prayer meetings that were being held on the West Side. He insisted that the folks should come out. They did, and for many Friday nights these cottage meetings grew in interest and attendance.<br /> <br /> Some were saved, many were helped, and scores of people who are now found in the assemblies and several of the fundamental churches of our city were first reached in these cottage prayer meetings. These meetings led to the forming of the assembly that now meets in Evangel Hall. Soon after the assembly was formed, Mr. Kraai met with the Lord’s people at 1907 Leonard Street, and as you know, “continued steadfastly” until the day of his death. <br /> <br /> He loved to preach in the open air, and his very presence demanded attention. When listening to his fervent exhortations, one was reminded of this verse, “Cry aloud and spare not”. He especially loved prayer meetings of all kinds. He felt that prayer was the only means of revival, and revival was what he knew was needed more than anything else. <br /> <br /> Whenever possible he was with the Christians who met for prayer before the Gospel meeting. When his family felt it was not safe for him to drive the car alone, he spent the waiting time in prayer. Thus, even in his home, he was in spirit in the little prayer room in the Hall. | “We promised to tell you a little more about our departed brother, Mr. Jacob Kraai, in this issue of Links. We are pleased too, to be able to give you this picture of him. On the Wednesday night after his death, several tributes were paid in his memory. <br /> <br /> One of the brethren recalled the early days in the history of the assembly. As you know, Mr. Kraai spent most of his time going from door to door selling household necessities and Christian literature and supplies. During one of his calls to the Pell’s home, more than a quarter of a century ago, he was quite enthused about some prayer meetings that were being held on the West Side. He insisted that the folks should come out. They did, and for many Friday nights these cottage meetings grew in interest and attendance.<br /> <br /> Some were saved, many were helped, and scores of people who are now found in the assemblies and several of the fundamental churches of our city were first reached in these cottage prayer meetings. These meetings led to the forming of the assembly that now meets in Evangel Hall. Soon after the assembly was formed, Mr. Kraai met with the Lord’s people at 1907 Leonard Street, and as you know, “continued steadfastly” until the day of his death. <br /> <br /> He loved to preach in the open air, and his very presence demanded attention. When listening to his fervent exhortations, one was reminded of this verse, “Cry aloud and spare not”. He especially loved prayer meetings of all kinds. He felt that prayer was the only means of revival, and revival was what he knew was needed more than anything else. <br /> <br /> Whenever possible he was with the Christians who met for prayer before the Gospel meeting. When his family felt it was not safe for him to drive the car alone, he spent the waiting time in prayer. Thus, even in his home, he was in spirit in the little prayer room in the Hall. | ||
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But Mr. Kraai’s prayers were not limited to places and times of prayer. His wife informs us that she has often wakened in the night to hear him pray in his sleepless moments for those who had somewhat of a responsibility for the meetings. We wonder who will take his place especially in this ministry of prayer. Will some of you boys be exercised and say, “Here am I”? | But Mr. Kraai’s prayers were not limited to places and times of prayer. His wife informs us that she has often wakened in the night to hear him pray in his sleepless moments for those who had somewhat of a responsibility for the meetings. We wonder who will take his place especially in this ministry of prayer. Will some of you boys be exercised and say, “Here am I”? | ||
| − | + | “Prayer without work is hypocrisy; Work without prayer is presumption.” (Charles H. Spurgeon) | |
| + | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
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* [https://search.ancestry.com Ancestry.com] | * [https://search.ancestry.com Ancestry.com] | ||
* Randy Kraai 2-8-2019 | * Randy Kraai 2-8-2019 | ||
Latest revision as of 11:33, 9 February 2019
Contents
Early Life
Jacob Kraai was born May 2, 1877 in Grand Haven, MI to Tonnes “Tony” (1843-1920) & Minna “Minnie” (Bolhuis) Kraai (1840-1910), both born in the Netherlands, and died in Grand Rapids, MI.
Tonnes
Tonnes may have been born Sept. 12, 1843 to Jan Arends Kraai (1800-1861) and Teetje Tunnis de Haan (1802-1851). He married Minna on Feb. 10, 1869 at the Alpine Ave Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.
Minna
Minna “Minnie” Bolhuis Kraai was born July 30, 1840 to Jacob Eibes Bolhuis and Grietje Hindriks Medema. They emigrated to the U.S. in 1867.
Siblings
Jacob had two brothers:
Jan “John” T. Kraai (1870-1946)
Thomas Kraai (1881-1962) married Jacob’s wife’s sister, Maggie “Madge” Veyer (1884-1940), and later remarried Donna Agnes Smith Converse (1881-1977).
Marriage
On May 16, 1907 Jacob married May “Mary” Veyer, a dress maker. Mary was born February 23, 1879 in Olive Center, MI to Lucas (1847-1903) and Martha Rohorst (1844-1925) Veyer, both born in the Netherlands, and died in Grand Rapids.
Jacob and Mary’s wedding was officiated by the Rev. Menno John Bosma (1874-1912), who later wrote a noteworthy exposition on Reformed doctrine that is still in print. Mary died March 4, 1948.
Occupation
1900: Spindle Carver; His brother John was a Cabinetmaker, and his brother Thomas was a Sawer. And his father, Tony, was a Filler.
1907: Canvasser
1910: Self-Employed Retail Merchant in the bakery goods industry
1918: Spindle Carver @ Sligh Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, MI;
1920: Self-Employed Bookstore Salesman
1940: Salesman of Household Supplies
- Jacob’s daughter Minnie also worked as a clerk at a furniture store, and his son James was a laborer there (presumably both at Sligh)
Children
They raised four children in the earliest days of Northwest Gospel Hall:
- Minnie Kraai Van Loenen (1908-1996) married Everett B. Van Loenen, a tool and die maker for Fisher Body, then a barber.
- Mabel Louise Kraai born Feb. 14, 1912, died Aug. 23, 1912 of “Addison’s anemia”.
- James Murray Kraai (1913-1992) married Bernedean Johanna Derks (1913-1985)
- Muriel May Kraai Gephart (1919-2012) married Charles Edwin Gephart (1917-2007), and attended an Evangelical Covenant church.
Church background
Jacob
Jacob’s family was involved with the 5th Reformed Church, then in July of 1900, Jacob and his parents and two brothers were baptized into Roosevelt Park.
Mary
Mary’s family was involved with the Dutch Reformed Church in America since March 12, 1866, including First Reformed Church (Holland, MI), Coldbrook Reformed Church, then in 1887 into Alpine Ave. Reformed Church.
Assembly involvement
In 1893, at the age of sixteen, Jacob was involved with Peter Pell, Sr.’s Bible class for young men.
Northwest Gospel Hall founding
Around 1922, he and a few other believers started a meeting above a woodshop that became Northwest Gospel Hall, MI.
Death
He died January 14, 1945, at his residence of 1930 W. Leonard St., Grand Rapids.
1945 Links
Memorial Service report
At Jacob’s memorial service, Peter Pell, Jr. read the 84th Psalm, and Peter Pell, Sr. prayed. Will Pell read of Jacob’s meeting with God at Pennel in Genesis 32, and also the account in Hosea 12. He pointed out many parallels in the life of Jacob of the Bible and that of Jacob Kraai’s. Peter Pell, Jr. followed with devotional comments on the 23rd Psalm linking it with the preceding and following Psalms.
It was the 23rd Psalm that Mrs. Kraai had read to her husband, and probably the last words he was intelligently able to understand. Peter drew analogies between Jacob’s experience as a shepherd and the Lord as our Shepherd, and applied them to the life and experiences of Bro. Kraai.
Leon Bradford, Mr. Kraai’s nephew, sang two songs. One was Mr. Kraai’s favorite… remember? “When we walk with the Lord… Trust and Obey…” The other hymn was “Fade, fade each earthly joy… Jesus is mine”. Our brother was buried in Greenwood Cemetery where Peter read suitable Scriptures, and Will prayed.”
Brother Kraai, A Man of Prayer
“We promised to tell you a little more about our departed brother, Mr. Jacob Kraai, in this issue of Links. We are pleased too, to be able to give you this picture of him. On the Wednesday night after his death, several tributes were paid in his memory.
One of the brethren recalled the early days in the history of the assembly. As you know, Mr. Kraai spent most of his time going from door to door selling household necessities and Christian literature and supplies. During one of his calls to the Pell’s home, more than a quarter of a century ago, he was quite enthused about some prayer meetings that were being held on the West Side. He insisted that the folks should come out. They did, and for many Friday nights these cottage meetings grew in interest and attendance.
Some were saved, many were helped, and scores of people who are now found in the assemblies and several of the fundamental churches of our city were first reached in these cottage prayer meetings. These meetings led to the forming of the assembly that now meets in Evangel Hall. Soon after the assembly was formed, Mr. Kraai met with the Lord’s people at 1907 Leonard Street, and as you know, “continued steadfastly” until the day of his death.
He loved to preach in the open air, and his very presence demanded attention. When listening to his fervent exhortations, one was reminded of this verse, “Cry aloud and spare not”. He especially loved prayer meetings of all kinds. He felt that prayer was the only means of revival, and revival was what he knew was needed more than anything else.
Whenever possible he was with the Christians who met for prayer before the Gospel meeting. When his family felt it was not safe for him to drive the car alone, he spent the waiting time in prayer. Thus, even in his home, he was in spirit in the little prayer room in the Hall.
But Mr. Kraai’s prayers were not limited to places and times of prayer. His wife informs us that she has often wakened in the night to hear him pray in his sleepless moments for those who had somewhat of a responsibility for the meetings. We wonder who will take his place especially in this ministry of prayer. Will some of you boys be exercised and say, “Here am I”?
“Prayer without work is hypocrisy; Work without prayer is presumption.” (Charles H. Spurgeon)
Sources
- Ancestry.com
- Randy Kraai 2-8-2019
- Sligh Furniture history
- Menno Bosma’s Find a Grave entry
- 5th Reformed history
