In 1878, the first women were admitted to Hope. ![]() Simultaneously, Hope received its official charter from the state of Michigan, and Phelps continued as the first president of Hope for an additional 12 years. Four years later, in 1866, eight of those men graduated. Most were presumably destined for careers in Christian ministry. Growth continued, and by 1862 Van Raalte joined in the leadership of Phillip Phelps, Jr., who was then serving as principal of the Academy, in elevating the level of education, enrolling ten men in the first class of Hope College. Van Vleck Hall, a stately three-story red brick Italianate structure in the center of the Hope campus was built originally as home for the Academy. In 1851, the Pioneer School was established, changing its name to The Holland Academy four years later. Van Raalte saw a need for an additional education system with a Christian emphasis, in large part to prepare young men for ministry. By 1850, three years later, that number had doubled to about 5,000. About 2,600 Dutch immigrants settled in West Michigan the first year alone. The Reformed Church that Albertus van Raalte and his followers were a part of was firmly in support of the nation’s public education system, believing it to be a great unifying force for society.īut the population grew rapidly. In founding Holland, the community immediately implemented a public education system for kindergarten through grade 12. ![]() ![]() Editor’s note: This is the eighth in a 10-part series on the history of the Holland area.
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