author
J. H. (Jan Hendrik) Gerretsen
1865–1933
A Dutch theologian and minister whose writing grew out of the ethical movement within the Dutch Reformed world. He is also remembered for a royal moment: as acting court preacher, he baptized Princess Juliana in 1909.
1 Audiobook
Op de Levensreis
by J. A. (Jan Anthony) Cramer, J. H. (Jan Hendrik) Gerretsen, Frank van Gheel-Gildemeester, P. J. Molenaar, J. C. Schuller, Hendrik Anne Constantijn Snethlage, A. J. A. Vermeer, W. L. Welter
About the author
Born in Nijmegen in 1867, he was the son of H. A. Gerretsen, an education pioneer connected with the Christian teachers' training institute De Klokkenberg. He studied theology after attending the Stedelijk Gymnasium, and later became known as a gifted preacher and writer within the Dutch Hervormde Church.
Gerretsen belonged to the so-called ethical current in Dutch Protestant theology. His work joined pastoral warmth with serious theological reflection, and his books and sermons continued to circulate widely enough to be preserved by projects such as Project Gutenberg.
He served in several congregations and, in a memorable public role, acted as court preacher at the baptism of Princess Juliana in 1909. Sources consulted during this search consistently identify him as having been born on January 18, 1867, and dying in The Hague on November 17, 1923, so the dates 1865–1933 appear to be incorrect.