Phelps, Philip, 1826-

Phelps graduated from Union College in 1844. In 1849, he graduated from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. After serving as a Reformed pastor for 10 years, Phelps accepted an appointment as principal of the Holland Academy. By 1866, Phelps had helped transform the Academy into Hope College and was inaugurated as its first president. He was aslo responsible for the founding of Hope Church, the first English-speaking Reformed Church in Holland. Phelps established a theological department which later became Western Theoleological Seminary. He brought Hope College its first fraternity (Fraternal Society) and admitted Hope's first female and Japanese students. Philip Phelps retired from Hope College in 1878.

From the description of Papers, 1795-1972, (bulk 1834-1897) (Joint Archive of Holland, History Research Center). WorldCat record id: 30122729