DeHaan, M.R. (Martin Ralph), 1891-1965

De Haan graduated from the University of Illinois in 1914 (M.D.) and from Western Theological Seminary in 1925. He was also licensed and ordained in 1925. After briefly holding a pastorate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, De Haan was deposed and later started the Radio Bible Class.

From the description of Sermons, 1938-1965. (Joint Archive of Holland, History Research Center). WorldCat record id: 30451887

Martin Ralph DeHaan (commonly know as M. R. DeHaan) was born in Zeeland, Michigan in 1891. He was raised in the Reformed Church of America and attended Hope College for a year before transferring to the University of Illinois, Chicago to study medicine. He eventually set up a family practice in western Michigan. A personal medical emergency in 1921 led to a conversion experience that led DeHaan to sell his practice and enroll at Western Theological Seminary. There he became a convert to dispensational premillenialism and an opponent of infant baptism.

DeHaan lead a parish in Grand Rapids for nine years. His often contentious tenure ended when he resigned after suffering a heart attack in 1938. He then taught evening bible classes, and at the urging of his mentor William McCarrell, began broadcasting his classes on a small Detroit radio station. In 1941 the Mutual Network began carrying his radio Bible Class. After DeHaan suffered a second heart attack while on the air in 1946, and his son Richard assumed more and more responsibility for the broadcast and management of DeHaan's organization.

DeHaan authored twenty-five books and his organization, Radio Bible Class, of Grand Rapids continued to publish a daily devotional booklet Our Daily Bread .

DeHaan died in 1965.

Sources: Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism .

From the guide to the M. R. DeHaan publications, undated and 1934-1940s, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)