Colenbrander Hall, also known as “Coly” by many, is a building showing Northwestern College’s rich history and honors the impact of one remarkable individual: Reverend Henry Colenbrander, D.D. While the name is engraved on the building, the story behind it is not well known to the many students on campus.
Reverend Henry Colenbrander D.D. left a mark at NW, paving the way to make what the institution is today. As pastor at the First Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa, for 35 years, Dr. Colenbrander also served as President of the Northwestern College Board of Trustees for over 30 years. He earned the esteemed title of President Emeritus when he retired in 1960. Dr. Colenbrander intertwined his passion for faith and education in teaching religion classes at NW when his colleague passed away. His dedication is recognized through his service and leadership in both Northwestern College and the Reformed Church in America.
Arriving in Orange City in 1925, Dr. Colenbrander witnessed NW’s evolution from a classical academy to a junior college, and ultimately to a full four-year institution. He played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory, earning the honor of having the male dorm named in his honor in 1960.
Dr. Henry Colenbrander was born into a Dutch immigrant family in Alamosa Valley, Colo. in 1893, eventually moving to New Jersey during his formative years. He went to Hope College and Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. and was ordained in 1916.
Before his tenure at Northwestern, Dr. Colenbrander served as a missionary pastor in Sioux City, Iowa, for two years and Pastor at Rock Valley, Iowa for eight years. Through Dr. Colenbrander’s ministry at First Reformed Church, he inspired 29 members to enter full-time Christian service. Dr. Colenbrander had a heart attack and passed away suddenly on Feb. 22, 1963, while supporting the Raiders at a Northwestern basketball game in Orange City, IA.
While Dr. Henry Colenbrander’s legacy is impressive, it is important to distinguish him from his son, Rev. Paul Colenbrander, who was also an influential figure at Northwestern College. Some might assume Colenbrander Hall is named after Rev. Paul Colenbrander due to his legacy with the athletics at Northwestern College and associate it with the stereotype that it is the “athlete” dorm on campus. Although they both contributed extensively to the development of NW, it is named after Dr. Henry Colenbrander.
Rev. Paul Colenbrander, referred to as “Coly,” was the first man hired by Northwestern to coach and teach physical education. Coly graduated from Northwestern Junior College in 1942 where he was a star basketball player. He then served in the United States Navy for four years during WWII, then attended Westmar College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1948.
He coached at Paullina High School for two years before going to work at NW. Paul Colenbrander found success in coaching football and basketball for 12 years and helped turn the athletic program to what it is today. In 1963 Paul Colenbrander moved his family back to
Holland, Mich. to go to Western Seminary and served as pastor of Maplewood Reformed Church for 14 years.
The Colenbrander men, Reverend Henry and Reverend Paul, have been in inspiring roles to their communities and to Northwestern College. Their commitment to faith, education, and service continues to inspire generations. With Colenbrander Hall expected to be torn down, it is important that the Colenbrander legacy lives on and continues to inspire future leaders. Their impact goes beyond the walls and is embedded in what NW is today.
