Harry Arnold, who concluded his preaching ministry in 2015 on his 90th birthday, only wanted to be remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord. Arnold died June 16, just two weeks before his 70th wedding anniversary.
Born in Paterson, N.J., Arnold enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during his senior year in high school and served on active duty during World War II from 1944 through 1946. After release from military service, he studied first at Calvin College and then at Calvin Seminary, graduating in 1953.
After ordination that same year, he accepted a call to First Christian Reformed Church in Minneapolis, Minn. He went on to serve the following congregations: East Palmyra (N.Y.) CRC; First CRC, Zeeland, Mich.; First CRC, Lansing, Ill. (since renamed New Hope Church); and Grace CRC, Kalamazoo, Mich. During these years, Arnold continued theological studies, receiving a Masters of Theology from Calvin Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. After retirement in 1991, he continued to serve area churches for the next 25 years as supply pastor. Arnold loved the CRC. His children recall detours on family vacations to check out "one of our churches." It was not difficult to find one with a CRC Yearbook in his car’s glove box.
Arnold enjoyed having coffee and donuts with friends and chocolate anytime. He liked woodworking. Besides doing the daily crossword puzzle, he spent a lot of time reading books, periodicals, and biblical commentaries.
Arnold is survived by his wife, Kathryn; their four children and their spouses; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by grandson Bradley.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
