Lester DeKoster

Lester Ronald DeKoster (21 April 1915 – 19 April 2009) was an American librarian, educator, editor and author affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRC) and Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Early life and education

De Koster was born in Zeeland, Michigan, on April 21 1915. In his youth he was a competitive tennis player. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. After the war, he taught and coached debate at South High School in Grand Rapids before joining Calvin College as a member of the faculty. His undergraduate degree was from Calvin College. He then earned a master’s degree in speech from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Chicago.

Career

DeKoster was director of the library at Calvin College and Seminary from 1951 to 1969. He earned a doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1964, where he wrote his dissertation on John Calvin. As library director, he expanded Calvin College’s holdings in Calvin studies.

DeKoster's final book was on John Calvin and the role of preaching in modern civic life.

Philosophy and viewpoints

DeKoster emphasized preaching the Word and church-based evangelism. He argued that the Great Commission was addressed to the Church rather than to individual Christians. He identified with confessional Reformed Christianity and criticized fundamentalism. He also supported cooperation with Roman Catholics. He was opposed to abortion and rejected the "new theology" associated with Harry M. Kuitert. and Marxism.

Personal life and death

DeKoster married Ruth De Vries in 1941. The couple were married for nearly 68 years and had four children. He died on April 19, 2009 in Grand Rapids, two days before his ninety-fourth birthday.

Selected publications