In the first graduating class of Hope College in 1866 were seven students--Ale Buursma, Gerrit Dangremond, William Gilmore, Peter Moerdyke, Willi am Moerdyke, John W. Te Winkel and Harm Woltman--who wanted to continue their theological training in the Mid-West for the ministry. Being encouraged by Dr. A. C. Van Raalte and Dr. Philip Phelps, President of Hope College, they petitioned the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America to take necessary steps to begin theological instruction in Holland. While the New Brunswick Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, N.J., was recognized by all as a splendid institution, yet, distance in those years being a prohibitive factor, the leaders of the church in the Middle West felt the interests of this section of the church could be served better by having theological instruction in the Middle West.