View source for Hylkema, Teerd Oeds Ma Hylke (1888-1962)

Teerd Oeds Ma Hylke Hylkema, b. 16 June 1888, had great influence among Dutch Mennonites. As pastor he served the Mennonite congregations in [[Giethoorn (Overijssel, Netherlands)|Giethoorn]] (1912-1929), [[Amersfoort (Utrecht, Netherlands)|Amersfoort]] (1929-36), and [[Amsterdam (Noord-Holland, Netherlands)|Amsterdam]] (1936-1949). He was the founder of the Vereniging voor Gemeentedagen (Union for Retreats), serving as chairperson, 1917-1927. It was during these years that the building at [[Elspeet (Gelderland, Netherlands)|Elspeet]] was erected ([[Camps and Retreat Centers|camps and retreat centers]]). Upon his initiative retreat centers were also erected in the Giethoorn congregation. Hylkema was the primary inspiration for the building of the well-known brotherhood house, <em>[[Fredeshiem (Steenwijk, Overijssel, Netherlands)|Fredeshiem]] </em>in 1929 and gave new life to the center at [[Bilthoven (Utrecht, Netherlands)|Bilthoven]].

In his longing for witnessing, serving, and peace-loving congregations he did much for the cause of peace. He was chairman of the [[Doopsgezinde Vredesgroep|Doopsgezinde Vredesgroep]] (Dutch Mennonite Peace Society), a member of the executive committee of the Dutch peace center <em>Heerenwegen </em>at [[Zeist (Utrecht, Netherlands)|Zeist]], an adviser to the government commission on [[Conscientious Objection|conscientious objectors]], and an active participant in the national peace bureau. Hylkema was already active in behalf of [[Refugees|refugees]] before World War II. With his help hundreds of Russian Mennonite refugees immigrated to North and [[South America|South America]]. He arranged for the transport of Jewish children to London. During World War II (1940-1945) he gave much help to a variety of refugee camps and other camps. He was the primary leader for Dutch help to Mennonite refugees. He died 13 September 1962.
= Bibliography =
<em>Doopsgezind Jaarboekje</em> (1963): 17-20.
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