Heukelum, The Netherlands (part 2)

 by Lester Ann Hyde Jensen

The mayor, Jacob A DeJohgh, a dapper looking man with a quick wit, was there to meet us. He seemed as excited about our being there as we were. This quiet little town was not used to visitors. Mayor DeJohgh told us we were the first foreign group to ever officially visit their town. He told us a bit about the 750 year old city that enjoyed its apex of importance during the 14th century. The population was 15,000. He had been mayor for 8 years and it was a full time job. He was also the water minister of the Lingwell district. He served a four-year term after each election. His title was "Dyke Count" and when he gave us this explanation he jokingly said, "I hope you realize I am a very important man." He presented us with a copy of the marriage records of Huibert VanDam, grandfather of Herbert VanDam

We all agreed with the sentiments Sam Bailey expressed when he offered the prayer and blessing on the food. He expressed our gratitude for being "home", for being here together and for the wonderful heritage we received from this place. We all felt very grateful and very excited to be here. It was a dream come true for all of us. 

After a lovely lunch of beef stock soup, cheese, breads, sliced meats and "krokets", a Dutch specialty, and fresh fruit for dessert, we were presented with post cards depicting the restaurant and the city. We mailed them home while we were there so we would have them with the postmark from Heukelum. 

We went exploring up and down the cobblestone streets of the village. Our presence caused quite a stir in the town. The townspeople weren't accustomed to visitors, especially visitors who came 20 or so at a time and were so interested in poking through every nook and cranny of the town. We felt many eyes watching us from behind those pretty Dutch lace curtains. 

Our search took us to the 15th century Dutch Reformed Church and cemetery. We poked around in the cemetary. Lee and Marj remarked that the name "Rust" must have been a prominent Dutch name. However, Kean, who had served a mission in Holland spoke the language, explained that "RUST" meant "rest" as in rest in peace.

Van Voorden, the church organist, came over from his store across the street. He asked if we would like him to open the church. Silly question. We went inside, took pictures of the organ and the pulpit. Kean and Gayle each preached sermons from the enormous and ornate pulpit with the aid of the 15th Century Bible. The organist then took them up to the organ lost where he demonstrated the very small keyboard. Gayle and Tawna also took their turns at playing. Gayle played "We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet" and Tawna played, "How Great Thou Art". As we left the church and bid farewell to Mr. Van Voorden, we went on our way down the street and people came from every direction to chat with him. They must have been curious as to who we were.

We touched city hall. The mayor presented us with gifts and we handled the book that contained the original marriage documents of Huibert VanDam. Many family members had their pictures taken with the book.

Marge Allen then expressed our appreciation and presented the mayor with a copy of The Book of Mormon. Reluctantly, we boarded the bus again for our return to Amsterdam and our hotel. That evening, in our family meeting, we were all in awe over the things that had transpired during the day. We felt like cast members in the movie, Roots, being able to return to the place where this great family started and who knows, maybe we planted a few seeds of our own.