An article dedicated to the memory of Willem Hovy (1840–1915), who died in Zeist on February 27, 1915. He had supported Kuyper for almost fifty years and was the key financial backer of the Vrije Universiteit. Kuyper, his oldest friend, was the only person asked by the family to speak at his grave. In the article Kuyper describes Hovy’s significance as a practically minded Christian. He examines his life and activities against the background of the religious and social climate of the second half of the nineteenth century and highlights in particular Hovy’s sympathy for the Moravian Brethren.

Among his many accomplishments Hovy had run a brewery, assisted in the founding of Patrimonium and Boaz, championed the cause of Christian schooling, supported the Vrije Universiteit, and acted as an advocate for the church, its mission, and Christian politics. He had also served as a member of the Municipal Council of Amsterdam (1881–1899), the Provincial States (1892–1901) and, finally, the First Chamber (1901–1915).