Photography by Katie Kooima

From humble beginnings in 1911, Timothy has grown to over 1250 students representing over 200 churches and 50 Chicagoland communities! A lot has changed since Timothy opened its doors in 1911 — but Timothy’s mission of standing on Biblical values and Truth has never wavered. Current parents follow in the footsteps of generations of parents who prayerfully made the decision to invest in Christ-centered education. Incredibly there are great-grandchildren from the very first generation of students at Timothy today! The Kooima Family is a generational family. The family’s Timothy journey started in 1913, just two years after Timothy first opened its doors, with two small children named John Boeringa and Fannie Cook. 

It was a different time from long ago, when girls wore puffed sleeves and bows for picture day. Cameras took so long to operate that children stood, stoically frozen, in the Timothy Christian class photograph. John and Fannie’s friendship eventually grew into a lifelong commitment and they had five children. At the center of John and Fannie's marriage was the Lord. It was out of this love for the Lord, and their desire that faith in Christ be incorporated into their children's education, that they made the decision to send their children to Timothy. A new inheritance was born from that decision, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are still here, celebrating God's faithfulness, five generations later.

Each person in this photograph is a descendant of Gertrude (Robert) Kooima, John and Fannie's firstborn. Gertrude was a joyful, kind hearted woman, who raised her six children to know and serve the Lord, as her parents had done before her. She humbly loved and served those around her and made the essence of her life the Timothy community. Incredibly 45 descendants from Gertrude have walked the halls of Timothy and currently there is at least one of her great-grandchildren in every grade from kindergarten to 12th grade. God is good and faithful!

Timothy has been woven into the backdrop of the Kooima family tapestry for five generations. This picture (which would melt Gertrudes heart!) is a reminder that we are all a part of something bigger, that God's promises remain, and that His love endures from generation to generation.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Do you have a #MyTimothyStory to share? Please write your story and share it with us (bode@timothychristian.com)! It might end up on our blog, social media, or TCSNews!