Martin van der Veen (69) from Apeldoorn received a royal honour from Mayor Ton Heerts on Wednesday 3 June 2026. He has been appointed a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. He received this honour in recognition of his many years of service to the Christian Reformed Andreaskerk and the Theological University of Apeldoorn.
Over the past few decades, Mr Van der Veen has been deeply involved in the work of the Andreaskerk, particularly in his role as scribe (secretary to the church council). He has held this position for 29 years, from 1988 to the present day, serving in several separate terms. As scribe, he handled many organisational and administrative matters, including the minutes of numerous meetings, membership records, announcements from the pulpit, and keeping track of important dates and decisions.
In addition, over the years he has done a great deal of work on various committees and in various areas of responsibility within the church, including communications and garden maintenance. He supports those in need and the sick, visits parishioners and ensures the community runs smoothly. He is a point of contact for anyone who needs support or information.
Furthermore, since 2020 he has been a highly committed volunteer at Apeldoorn Theological University. He helps with practical tasks such as preparing rooms and organising catering for meetings and courses. He also acts as an invigilator during exams and carries out library duties.
Mr Van der Veen’s reliability, empathy, experience and boundless dedication have had a significant impact and are widely appreciated within the church and the university.
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