In his 55 years in The Netherlands, Herbert Boyd has distinguished himself with such selfless service that he’s drawn the attention of the Dutch government itself. On March 9, 2008, Herb received a medal making him a member of the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the highest civilian honors granted in the Netherlands.
The honor is granted to people who have made an exceptional contribution to their community and is conferred by request of Netherland’s Queen Beatrix. For Rev. Boyd to have received the honor is unusual, since he is not a Dutch citizen.
Rev. Boyd and his late wife, Ruth, were appointed with Baptist Mid-Missions in 1952 as our first missionaries to the Netherlands. As pioneering missionaries, the Boyds evangelized and planted churches in the cities of Eindhoven, Tilburg, and Valkenswaard. Herb worked relentlessly on behalf of the Dutch people, including extensive work with camping and counseling. His contributions were honored not only by the queen but also by Baptist Mid-Missions when they awarded Herb a pin for 55 years of service, just a few weeks before he received his medal. Herb and missionary Harold Reiner (Brazil) are BMM’s only missionaries to have achieved this milestone in years of active service.
Herb continued to serve in the Netherlands after Ruth’s Homegoing in 2002. In 2003 he married Madaline Luce, who joined him in his ministry. Herb and Madaline retired in November 2007. Herb’s son, David, also serves in the Netherlands with his wife, Crissie. And once their support is raised, Herb’s grandson Daniel and his wife, Heather, will become the third generation of Boyd church planters to serve in the Netherlands.
Photos Above: Herb, second from left, surrounded by Valkenswaard officials, Madaline at right. Close-up of medal.