William and Catherine Booth College celebrates 25 years of mission and ministry
On the weekend of April 27-29, William and Catherine Booth College celebrated 25 years of God’s faithfulness in keep them true to the vision of a unique Salvation Army institution for higher learning. Over the years, God has led the college faculty and trustees to an ever widening and deepening vision, so that today, after only a relatively short life span, the college has achieved a rich legacy.
Since it opened in 1982 as Catherine Booth Bible College, students have come and graduated from 40 countries around the world, including representatives from every continent. Certificate and degree programs have grown to match the needs of students preparing for Salvation Army ministry.
It has expanded from a local three-story building in Winnipeg, with most students living in residence, to a multi-facility campus with an international reach. This past year there were 150 students studying in Winnipeg and another 700 registered in courses throughout the world through distance education.
At first the college was a stand-alone, fledgling institution. It has now partnered with various Army territories for the education of its cadets and officers, is affiliated with the oldest university in western Canada-the University of Manitoba-and is in partnership with the Winnipeg Theological Co-operative based out of the University of Winnipeg.
International Impact
This year’s graduating class featured five students receiving certificates in either chaplaincy/spiritual care or Christian studies. Seventeen graduated with a BA in either Bible and theology, Christian ministries, youth and family Studies, social and behavioral sciences or Christian studies. A further 13 graduated with a bachelor of social work, which has become the most sought-after field of studies. In recent years the social-work program has attracted a growing number of students from other Christian communities to prepare themselves for ministry to the poor and disadvantaged.
Most of the graduates are from Canada. However, included in the class of 2007 were students from the United States, Haiti, India, the Ukraine and Zimbabwe. The international students continue to add a rich dimension for all students studying in Winnipeg.
On hand for this year’s celebrations were The Salvation Army’s international leaders, General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton, supported by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, territorial commander, and Colonels Glen and Eleanor Shepherd, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries.
In his address, the General explored the parallels between the education and graduation of Booth College students with the act of first-century church leaders in selecting seven men to “serve tables†(see Acts 6:1-15). The qualification of those early believers is just as applicable to the new graduates. They are to be of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit, seeking the full wisdom of God, having no salary, yet reaping immeasurable rewards. That first-century graduation ceremony included a process to select those with the necessary qualifications. They were affirmed by the church and appointed to their work of service. In the same way, today’s graduates have met the rigorous criteria of the college, are affirmed and encouraged by the assembled congregation, and sent out to use their skill, knowledge and dedication in service to their communities.
Anniversary Banquet
Weekend events included a 25th anniversary banquet for several hundred Winnipeg citizens. This evening was highlighted by General Clifton presenting the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service to Dr. William Norrie. It was noted that the Army does not give this award often and Dr. Norrie is a worthy recipient. A long and valued friend of The Salvation Army in Winnipeg, Dr. Norrie worked diligently during his tem as mayor to help the Army procure various properties from which it continues to serve today. Included are the current site of Booth College and the auxiliary building hosting the college library and the new College for Officer Training.
The General had the rapt attention of the audience as he spoke of the Army’s advancements worldwide into additional and challenging countries. He spoke clearly of the Army’s God-given mandate and expressed appreciation to those who faithfully support and encourage its ministry.
The celebration continued on Saturday evening at Southlands Community Church, where a packed hall of Salvationists enthusiastically honoured the college’s many achievements. Present faculty and students, as well as those who from the college’s first year of existence, shared their memories of those early days. Video clips showed the changing hairstyles of those continuing to give leadership to the college. The General spoke of the centrality of the mercy seat in our theology and practice as a church raised up by God.
New President Installed
The Sunday morning baccalaureate service has become a tradition with the college, where the graduands are challenged and affirmed in the studies and spiritual development they have achieved thus far. General Clifton led them into thinking of where they might be in 20 years, trusting that their decisions and preparation to this point would find them fully engaged in service to others.
A particularly moving moment was the installation of Dr. Donald Burke as the college’s fourth president. An integral leader and faculty member of the college since its inception, Dr. Burke responded with clarity and ready acceptance to the challenge given by the territorial commander. Deeply aware of the college’s legacy, he confirmed his commitment to deepen and extend its influence as a global centre for excellence in education and training Salvationists of the future.
by Lt-Colonel Ray Moulton
Editor-in-Chief