President’s Message Legacy and Innovation “Tea on the Lawn” happened once a year at Perkins House Museum in Liverpool, Nova Scotia near my home. With air filled with music provided by a String Quartet, men and women dressed in costumes of the 1700’s walked about transporting us back in time. Tea on the Lawn reminded us of the importance of history for understanding who we are today. This year, Acadia Divinity College is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we want to invite you to do a little time travel to our past but also to our future. Through the lens of reflecting on the tenure of each College President, you will grasp the heart of our history and the essence of ADC. The DNA of our founders, and indeed that of Acadia University, still impacts us today in innovative ways and is reflected in the faces of our graduates.
Editor: Shawna Peverill
In the College Boardroom, the photos of our previous Presidents can be found. Their legacy is a call for discernment, wisdom and courage in the development and delivery of theological education. I have looked at their photos in the midst of faculty discussions and thought, “I wonder what Dr. Cherry, Dr. Langley, Dr. Mitton, Dr. MacRae or Dr. McDonald would do in this circumstance?” I have known, and been profoundly influenced by, each of these leaders.
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Our roots at Acadia run deep. While our 50th anniversary is short compared to the founding of the University in 1838, our years are marked by growth in students and innovative programs. Our graduates are serving ADC Today
well in traditional pastoral ministries, international mission, chaplaincy and parachurch agencies. At least 80% of the pastors who are serving churches within Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, are alumni of the College, and our current student body of 200 reflects more than 20 denominations from various countries.
ADC embodies legacy and innovation. Our growing faculty team are scholars of excellence who are committed to our legacy and to innovation in teaching and research. They love the church and desire to equip people for the ministry of the gospel today. Students speak often of the quality and relevance of the education they receive. ADC curriculum and course delivery have changed significantly. Besides weekly courses in Wolfville, we offer intensive courses and weekend classes in a variety of locations. Virtual seats and ‘ADC Go’ make it possible for students to obtain a robust education whether they live in Wolfville or another country. ADC has three centres of excellence that also reflect legacy and innovation. The Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies conducts lectureships and international conferences. The founding director, Dr. Jarold K. Zeman, gifted his personal library, providing opportunity for historical research. The Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care, launched in 2011, recognizes Dr. Taylor’s groundbreaking contribution to prison and community chaplaincy in Canada. ADC continues to be a leader in preparing
by Dr. Harry Gardner, ’77
chaplains for prisons, the Canadian Military and hospitals. Founded in 2016, the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture enables students and the wider church to interact with cultural issues in transformative ways. The Centre shares events with Acadia University and local communities exploring issues through a lens of faith. With an expanding faculty, centres of excellence, and accessible courses, we are excited about the future that God is building. Quite literally, our College is in the middle of a refurbishment that will facilitate our ministry into the future. We are grateful to the Board of Trustees and our donors who demonstrate confidence for the future preparation of Christian leaders. Pray with us that the next 50 years in the life of Acadia Divinity College will continue to demonstrate innovation that rises from the legacy of our past and excitement for the future, all the while remaining faithful to our Lord. When you come by to see the renovated College, perhaps we can have tea on the lawn!
Dr. Harry Gardner is the President and the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Professor of Church Leadership of Acadia Divinity College, and the Dean of Theology of Acadia University.
by Dr. Anna Robbins, ’92, ’97
How will your DNA inspire you? Maxine never knew her father. As she grew older, she found herself wondering more about him and who he was. She started to ask questions in the family and extended her search to archives, town records and graveyards. She soon discovered a lot about the father she never knew and her wider family besides. She found distant relatives, some famous and a few surprises besides. She started writing it all down and now has a fully-developed family tree. “This is my family,” she says. When Ancestry.com launched in 1996, no one had any idea that searching for your roots would become a billiondollar industry. In a world where mobility has moved families around and apart, many find comfort in discovering who they are connected to and where they belong. They discover relatives and stories. They discover who they are. This goes even further when we consider the fascinating world of DNA. While it’s all the rage to discover your roots, through DNA testing you can find out your natural identity. Ads from corporations like 23ANDME and Ancestry.com invite you to send a sample of saliva, and discover your genetic background. You can find out what heritage you descended from, who you are related to, and perhaps, ‘know yourself better’. In one ad, where DNA tests are being carried out on parents in their children’s classroom, two parents who don’t really know each other, discover a shared relative several generations back. On discovering this, they share tears and hugs, and the voiceover asks, “How will your DNA inspire you?”
Even from the beginning, in Scripture, we see the significance of DNA, the importance of tracing the family line. At reunions after separations, there are joy and tears, celebration and remembrance. Who is unmoved by the emotion of Joseph leaving the room to weep deeply on seeing his brothers again? Or of Jacob in finding out his son is still alive? Who can miss the long lists of genealogy in the Old Testament, but also in Matthew, as the line of Jesus is traced through the experiences of God’s people? Today, our obsession with discovering who we are is nurtured by our culture that has reduced human identity to scientific analysis. In a culture that is increasingly giving up on the idea of a supernatural God who gives us our identity and meaning, we must find it in the natural world. If the natural world is all there is, then we can only know who we are based on our natural relations, and our DNA. Suddenly, who we are related to, and who we share genetics with, matters more than ever. We are desperate for relationship and connection. We are desperate to belong. As Christians, we know that we have more relationships and connections than our blood line offers. We are connected backwards and forwards in history, and around the globe with those who make up the body of Christ, who share his DNA, and the genealogy of the family of God. Here we find out who we really are, what we are here for, and discover meaning and direction. This is where we belong. The one genealogy traced in the New Testament is the family line of Jesus in
Matthew 1. Here, Matthew is making a specific point about Jesus’ identity, his human and divine natures, and about prophecy. Interestingly, the closest thing we have to genealogy in the New Testament otherwise is the list of saints in Romans 16, whom Paul wants to be greeted in the Lord. The list at the end of Romans reads like a genealogy, because those included are all family in Christ. The list includes men and women, Jews and Greeks, rich and poor. It is a diverse tribe that Paul describes, as he encourages those who have stood faithfully through trials, who have been family to one another, and who have worked tirelessly for Christ. Regardless of their family line, they are one in the Spirit. They belong. Summer 2018
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As believers, we capture a sense that our DNA is spiritual rather than material. And the experience of identity and belonging that it gives demonstrates that baptismal water can run thicker than blood. We discover that the most exciting thing about belonging together is what makes us who we are (Jesus), being worked out in what we have yet to do (our mission). We look back in order to move forward into the fullness of shared life in the Spirit. Individual people aren’t the only things with spiritual DNA. Even organizations and structures can be described as having a sort of DNA; the people who join together to build them, the things they value, the way that they do their work, reveals their identity and purpose. These things get woven into the fabric of the institution, and offer direction for the work. The DNA of an organization is what gets it started, but it also comes to define its purpose, meaning, and development. I’ve often heard people talk about the DNA of Acadia Divinity College. They mention things like chaplaincy, mission, strong academics, biblical foundations, and a keen focus on preparing servants for the church. On our 50th anniversary, it’s a great time for us to think afresh about the things that are in our DNA. What did our founders value? How is that woven into the warp and woof of our work? What do those values mean for our identity going forward, as we offer 4
ADC Today
theological education in an everchanging world? When we ask who we are, and what we are meant to do, we find a lot of guidance in our spiritual DNA. For example, we share DNA with Acadia University. It is often said by leaders at Acadia that the DNA of our Baptist founders continues to work itself out in our university’s open welcome, and inclusive atmosphere that centers on values of service, and giving back to the community. That same DNA of our founders winds its way through the work of ADC as we pursue innovation and partnerships that focus on opening opportunities for higher theological education to people wherever they have need. Moreover, the churches of our Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada family are a key part of our DNA. We exist because we share the same story
with our churches; the Baptist churches of Atlantic Canada birthed us, nurtured us, and launched us into the world. A passion for serving Christ, in the real world, with the Word of God and guidance of the Spirit, reflects a great genealogy. Our DNA is woven together so closely that we cannot be separated. While we serve many people from diverse denominations and backgrounds, we are part and parcel of the Baptist story in Atlantic Canada and beyond. We share one story, and one common thread. We are family. We belong together. That’s inspiring! It may be that we need to rediscover our shared DNA. Perhaps all of us have moved around over the years, and need a reminder of how we share a common task. This is not simply to celebrate what once was. The world has changed. You have changed. We all have changed. Though the past is gone, the future is yet to be written. It may be that on the basis of a shared DNA, we not only need a reminder of our common heritage, but we have things yet to discover that we can do together. Perhaps it’s time to ask afresh, “How can we resource one another for Christ’s call today?” You have been part of our DNA, and we have been part of yours. What does that mean now? How can we encourage and inspire each other? For those who have shared and tracked our genealogy over generations, you are precious family. Just like family, we never let go. Because we need each
other. We share a family line. A sense of connection. A story. Belonging. And that inspires us. You have, and continue to inspire us. As we celebrate 50 years of DNA at Acadia Divinity College, and look forward to the next 50, we are excited to work with all of you who share this spiritual DNA. That we might embark
on the greatest adventure yet for the good of the church, and the Kingdom of God. To him be glory, now and forever. To him we belong. He will build his church, and chooses to use us, his family, to do it.
How does your DNA inspire you?
Dr. Anna Robbins is the Vice-President of Acadia Divinity College, as well as the Dr. Millard R. Cherry Professor of Theology, Ethics and Culture and the Director of Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture.
ADC Upcoming Events All-ADC Retreat for Alumni, Students, Faculty, and Staff Theme: Preparing Well Date: Friday, September 7, 2018, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (8:30 am for registration) Location: New Minas Baptist Church Speakers: Dr. Anna Robbins: Preparing Well as a Scholar; Dr. Stuart Blythe: Preparing Well as a Leader; and Dr. Dorothy Hunse: Preparing Well as a Person Registration: Registration is required by August 31. To register, email Eveline DeSchiffart at eveline.deschiffart@acadiau.ca
Hayward Lectures Lecture Title: Who is God? Key Moments of Biblical Revelation Dates: October 15-17, 2018 Location: K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, Acadia University or live online Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard J. Bauckham, Professor Emeritus, St. Andrews Free live stream available. Register: www.acadiadiv.ca/hayward
Simpson Lectures Theme: Flourishing Congregations Dates: February 11- 13, 2019 Location: Sheldon L. Fountain Learning Commons, Acadia University, or live online Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joel Thiessen Watch for further details: www.acadiadiv.ca/simpson Summer 2018
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ADC impacts the “DNA” of Alumni Rik Berry
Master of Divinity - 1983 Doctor of Ministry - 2014 Over 35 years ago, my wife and I, newly married, considered going overseas with Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board, requiring one year of bible training. We thought we were headed toward camping ministry, with no inclination towards theological or pastoral studies. In 1980, we arrived at Acadia Divinity College and were impacted by students’ passion for Jesus, matched by a sense of change they saw the church needed in order to adapt. This was my language. Within two weeks, I had switched to a 3-year degree. In these years, I was radically touched by the breadth of biblical and theological
Allan Demond
Master of Divinity - 1984
Rev Dr Allan Demond is Senior Pastor at NewHope, a dynamic Baptist church community and social enterprise in Melbourne, Australia.
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studies within the context of this relational community of students and professors committed to serving God. I had not imagined I would become a pastor, yet it was at ADC that a kind of conversion happened. Acadia was tuned to the issues of our day and made a way for us to explore what God was saying. Four years ago, I received my Doctor of Ministry at Acadia with a similar experience. Having been a pastor for years, I wanted to reconnect with current theological thought. I made many new friends with others on a similar journey. We had been asking God, “What next?” “How must the church shift in order to be the people of God today?” This is the same type of question ADC has been exploring.
Ministry takes you to unexpected places – corners of the world you didn’t know existed and demands you never thought possible. What can prepare you? Like many who studied in Seminaries in the 80’s, I have witnessed massive change in the church and in my role as a Pastor. I manage staff, raise funds to build buildings, and oversee multiple English and non-English congregations. At NewHope, I also sit as a director on company boards and oversee social enterprises as diverse as a Medical Centre, a Cafe, and a Soccer Club. I witness, preach, cast vision, baptize believers and hardly ever parse a Greek verb (wink!). Acadia Divinity College prepared me for all of this, not by rote, but far more strategically, by rite and by relationship.
We have been surprised where God has radically redirected us. None quite compare to how God used ADC to bring us into ministry and set us in motion in this adventure. Thank you Acadia Divinity College for your faithfulness and God’s presence leading you.
Rev Dr Rik Berry is an artist, living in the Annapolis Valley. He and his wife, Cathy, pastor Valley Gate Vineyard in Kentville, NS.
ADC helped establish life-long foundations and habits that undergird ministry in a changing world. A life anchored in spiritual practice and scaffolded with great friendships will go the distance. ADC taught me to think clearly, master basic ministry disciplines, build networks of mentorship, and to walk humbly with God. Christian ministry is not a collection of routines. It is a way of living into the promise of God’s kingdom that enables other people to walk and flourish with you. It is a life of hope and prayer and endless learning which leads to lots of change. It’s about risking everything to follow Jesus together. Setting people up to thrive as ministers of the good news in 21st Century western churches is a tough call, but my experience says that Acadia Divinity College has the right DNA.
Barb Putnam
Master of Divinity - 1995 Huddled with my unit one night under the threat of a rocket attack, I pondered my vocational choices. Sitting in the darkness, armed only with my trust in the training of my fellow soldiers, I took note of the sounds around me. In the stillness, there was the occasional chuckle and quiet conversations. Whatever the outcome, I gave thanks that I was there with them, witnessing to the near presence of God. On every one of the 192 days I spent in Afghanistan, I looked at my Acadia grad ring and marveled how my journey to Kabul started with tentative steps toward Acadia Divinity College. Being a military chaplain isn’t always dramatic. There are days as a senior chaplain, sitting in my office reading reports, when I long to be back in the field, celebrating Holy Communion
Rachel Brighton Master of Arts (Theology) - 2014 What I learned at ADC has shaped my thinking and decision-making in all facets of my life. I enrolled in my first course to begin to understand and resolve political and intellectual choices that arose in my work as an editor and publisher. I had no idea what “theological resources” I might discover in what became a fiveyear academic journey. I just knew that I needed to stand on a sure foundation to think through serious and challenging public policy issues in a way that engaged my faith convictions. From that initial course in Christian Ethics, I moved on to theological schools of thought, historical developments of doctrine and, finally, a body of politically-charged sermons that offered
on the hood of a military vehicle. But there are also days when someone stops at my door to ask: “Padre, do you have a minute?” Whatever comes next, I am grateful for all the preparation theological, practical, and military - that qualifies me to invite the person in and share sacred moments. The women and men who answer this call are required to have strong pastoral skills and experience, which equips them to then be trained as Chaplains and Officers. In my leadership role, I am aware of the ministry challenges we face every day to build the spiritual wellness and resilience of our Soldiers, Sailors and Aviators, and their families. Our advanced training and education is critical to our ability to minister in this complex operating environment. Many of our Baptist chaplains have their theological roots at ADC and serve with distinction in the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service.
guidance on how to steer a course of peace through entrenched conflict within the church and the broader culture. The peace-making tactic that I explored was the choice to yield to, or accommodate, opposing points of principle, for the sake of maintaining, rather than breaking, relationships. I learned how to read, think, reflect and write in theological terms – constantly holding up the present to the light of the past and eternity. I developed a method for thinking “theologically” and realized that pursuing a course of peace comes at a personal cost. What I learned has shaped my choices as a parent most of all. This domestic usefulness of my studies has been surprising. (Who would have thought that a theological degree would help me raise a family and be married?) Another surprise to me, as I wrote my thesis, was the affinity I felt with Paul as I read his
Colonel (Rev) Barbara Putnam is the Senior Protestant Chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. She serves as the Director of Chaplain Strategic Support for the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. She and her husband, Brad, live in Ottawa, ON.
letters with fresh eyes, tracing the theologic of his reasoning. I didn’t expect that a theological degree would bring scripture to life and illuminate my life.
Rachel Brighton is the Economic Development Officer (Research Lead) for the Valley Regional Enterprise Network. Rachel and her family live in Bridgetown, NS.
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ADC Courses | 2018 -19 CHUR 7213 History of Christian Missions Explore how Christians have sought to fulfill the Great Commission from the early church to the present day with Acadia Divinity College’s new Associate Professor of Church History, Dr. Melody Maxwell. Students will consider a variety of paradigms for missions engagement used throughout the history of Christianity. Instructor: Dr. Melody Maxwell, ADC’s new Associate Professor of Church History When: Tuesdays, 8:30-11:15am, Fall Term (September – December 2018) Where: Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, NS or Virtual Seat NOTE: There will be a special audit price for members of Atlantic Baptist Women: In-Class: $99 and Online: $149. Limited Spaces Available.
Other Upcoming ADC Courses: EVAN 7133/THEO 7133 Apologetic Engagement of Church and Contemporary Culture Instructor: Dr. Anna Robbins When: Wednesdays 6:30-9:15pm, Fall (September – December 2018) Where: Faith Baptist Church, Lower Sackville, NS
SPFM 4013 / 7013 Pathways of Prayer: The Soul’s Quest for God Instructor: Dr. John McNally When: October 12 & 13 and 19 & 20 Where: Kingswood Camp, near Aylesford, NS
PACC 4063 / 7063 Suicide: Perspectives and Intervention Instructor: Dr. Dorothy Hunse When: One-week Intensive - November 12-16, 2018 Where: Wolfville Campus
DISP 4013 / 6013 Faith Development through Small Groups Instructor: Dr. John McNally When: Three-weekend Intensive - January 18 & 19, February 15 & 16, and March 15 &16 (Runs Fridays at 2:30 p.m. until Saturdays 4:30 p.m.) Where: Crandall University, Moncton, NB
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ADC Today
For more information, contact Catherine Cole, Manager of Recruitment and Admissions, at 902-585-2220 or catherine.cole@acadiau.ca
Acadia Divinity College: Reflections on its History through its Principals and Presidents This story of Acadia Divinity College is told through the experiences of each of the six Principals and Presidents who have served the College since its inception in 1968.
Its beginnings In the early nineteenth century, ministerial education for young people was of great concern for Baptist leaders as institutions imposed religious restrictions on faculty and students. Baptists in the Maritimes feared their young men would go to the United States to study and never return. This concern was expressed by a group of devoted Baptist women who walked from Nova Scotia’s south shore to Horton (now Wolfville) to support the vision of a local college for young people to gain academic training for Christian ministry. In 1828, a 65-acre parcel of land was purchased and Horton Academy was established. In October of 1838, Baptist leaders met at Nictaux, the site of the largest Baptist Church in the Maritime colonies, to pray about this issue. They resolved to establish a Baptist college where all people would be free to work and study. Queen’s College was approved by the Nova Scotia Baptist Education Society and classes began in January 1839 with two professors, Rev. Edmund Crawley and Rev. John Pryor, and twenty-one students. After Queen Victoria expressed displeasure
Acadia’s first College Hall in the mid-1800’s
at having her name associated with an institution founded by ‘dissidents’, it was renamed Acadia College. Its 1841 charter highlighted the primacy of religious tolerance. Although the founders believed in the universality of education, it was not until 1880 that women were admitted to the College. Struggling financially in the midnineteenth century, the United Baptist Convention of the Maritime Provinces offered assistance. Through the action of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly, control of the College was transferred to the Convention. In 1891, Acadia College became Acadia University and
Rendering of ADC building after current renovations.
a year later, the Bachelor of Divinity was approved. Over thirty years later, in 1923, the School of Theology was established. From this time forward, Acadia has prepared the majority of Atlantic Baptist students for ministry. By the 1960s, Acadia was the only existing Baptist University in the British Commonwealth. In 1964, a committee was created to assist Convention in re-examining its philosophy regarding Christian higher education. It reaffirmed the founders’ educational philosophy and recommended that faculty be Summer 2018
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Christians. However, the Executive of Associated Alumni submitted a request for governance changes to the Nova Scotia Legislature, and, in 1966, the Legislature amended the University’s Act of Incorporation. It divided control of the University between the Convention, the Associated Alumni and the province. The Board of Governors and the Convention reached an agreement whereby a Divinity College, operating under the auspices and direction of the Convention, would assume responsibility for the academic training previously carried out by the School of Theology. Within five years, a building was to be erected and as long as it remained on campus, the College agreed to hold in abeyance its right to award degrees independently. All degrees would be granted by the University on the recommendation of the Senate of Acadia Divinity College to the Senate of the University. On June 1, 1968, Acadia Divinity College was established as a separate corporate entity governed by a Board of Trustees under a charter by the Legislature. The creation of the College meant theological education, while closely linked to the University, would more directly relate to the people in the churches of the Convention. A special ceremony was held on August 31, 1968, to mark the establishment of the Faculty of Theology as a separate but affiliated Divinity College.
Principal Millard R. Cherry (1968-1971)
by honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Pine Hill Divinity School, McMaster Divinity College, and Acadia University. Dr. Cherry retired in 1987 but continued serving the College for another year. He loved Acadia and believed in faculty members’ support for the students and their endeavours. In recognition of his many years as a zealous supporter of varsity teams at Acadia University, Dr. Cherry was inducted into the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
Originally from Kentucky, Dr. Millard R. Cherry served as pastor at several southern Baptist churches. In 1957, he was offered the position of Professor of Systematic Theology at Acadia, where he also later served as Acting Dean of Theology (1963-1964) and the Dean of Theology (1964-1971) before becoming the first Principal of the College. His academic expertise was key as he expanded a faculty that was academically accomplished and reflected the theological stance of the church. Cherry (as he became affectionately known) was an able administrator and recognized the wisdom in staying affiliated with Acadia University. He trusted the leadership of the University in representing the College’s interests during funding discussions with the province.
Principal Abner J. Langley (1971-1975)
Dr. Cherry’s contribution to theological education in Canada was recognized
Dr. Abner J. Langley, Associate Principal and second Principal of the College, was ordained in 1935 and served as pastor at churches in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He was also President of the Atlantic Baptist Convention (1951-1952) and a member of the Acadia University Board of Governors (1952-1967). In 1961, an honorary
Strong leadership and direction were critical to carry forward the optimism and spirit of friendship to the future relationships between the University, the College and the Convention. The joint efforts of Drs. Millard Cherry and Abner Langley paved the way for the institution. The sod-turning ceremony for Acadia Divinity College was on August 30, 1969 and the building was dedicated on October 20, 1970.
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Dr. Harold Mitton, Principal from 1975 to 1985, seen leading the annual ADC Commissioning Service at Manning Memorial Chapel.
Doctor of Divinity was conferred to him by Acadia. In 1968, at the request of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Langley became the Associate Principal and Special Lecturer in Practical Theology. He had wide support in the Baptist community because he had studied at Acadia, had helped establish the United Baptist Bible Training School, sat on the Acadia Board of Governors when the Legislature divided control of the University, and helped found the Baptist Federation of Canada. When Principal Langley retired in 1975, he remained at the College to serve as Director of Continuing Ministerial Education and Director of Finance and Fundraising. He ensured the College operated without a deficit during his tenure. At the time of his retirement, the College was debt free and the student body had doubled in size. As a fitting tribute to the retiring Principal, the Student Association recommended that the assembly room be named “The Abner J. Langley Assembly Room”.
Dr. Cherry believed these challenges were affecting enrolment and action was needed. In 1969, the Board of Trustees reduced tuition for the Bachelor of Divinity program which helped make the College more competitive. During Dr. Langley’s first year he focused on recruiting students, raising funds, and building a network of friends of the College. He and Dr. Jarold Zeman, the newly-appointed Professor of Church History, worked at strengthening denominational ties. Within ten years, the majority of new Baptist pastors were Acadia graduates. The trend toward smaller numbers of students enrolled in pre-theology at Acadia University led the College
to begin recruiting in other areas, such as Western Canada, New England, and overseas. The College’s first responsibility remained to the Baptist churches of the Atlantic Provinces. However, the culture and contribution of students from outside the region enriched the overall student experience. During this period, student leadership was also formalized through the creation of the Acadia Divinity College Students’ Association, which represents students’ interest to the administration, the Board of Trustees, the Acadia Divinity College Senate, and the Acadia Students’ Union. When the College became a separate corporate entity, the Governors of Acadia University leased a campus site for a new building to the Board of Trustees for ninety-nine years. During its first year, the Acadia Divinity College Campaign raised almost half of their goal of $350,000. They soon reached almost $280,000 in gifts and pledges through a campaign among Convention churches, the United Baptist Women Missionary Union (UBWMU) and individuals. With these gifts and $100,000 held by the University in a fund, the College was
Building a Facility, a Faculty, and a Curriculum In 1968, the newly-established College faced challenges including a building project, hiring faculty, curriculum revision, and reducing tuition.
When Dr. Langley retired, the Acadia Divinity College Students’ Association recommended the assembly room in the College be named “The Abner J. Langley Assembly Room”.
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assured the successful completion of the new building. A sod-turning ceremony took place on August 30, 1969, excavation began on March 13, 1970, and the building was dedicated on October 20, 1970. Although theological education had been an integral part of Acadia University since 1838, the new Divinity College building was the first facility built especially for theological training. Drs. Cherry and Langley also worked diligently at building a faculty. Joining Dr. Earl Merrick, Head of the Department of Practical Theology and Dr. Morris Lovesey, Professor of Biblical Studies, was Dr. Allison Trites, as Professor of New Testament. With Dr. Cherry as Professor of Systematic Theology and
Dr. Dennis Veinotte (left) served ADC as Professor and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education and Rev. Dr. Howard Taylor (right) served as an adjunct professor.
Dr. Langley as Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Ministry, only the Church History and Christian Education positions remained. Dr. Jarold Zeman, from Czechoslovakia, came highly recommended for the Thomas James Armstrong Memorial Professorship of Church History. A distinguished scholar who had been a pastor, served the Convention of Ontario and Quebec and became President of the Canadian Baptist Federation in the 1970s, Dr. Zeman was also an articulate evangelist. Dr. Langley recruited Dr. Oliver Ohsberg, a North American Baptist, as Professor 12 ADC Today
of Christian Education. Dr. “O” was a strong supporter of Christian education in the church. The curriculum included traditional courses in Biblical Studies, Biblical In the early 1980s, Dr. MacRae travelled across Canada with En Route, Languages, Theology, a music group from ADC. They ministered most weekends during the academic year, teaching and preaching in churches. Church History, Homiletics, Practical Theology and Christian professional theological degree and the Education. A strong demand from degree was awarded for the first time the constituency called for an even that year. greater effort in extension work outside Principal Harold L. Mitton Wolfville, and in the early 1970s, an (1975-1985) urgent need for a program of field supervision became apparent. Acadia was the first university in Canada to offer credit in the field of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through courses offered by the Institute of Pastoral Training and delivered by the College faculty. Dr. Charles J. Taylor, recognized for his pioneer work and the first to lecture in the field of CPE, was instrumental in establishing the first program in Clinical Pastoral Training at a Canadian federal correctional institution. Along with several students, Dr. Taylor also initiated Kairos marathons, a ministry that tends to the spirituality of the incarcerated. Many theological schools in the United States were pressing for a doctorate to be the first professional theological degree. As a compromise measure the American Association of Theological Schools, the accrediting body for theological seminaries in the United States and Canada, approved the Master of Theology as the first professional theological degree. On recommendation of the Acadia Divinity College Senate, the Senate of Acadia University voted in 1972 to replace the Bachelor of Divinity with the Master of Divinity as its first post-undergraduate
Dr. Harold L. Mitton was the third Principal of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Theology for Acadia University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts at Acadia University in 1944, a Bachelor of Divinity in 1946, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1966. Following ordination, he served Baptist churches in Aylesford and Windsor, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Fredericton, New Brunswick; and, Calgary, Alberta. While in Calgary, he was approached to consider the position of Principal, which he accepted in 1975. During Dr. Mitton’s tenure, several key initiatives enhanced the reputation of the College. In 1983, Acadia Divinity College became fully accredited with the Association of Theological Schools in United States
and Canada (ATS). Dr. Mitton also strengthened the relationship between the College and Acadia University, as well as between the College and the Convention. He also served two terms on the Acadia University Board of Governors, including a term as a faculty representative of the University. Dr. Mitton was highly effective in weaving together his academic leadership with church leadership. His ministry career included service as President of the Atlantic Baptist Convention (1960) and the VicePresident of the Baptist Federation of Canada (1968). In 1971, Dr. Mitton was appointed to the Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board. He was highly regarded as a church statesman and sought out as one of Canada’s finest preachers.
Broadening Academic Offerings In 1976, Acadia Divinity College responded to a pressing need for trained personnel in Christian education by introducing a two-year program leading to a degree of Master of Religious Education. In 1979, the inaugural Simpson Lectures were introduced, underlining the importance of preaching to the pastoral office. Mr. Gerald K. Simpson of Fairhaven, Deer Island, New Brunswick,
established an endowment to finance an annual series of lectures on the practice of ministry prepared primarily for students, pastors, and spouses.
Left to right, Dr. Harold Mitton, Dr. Oliver Ohsberg and Dr. Jarold Zeman.
In 1980, the Faculté de Théologie Évangélique in Montréal became affiliated with Acadia University with the Baccalaureat en Theologie (BTh) being awarded by the University. This new venture worked well and provided theological training for Baptists in Québec.
During Dr. Mitton’s leadership, a generous gift from Marjorie and Sheldon Fountain in 1983 was made to Acadia Divinity College to establish the Marjorie and Sheldon Chair in Evangelism and Mission, the first of its kind in Canada. Dr. Andrew MacRae was the first occupant of this Chair.
The Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity programs were the heart and soul of the College curriculum. However, Dr. Mitton believed that the curriculum should also include courses of a practical nature. As the school developed, so did the importance of clinical education and training. In 19801981, a pilot project of Supervised Field Education allowed students to directly test their vocational commitments by combining theory and practice in a church setting. Also, a two-year Master of Arts (Theology) in the areas of Biblical Studies, Church History, Theology, and Psychology of Religion was introduced in the same academic year.
Dr. Mitton was also concerned about the lack of women enrolled in the seminary and spoke on the floor of Convention, calling for an expanded role for women for ministry. The College appointed Dr. H. Miriam Ross, a former missionary with the Canadian Baptist Overseas Missionary Board, as the first full-time female faculty member. Dr. Ross’ appointment was the turning point for women’s studies at the College. In 1985, the Hannah Maria Norris Chair of Christian Missions and Social Issues was established by the United Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union, and Dr. Ross was the first occupant of the Chair. When Dr. Mitton retired as Principal in 1985, he was granted Professor Emeritus status and became Director of Supervised Field Education. During his tenure, the College played a significant role on the Canadian Baptist scene in the Atlantic Provinces and across Canada.
Dr. Charles (“Charlie”) Taylor (far right), seen here with his wife, Charlotte, beside him, was a pioneer in Clinical Pastoral Education and instrumental in establishing the first program in Clinical Pastoral Training at a Canadian federal correctional institution.
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received an accreditation for five years, the longest term available at the time. This was a strong affirmation of the high academic standing of the College.
In the 1990s, Dr. MacRae led Acadia University in affiliations with two Nigerian schools. Dr. Glenn Wooden, the current Liaison to Affiliated Colleges in Nigeria, attended a UNIDICO graduation in 2008 (centre of the first row standing in light blue robe).
Principal Andrew D. MacRae (1985-1998)
A native of Scotland, Dr. Andrew D. MacRae was ordained in 1957 and called to urban ministry. He was well known as a Baptist pastor, preacher, leader and evangelist, and in 1966 was appointed General Secretary and Superintendent of the Baptist Union of Scotland. Dr. MacRae served extensively in Europe and the Soviet Bloc, working with the Baptist World Alliance and preaching, teaching and leading conferences in more than 50 countries on every continent. In recognition of his work, he received a Doctor of Divinity from the Campbellsville University in 1979. In 1979, Dr. MacRae received an invitation from Acadia Divinity College to establish the first Chair of Evangelism and Mission in Canada. Between 1980 and 1985, he served as Professor of Evangelism and Mission. He then served as Principal and Dean of Theology at the College from 1985 to 1998. During his time in Canada, Dr. MacRae earned his Doctor of 14 ADC Today
Philosophy from St. Andrews University in 1984 and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University in 2004. In retirement, he served as Director of Doctoral Studies, the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Professor Emeritus of Evangelism and Mission, and Liaison for Hong Kong Ministries. In honour of his valuable leadership and in recognition of his global impact and lifelong commitment to evangelism and mission, the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture was established in 2016.
Notable Milestones In 1985, the College was finishing its two-year probationary membership with Association of Theological Schools in United States and Canada (ATS). Within months of Dr. MacRae becoming Principal, an examining team from ATS reviewed the status and the College
Dr. Langley (seated) with (left to right) Drs. Cherry, Mitton, and MacRae.
In 1989, the Doctor of Ministry program was established. It broadened the ministry and helped to meet the challenge of balancing scholarly achievement with the College’s primary purpose of preparing people for ministry. For more than 150 years, Acadia University was the centre of the study of Baptist history in the Maritimes. In 1991, the Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies was launched under the sponsorship of the College and in cooperation with the University Library. The Acadia University Senate approved the offering of the Master of Divinity with one of four specializations: Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Counselling, Christian Education, and Youth Ministry. Dr. MacRae helped lead Acadia University into a new concept of an expanded international reach through affiliations with schools in Nigeria (Christ International Divinity College in 1990 and Universal Gospel Divinity College in 1994) and Hong Kong (Bethel Bible Seminary in 1997). Perhaps Dr. MacRae’s most significant contribution to the long-term future of the College was introducing the Living Legacy Campaign, a capital fundraising project whose major component was the enhancement of the endowment for student bursaries and scholarships. The funds raised also supported the development of funds for endowed chairs, library enrichment, and building expansion. By 1997, the Campaign raised more than $3 million. When Dr. MacRae retired in 1998, Dr. Timothy Ashley, Chair of Faculty, served for a year as Acting Principal and
Dean, with Dr. Allison Trites as Acting Assistant Principal. Within the year the Board of Trustee’s Search Committee called Dr. Lee McDonald as Principal.
Principal and President Lee M. McDonald (1999-2007)
Dr. Lee M. McDonald was ordained in the American Baptist Churches of the United States, and served as both a pastor and a reserve chaplain in the United States Army. Dr. McDonald was well-respected as a scholar of New Testament studies. At the time of his call to Acadia Divinity College, he was serving as a senior pastor in California and teaching as an adjunct at Fuller Theological Seminary. During his tenure as President, Dr. McDonald encouraged the pursuit of excellence in theological education. He believed faculty should bring practical and pastoral experience as well as academic and scholarly knowledge to their roles. Teaching and the formation of students for ministry was the highest priority and the College recognized that students would be drawn to a seminary where faculty were experts in their fields. By the end of Dr. McDonald’s tenure, the College faculty were the most published among seminary faculty in Canada. In 2005, the Board of Trustees changed the title of the chief administrative officer of the College from Principal
to President to better reflect the new emphasis on the role of the College in the broader context of North American seminaries.
Supporting Theological Education The thirty-year old College building needed repair and upgrading so it received a facelift with new doors, repairs to the roof, and refurbished offices and classrooms. Most notably, the second floor became accessible with the installation of an elevator, in recognition of Dr. Dennis Veinotte’s service as Professor and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education (1984-2001). Through the Lilly Foundation Grant received in 2001, Acadia Divinity College was leading the way in theological education and poised to become the most technologically advanced seminary in North America. By converting classrooms to “smart classrooms” with state-of-the-art technology, classroom learning was revolutionized. In 2000, the Doctor of Ministry program was restructured and during the Association of Theological Schools accreditation in 2001, the College received high praise for the quality of the dissertations authored by Doctor of Ministry students. Accreditation was continued for another ten years.
During Dr. McDonald’s tenure, annual canoe races were held in Halifax with the Atlantic School of Theology.
diploma and an undergraduate certificate program began. As the courses were transferable to the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity programs, they attracted potential students. The Youth Ministry Program was established with the support of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) and the Atlantic Baptist Foundation. Through a combination of lectures, group interaction, creative learning techniques, and individual consulting, students gained skills to shape an effective youth ministry. By 2007, increased enrolment resulted in bursary support per student being stretched, raising concerns about student debt levels. With backgrounds in education, finance and law, the Board of Trustees brought many skills to College governance and through their stewardship, endowments increased. By the end of Dr. McDonald’s tenure, the College was debt-free.
Courses for the Bachelor of Theology program became separate from graduate courses and taught in the evenings to meet the needs of students. The courses were also opened to lay people who wished to advance their theological understanding. During Dr. Glenn Wooden began teaching at ADC part-time in 1984. He is seen here teaching Hebrew in Room 206. this time, a graduate
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On June 30, 2007, Dr. Lee M. McDonald retired from the College. His years of service were marked with increased enrolment, an emphasis on scholarship and publications, and improvements to the facility, all in an environment of fiscal responsibility. He also recruited new members of faculty who were experts in their fields, including Dr. Craig Evans and Dr. William Brackney. Upon Dr. McDonald’s retirement, Dr. Robert Wilson served from July to December 2007 as Interim President until the arrival of Dr. Harry Gardner in January 2008.
President Harry G. Gardner (2008 – present)
Dr. Harry G. Gardner, a native of Nova Scotia’s south shore, is the first Acadia Divinity College alumnus to become President. He occupies the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Chair of Church Leadership and teaches pastoral ministry, leadership, and Christian spiritual formation. A pastor at heart, Dr. Gardner’s passion for the development of each student as a whole person ensures confirmation in their personal calling and their preparation to serve as Christian leaders. In the 1970s, a call to Christian ministry led Dr. Gardner to Acadia’s Master of Divinity program. Following pastorates in Nova Scotia, Dr. Gardner served as both Director of Home Missions and 16 ADC Today
Church Planting and Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC). He also served as President of the North American Baptist Fellowship in 2007. Dr. Gardner’s involvement with the CBAC as well as his international leadership with the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) have ensured that students and alumni are at the leading edge of theological education.
New Curriculum and Course Delivery In 2010, under Dr. Gardner’s leadership, the College undertook a complete curriculum review to address rapid changes in ministry. Degrees were modernized by introducing new courses and specializations. In 2011, ATS approved the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theology), and Doctor of Ministry degrees and granted another 10-year re-accreditation of the College. In 2012, the Doctor of Ministry curriculum was changed to permit greater flexibility and variety in course selection.
Foundation, the College launched the New Brunswick extension program, introducing 3-weekend courses. In 2013, an agreement was signed between Acadia University, Acadia Divinity College, and Crandall University allowing students to earn concurrently a Crandall undergraduate degree and an Acadia Bachelor of Theology degree. The first graduates of this partnership were in May 2018. In 2015, the College partnered with NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community (formerly North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies) to offer the Acadia Master of Arts (Theology) in Indigenous Community Development program. The first student graduated on May 14, 2017.
Centres of Excellence The Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies was established in 1991. During Dr. Gardner’s tenure, two additional centres of excellence were launched: the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care and the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture. The Taylor Centre reinvigorated the College’s emphasis on chaplaincy for which the College had been nationally recognized. It fosters and promotes clinical and theological excellence in Pastoral Care through personal growth, the building of professional capacities, and rigorous theological reflection.
At the same time, significant change was underway in theological education across North America. Individuals called to ministry became less inclined to relocate and study full-time, the College created a system allowing part-time and distance students to complete programs without relocating. Several one-week intensives were added, and threetimes-weekly courses were changed to once a week. In 2010, In 2008, Dr. Harry Gardner (3rd from left) began his tenure as President of in partnership with ADC. His installation was attended by Past Principals of ADC, left to right, Drs. Mitton, Cherry and MacRae. the Atlantic Baptist
The MacRae Centre was launched during the 2016 Simpson Lectures Week, and is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness.
Strategic Plan and Priorities Developed from the recommendations of the selfstudy conducted for the 2010 ATS accreditation review, a five-year strategic plan was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2012. The life and function of the College was examined internally, and focus groups within the Atlantic Baptist constituency provided an external view of the College. The plan focused on four themes: transformative experience for students; effective faculty and staff; stable and reliable resources; and good governance. The College also launched Now More Than Ever: Four Strategic Priorities: a fundraising initiative to refurbish the College building, increase endowments for key academic chairs, increase student scholarships and bursaries, and secure an endowment for a Centre for Christian Faith and Culture. Each priority confirms the vital role of the College in Canada’s spiritual life and its contributions to global ministry. The Board of Trustees recognized the increased role of the President for major gift development and leadership to the Now More than Ever: Four Strategic Priorities. As a result, the Board appointed Dr. Anna Robbins as the first Vice-President in May 2016 for a threeyear term to support the leadership of the College during this time.
Current ADC faculty with the May 2018 graduates of the College.
Since August 2014, the College has raised more than $4 million towards these priorities, including the first fully endowed academic chair of Acadia Divinity College, The John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship through the generous support of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation together with the Atlantic Baptist Foundation and individual donors in four Canadian provinces.
Conclusion Acadia Divinity College has a long and rich history. It began with the establishment of a “department of pious scholars” at Horton Academy in 1830 to the founding of Acadia College in 1838, and moved from the School of Theology of Acadia University, established in 1923, to its reorganization as Acadia Divinity College in 1968. Acadia Divinity College has been served well by its Principals and Presidents as well as the many devoted faculty and staff who have given much of themselves to serve the students, as they answer the call of God in their lives. Equipping Christians to serve has always been at the heart of Acadia Divinity College. The Master of Divinity and ordination-track Bachelor of Theology degrees have prepared
hundreds of alumni who are serving Christ in local churches, inner-city missions, Christian camps, prisons, military, hospitals, and a multitude of mission ventures and service organizations. The Master of Arts (Theology) opens doors to further study and many Acadia graduates are teaching in colleges and seminaries throughout the world, providing training for the next generation of Christian leaders. The Doctor of Ministry program provides renewal and renewed vision to those involved in ministry, touching many denominations and ministries internationally. The faculty of Acadia Divinity College provides leadership both locally and internationally, achieving a worldwide reputation for excellence in research, scholarship and providing leadership education for the church. Their reach is wide and deep, encouraging students - who represent more than 20 denominations and 30 ministerial vocations worldwide - to study at ADC. Through their graduates, Acadia Divinity College touches the lives of many, as alumni serve communities locally, nationally, and internationally. With a deep sense of mission, Acadia Divinity College continues to teach and model that faith is crucial and relevant and that rigorous theological study makes a difference. The College is grateful to the many individuals, churches, and organizations that have given generously over the years enabling ADC to better educate and prepare men and women for leadership for Christian ministry in Canada and around the world. Summer 2018
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2018
Commissioning & Convocation This spring, Acadia Divinity College honoured its graduates during the 57th Annual Commissioning Service on May 11 and during Acadia University’s Convocation on May 13. Graduates include: Doctor of Ministry: Donald Doherty, Paul Ford (graduated in Fall 2017), Marion Jamer, Shawn Kehoe, Peter Kozushko, Jeffrey Marlowe, LeQuita Porter, Mary Taylor, and Jill Vogt. Master of Arts (Theology): Nathan Adams, Jessica Bent, Kayla Colford, Daniel Mansvelt, Timothy McFarland, Randy Raycroft, and Sylvain Vachon. Master of Divinity: Andrea Anderson, Timothy Carruthers, Tammy Giffen, Christopher Johnston, David Lee, Christopher Pellerin, Keith Pineo, Joshua Smith, Lorraine Street, and Ruth Tonn. Bachelor of Theology: Jessie Campbell, Joseph Chiasson, Spencer Conway, Taylor Craig, John Ernst, Allister Johnson, Micah Knowles, Noah Lohnes, and Dena Williams. Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies: Heather Deighan, Steven Patterson, Linda Perrin, and Kevin Richardson. Certificate in Christian Studies: Debbie Simmonds.
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1 Jean MacRae, widow of the 4th ADC Principal, Rev. Dr. Andrew l
MacRae, and Rev. Dr. Frank Guinta (’75), attended the annual Commissioning Supper.
2 At the Commissioning Supper, ADC President, Dr. Harry l
Gardner, presented a gift to outgoing Acadia University 6th Chancellor, Libby Burnham.
3 Taylor Craig was a member of the first graduating class in the l
Crandall-Acadia Bachelor of Theology Partnership. This September, Taylor begins the Acadia Master of Divinity program.
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4 During the Commissioning Supper, Acadia University’s 16th l
President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Peter Ricketts, addressed ADC graduands and attendees.
5 Master of Divinity graduate, Christopher Johnston, received l
the Student Service Award from Dr. Carol Anne Janzen. Chris was the President of the Acadia Divinity College Students’ Association.
6 Professor Emeritus, Dr. Allison Trites, and the 3rd ADC Principal, l
Dr. Harold Mitton, enjoyed their time at the Commissioning Supper.
7 Master of Divinity graduand, Andrea Anderson (centre) l
with her two sisters, Belinda Bezanson (left) and Cora Tolliver (right). Andrea delivered the ‘Reflections of a Graduand’ during Commissioning Service.
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8 This May, Kayla Colford, pictured here with Dr. John McNally, l
graduated with her Master of Arts (Theology) in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Kayla, also a Master of Divinity graduate, is a Co-Senior Pastor at Berwick Baptist Church.
l9 Graduands worship during the annual Commissioning Service. 10 On May 13, 2018, Rev. Mary Taylor graduated with her Doctor of l
Ministry from Acadia. Mary is the pastor of St. Paul United Church in Westville, NS.
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11 During Acadia University’s Convocation, on May 13, l
Allister Johnson graduated with his Bachelor of Theology degree.
12 On May 13, 2018, Rev. Dr. David Watt (’65, ’80, ’99), former l
Director of Development and Recruitment and lecturer at Acadia Divinity College, received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University.
13 Noah Lohnes and Jessie Campbell graduated with a Bachelor l
of Theology through the Crandall-Acadia Bachelor of Theology Partnership. Recently engaged, Noah and Jessie have accepted a call to co-pastor at Liverpool United Baptist, and will also begin the Acadia Master of Divinity program.
14 l During the Commissioning Service, the mentors, supervisors,
and faculty of graduands participate in the Laying on of Hands.
15 Dr. Bob Wilson, who recently retired from the College, l
Dr. Glenn Wooden, and Dr. Stuart Blythe process into the Commissioning Service.
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16 Rev. Dr. LeQuita Porter (2nd from left), one of two l
students to receive the MacRae Prize, is Senior Pastor of East Preston Baptist Church. Left to right; George Gray, President of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, LeQuita, her husband, Bill, and Rev. Dr. Rhonda Britton (‘13), Senior Pastor of New Horizons Baptist and Vice Moderator of the African United Baptist Association (AUBA).
17 Master of Divinity graduate, Rev. Lorraine Street, seen l
here with ADC President, Dr. Harry Gardner, received the University Silver Medal in Theology during the Acadia University Convocation on May 13. Two days earlier, during the Commissioning Supper, Lorraine received the ADC President’s Award. She is also a graduate of the Acadia Master of Arts (Theology) program.
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18 Dr. Carol Anne Janzen poses with three Doctor of Ministry l
graduates whose theses she supervised; Donald Doherty, Shawn Kehoe, and Jill Vogt (one of two students to receive the MacRae Prize from ADC). Dr. Janzen preached the Annual John Gladstone Sermon at ADC’s 57th Annual Commissioning Service on May 11.
19 Graduating with a Master of Arts (Theology) (MAT) on l
May 13, Jessica Bent is seen here with her father, Anthony (who graduated with an MAT in 2016), and her mother, Kathleen. Jessica was the winner of ADC’s Student Bible Reading Contest in 2018.
20 On May 13, 2018, ADC Faculty and Graduates gather l
in front of Manning Memorial Chapel after the University Convocation Ceremony.
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21 On May 13, Spencer Conway (3rd from left) graduated l
with a Bachelor of Theology degree. Spencer, who is the Assistant Youth Pastor at Rock Church in Lower Sackville, NS, is seen here from left to right with his father, Russ, his wife, Sarah, and his mother, Yanna.
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by Rev. John Campbell, ’07
Now, more than ever... A Year of Celebration The 2018-2019 academic year marks the 50th anniversary of Acadia Divinity College. While the work of preparing individuals for Christian ministry dates back 180 years to the founding of Acadia University, the College as we know it today was formed in 1968.
We also plan to recognize our anniversary regionally, the first gathering scheduled for the weekend of September 21-23, 2018, in Saint John, New Brunswick. This year is also the final year of our Now, More Than Ever: Four Strategic Priorities. Launched in 2014, the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College has focused on strengthening the College to continue to equip the next generation of those who will lead us. We have experienced much success since its launch. As of March 31, 2018:
At Oasis 2018, we will acknowledge our 50-year history, including the following events:
• $680,000 raised to restore the College Building on a goal of $2.3 million;
• 9-Hole Golf Scramble
• $1.6 million added to fully endow the John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship;
• Tour of the College Restoration Site
• $200,000 added to the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Chair of Evangelism and Mission;
• Friends and Alumni Supper • Historical Photo Display • Evening Cafe featuring ECMA award winning Jazz guitarist Harvey Millar
• $1.4 million added to support new scholarships and bursaries; and
...and more.
• $260,000 endowed to launch the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture.
For more information, visit www.acadiadiv.ca/oasis
Come celebrate all the Lord has done through the Acadia Divinity College, and what is yet to come.
Update on Giving as of March 31, 2018 Priority
Opening Balance July 31, 2014
Total Gifts and Pledges since August 1, 2014
Total Balance
Target Amount
$684,498.19
$684,498.19
$2.3 million
$505,928.69
$20,528.77
$526,457.46
$2.5 million
$435,519.00
$200,150.00
$635,669.00
$2.5 million
$140,668.13
$81,570.00
$222,238.13
$2.5 million
$1,085,012.81
$1,601,220.00
$2,686,232.81
$2.5 million
Scholarships and Bursaries
$1,415,597.28
$1,415,597.28
$1.0 million
Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture
$261,771.72
$261,771.72
$0.5 million
The College Building Key Academic Chairs Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Chair of Church Leadership Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain of Evangelism and Mission Chair Thomas B. McDormand, Charles J. Taylor, and Dennis M. Veinotte Chair of Pastoral Care John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship
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A view of the east side.
A view of the north side.
Restoration of the College Building $1.6 million still needed Acadia Divinity College was advised in 2013 that the College building was deteriorating and needed significant restoration to keep it structurally sound. We embarked on a fundraising campaign to raise the $1.5 million required for this project. By the end of 2017, being blessed by several significant gifts, we had almost reached the half-way mark of our fundraising goal.
Then we received some unexpected news. In November 2017, architect and construction reports showed that interior upgrades are required to meet more stringent fire and life safety codes, enhance accessibility for persons with physical disabilities, and improve interior air quality. These requirements were unanticipated when we received the first report five years ago. The expanded scope of the refurbishment has significantly increased the cost of the project; the new projected total budget estimate is $2.3 million.
Having a strong home base is critical to the work of the College. We need to undertake this work to have a suitable and adequate facility for training the next generation for ministry. At its meeting on January 15, 2018, the Board of Trustees carefully considered all options, noted the improvements in the safety and work environment that the interior work will create, and made the unanimous decision to complete both the exterior repair and the interior renovation. Douglas Schofield, Chair, Acadia Divinity College Board of Trustees noted, “The Board is confident that this decision will result in an excellent facility that will serve well and provide a comfortable environment for learning.” Construction began in early May. During the extensive renovations, classes are being held in buildings throughout the Acadia University campus. Faculty, staff and ADC offices have moved to a temporary home in Willett House, located across University Avenue from the K.C. Irving
Environmental Science Centre. While we look forward to our return to the renovated College building, we are grateful to the University for providing a location that will allow us to work together in the same facility during construction. With the new cost estimates and the start date for the construction, our need in this area is more pressing than ever before. Please prayerfully consider a financial gift to provide a safe and effective space for the College to carry out its mission of “Equipping Christians to Serve”.
Rev. John Campbell is the Director of Advancement for Acadia Divinity College.
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News F A C U L T Y
Dr. Carol Anne Janzen retires from Acadia Divinity College Dr. Carol Anne Janzen retired from ADC in May 2018. Her teaching was focused on Christian Education and Discipleship, her dedication to students was exemplary as Dean of Students and as Director of Mentored Ministry, and she led the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Carol Anne has been appointed Regional Director for the Atlantic Region of the Canadian Bible Society.
Dr. Robert Wilson retires from Acadia Divinity College In June 2018, Dr. Bob Wilson completed his tenure at Acadia Divinity College. Bob served the College community devotedly for 27 years. During his time at ADC, he served as Director of the Master of Arts (Theology) program, Director of Continuing Education, Associate Dean/Academic Dean, and as Interim President in 2007. Although Bob formally retired in 2010, he continued to serve as the Thomas James Armstrong Memorial Senior Professor of Practical Theology and Church History until 2018.
Rev. Joseph Green appointed Director of Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Acadia Divinity College is pleased to welcome Rev. Joseph Green as Director of the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Joe graduated from ADC in 2016 with a Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care, and was ordained at AEnon Baptist Church, Chester Basin, NS, in 2017, where he has served as Senior Pastor since 2014. Joe will continue to pastor while serving ADC in this part-time role. 24 ADC Today
ADC welcomes Dr. Melody Maxwell as Associate Professor of Church History The President and the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melody Maxwell as the Associate Professor of Church History. She will begin at the College in August 2018. Melody has served as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Howard Payne University since 2013. Her research interests include Baptist history, religion and gender, Global Baptists, world Christianity, Baptist missions as well as women in ministry. Melody earned her PhD from the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Czech Republic. She is widely involved in the Baptist World Alliance and currently serves as President of the Fellowship of Baptist Historians. Melody is originally from Tennessee.
ADC welcomes Dr. Spencer Boersma as Assistant Professor of Theology The President and the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Spencer Boersma as Assistant Professor of Theology. Since 2013, Spencer has served as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Sudbury, ON, and as Assistant Chaplain and part-time faculty member at Thorneloe University. He earned his ThD from Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. His research interests include narrative theology, Baptist identity, theological methodology, and systematic theology. He is interested in Baptist Association and Convention life. His love for the local church and theological dialogue on the church’s purpose will enable him to speak into the lives of those preparing for pastoral leadership. Spencer and his wife, Meagan, have five sons.
The Doctor of Ministry Program Changes Effective February 10, 2018, Dr. Stuart Blythe, who joined ADC in September 2017 as the John Gladstone Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship, accepted the position of Director of Doctoral Studies. Stuart came to ADC as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Study Centre in Amsterdam, and was previously on the faculty of the Scottish Baptist College, and served as a pastor in Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. Anna Robbins, who was appointed to the Dr. Millard R. Cherry Chair of Theology, Ethics, and Culture in November 2017, provided excellent leadership as the Director of Doctoral Studies between August 2012 and February 2018. Dr. John McNally, who has been serving as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, was recently appointed Director of the Mentored Ministry Program at ADC.
Dr. Danny Zacharias - Associate Professor of New Testament Studies This past spring, upon the recommendation of the Faculty Review Committee, the ADC Board of Trustees appointed Dr. H. Daniel (Danny) Zacharias to the rank of Associate Professor of New Testament Studies effective July 1, 2018. Summer 2018
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News A L U M N I
1981 and 1992 - Brian Keezer accepted a call to serve at Avonport Baptist Church, NS.
1982 - Quincy Collins retired and completed his ministry at New Tusket Baptist Church, NS. 1988 - Gordon James completed his ministry at Uplands Baptist Church, NB.
1988 - Judith Tod was chosen as Wolfville’s nominee for the Provincial Volunteer Awards Luncheon in April for her continuing support of Syrian refugees to Canada.
1999 and 2014 - Derek Langille
2015 - Brent Clark completed his ministry
completed his ministry at Millville and Nackawic Baptist Churches, NB, and accepted a call to serve at Hebron Baptist Church, NS.
at Grafton Baptist Church, NB and accepted a call to Minto Baptist Church, NB.
2002 - Scott Kindred-Barnes completed his ministry at First Baptist Ottawa, ON and accepted a call to Wolfville Baptist Church, NS.
2005 - Thelma McLeod accepted a call to serve as Transitional Interim Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Truro, NS. 2007 - Michael Shreve completed his ministry at Hall’s Harbour Baptist Church, NS. 2012 - Sheila Ago completed her ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Hammonds Plains, NS and accepted a call to Chester Baptist Church, NS. 2013 - Janet Baker completed her
1991 - Rick Warner accepted a call as part-time pastor of Clementsvale Baptist Church, NS.
ministry at Harmony Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to Greenfield Baptist Church, NS.
2013 - Joel Murphy is working toward a Ph.D. in Educational Studies with Acadia University. He and his wife, Kathleen, live in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON.
1999 - Maurice Hatfield completed his ministry at Lambert’s Cove and Fair Haven Baptist Churches, NB, and accepted a call 2013 and 2018 - Lorraine Street was to serve at Fredericton Junction and Tracy ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons Baptist Churches, NB. at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, NS on May 14. 26 ADC Today
2015 - Alec Scott accepted a call to serve as Lead Pastor of Kingsboro Baptist Church, PE.
2016 - Christoph Deutschmann completed his ministry at Billtown Baptist Church, NS.
2016 - Joe Green has been appointed Director of the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at ADC. He will continue to serve as pastor of AEnon Baptist Church, Chester Basin, NS.
2017 - Keith Blair accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor of Children and Youth at Greenwood Drive Baptist Church in Fredericton, NB.
2018 - Christopher Johnston accepted a call to serve at Billtown Baptist Church, NS. Current ADC Students Jessie Campbell (’18) – In May, incoming Master of Divinity student, Jessie Campbell, was part of the first graduating class of the Crandall-Acadia Bachelor of Theology Partnership. Along with her fiancé, Noah Lohnes, she has accepted a call to serve as Co-Pastor of Liverpool Baptist Church, NS.
Josh Keliher - In March, Master of Arts (Theology) student, Josh Keliher, was Runner-up in the ‘Arts & Theology Presentation’ at Acadia University’s 5th Annual Student Research and Innovation Conference. Presentations, evaluated by Acadia University faculty, offer glimpses at the variety of important student research on campus. Noah Lohnes (’18) - Along with his fiancé Jessie Campbell, Noah Lohnes, has accepted a call to Liverpool Baptist Church, NS as a Co-Pastor. Noah was part of the first graduating class of the Crandall-Acadia Bachelor of Theology Partnership, and is beginning the Master of Divinity degree this September. Kevin Richardson - Kevin Richardson, a Master of Divinity student who recently received the Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies, has accepted a call as pastor of Lambert’s Cove and Fairhaven Baptist Churches on Deer Island, NB.
Jeremy Vincent - Incoming Master of Divinity student, Jeremy Vincent, has accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at West End Baptist Church, Halifax, NS.
New Harbour, Seal Harbour, and Chester Baptist Church. He was a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the Nova Scotia Volunteer Award, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia in 1966.
ADC Remembers
1986 - Al Stewart passed away May 26, 2018. Born in Wolfville, he earned a Master of Divinity from Acadia. He spent most of his adult life working in urban ministry, devoting himself to the welfare of those in the community of the downtown core.
1953 - Samuel Holmes passed away February 18, 2018. Following Military Service in WWII, Sam graduated from Acadia with a Master of Divinity. For over 50 years, he served Baptist and Presbyterian churches in Moncton, NB, Amherst, NS and Ottawa, ON and Hull, QC. 1966 - Allen Gibson passed away January 19, 2018. After graduating from Acadia, he pastored for over 50 years in Moose River, Port LorneHampton, Isaac’s Harbour, Goldboro,
by Dr. Danny Zacharias, ’06, ’07
Acadia hosts 15th Annual NAIITS Symposium in June On June 7-9, 2018, Acadia University hosted the 15th Annual NAIITS Symposium, entitled “White Supremacy, Racial Conflict, and Indigeneity: Towards Right Relationship”. Since 2015, Acadia Divinity College has partnered with the NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community to offer an Acadia Master of Arts (Theology) with a specialization in Indigenous Community Development. I serve as the College Liaison as well as a NAIITS faculty member.
Acadia was privileged to host the Symposium for the first time, and Dr. Terry LeBlanc, Director of NAIITS and a Mi’kmaq-Acadian, welcomed participants to Mi’kma’ki, the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The Symposium was one of the largest attended in its history, with approximately 180 registrants and many special guests. The presenters represented well the composition of the community, with a wide range of denominational affiliations and diverse countries. With the recent establishment of a NAIITS partnership
1986 - Karl Uhrstrom passed away February 6, 2018. Karl served in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia where he established the Bolivian Water Project, bringing clean water wells to 13 villages. Karl was concerned about justice and compassion, especially for those who needed a new start in life.
with Whitley College in Melbourne, Australia, the Symposium was enriched by visitors and presenters from Australia and New Zealand. As a relative newcomer to this community, and a first-time attender to the Symposium, I was impressed with three norms and practices of this theological conference. 1. The first was the clear intentionality in the entirety of the schedule. The Symposium opened with a beautiful outdoor ceremony that included a song on the drum (I was honoured to participate) and a pipe ceremony, offering prayers to the Father, Son, and Spirit. This practice of beginning with song and prayer continued, as …cont’d on back cover Summer 2018
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‌cont’d from page 27 by a leader, allowing for group reflection on the presentation and a significant level of engagement by every person. The goal of each presentation was to stimulate the entire community to think differently. 3. Finally, the ethos of the Symposium was unlike a typical conference. At many academic conferences, the focus is on the individual presenters. However, at the NAIITS Symposium, everyone came prepared to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully.
A drumming circle took place during the annual NAIITS Symposium with Dr. Zacharias participating (middle).
each morning we were gathered together by the sound of the drum to open with prayer. 2. The second was the intentional building of community. This community was encouraged to share each meal together, and the format of the NAIITS Symposium
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intentionally fostered discussion with everyone in attendance. Typical conferences will involve speakers with some brief time for a Q & A; however, the NAIITS Symposium built into the schedule significant time for discussion to reflect on the plenary sessions. Each attendee was assigned to a talking circle facilitated
It was a privilege to be a part of the Symposium, to host this vibrant group on campus, and to engage participants through presenting a paper and leading discussion.
Dr. Danny Zacharias is the Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and the Director of Distance Education at Acadia Divinity College as well as the Liaison to NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.