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Abbotsford, B.C.
New president, new building project


October 20 marked the commissioning of Paul Wartman as President of Columbia Bible College. It also marked the official launch of the College’s $2.5 million capital campaign for a new Student Centre.

Guest speaker for the event was John Stackhouse, Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, who addressed the topic “Why a Bible College?”

Columbia Bible College president, Dr. Paul Wartman and his wife Ruthanne at the commissioning service

He noted the distinctive role a Bible college has in discipleship training and as a boot camp for life. He pointed out the great danger of “universitizing” the Bible college, selling out the practical and spiritual emphasis for academic sophistication. Columbia needs to remain a Bible college, he asserted.

President Wartman said he was humbled and awed at the charge given him by the Board of the College and by God. He acknowledged the warm reception of the Columbia staff and the encouragement received from many others.

The new president then introduced the immediate challenge facing Columbia. With 530 students enrolled at the College, facilities, particularly the cafeteria and student lounge areas, are being taxed to the limit. The “Building on Strengths” capital project will incorporate the current cafeteria/student services facility into a new structure. The new Student Centre will include a state-of-the-art food services area, enlarged lounge space for students, and improved facilities for student services. A covered walkway will connect the new Student Centre to the College Teaching Centre. Construction is expected to begin in October 2003 and to be completed by the summer of 2004.

Artist’s rendering of south view of the new Student Centre

Wartman announced that every donation given to this $2.5 million project up to $1.2 million, will be matched by a group of generous donors. With an offering taken that afternoon, a total of $44,000 has so far been raised and will be doubled by the donor group.

 – Columbia news release

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Last modified December 16, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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