Faithfulness: generation to generation
Alumni reunion weekend at Columbia Bible College • Abbotsford, B.C. |
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On the weekend of February 14–16, Columbia Bible College hosted a once-in-a-lifetime reunion of former students from the Mennonite Bible schools that existed in British Columbia during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Over 540 registered guests participated in the weekend events, which included a president’s reception with current Columbia Bible College president Paul Wartman, guided tours of the Columbia campus, and many opportunities to relive Bible school days through numerous visual displays and interactions with former classmates. Visiting alumni were also invited to be guests at a basketball game between the current Columbia Bearcats and Walla Walla College in Washington. 
140-voice alumni choir |
A crowd numbering almost 1,000 excitedly came out to the Sunday afternoon celebration at Central Heights Church, where guests were treated to a 140-voice alumni choir led by Ernie Block (’54–’56). The afternoon program included reflections by former students and faculty, short vignettes recalling the events that were happening during the various years, and special musical numbers by several small groups.
The afternoon also included a formal induction ceremony at which all former students from the six Bible schools that unofficially merged into CBC were welcomed into the Columbia Bible College Alumni Association. Predecessor schools were Bethel, which merged with Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in 1970; Black Creek Mennonite Bible School; Yarrow Bible School (also known as Elim Bible School); Greendale Bible School; and East Chilliwack Bible School. Each of these schools was represented by two former students, who received a certificate of membership in the Columbia Bible College Alumni Association and a formal welcome by president Paul Wartman. 
Reunion guests gather for lunch at Garden Park Tower |
Special recognition was given to John H. Redekop and the planning committee for their countless hours of hard work and dedication to making the weekend a huge success.
—Columbia Bible College news release
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