Columbia Bible College celebrates 70 years

October 14 was a special day for Columbia Bible College (CBC), Abbotsford, B.C. Following the annual general meeting, the college celebrated its 70th anniversary with a dinner and program.

President emeritus Walter Unger, who has served at the college more than half its history, presented “The Columbia Story.” He highlighted the historic 1970 merger of the nearby General Conference Bethel Bible Institute with Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, to create Columbia Bible Institute – the first inter-Mennonite Bible institute in North America.

Graduation, 1950

Unger quoted one Mennonite publication that said an MB/GC merger was “as unlikely as snow on a midsummer day.” In 1982, Unger added, this “unlikely” merger was sealed in a joint ownership agreement. A common commitment to Anabaptist distinctives provided the theological base for the merger and ownership agreement.

Interim president Ron Penner recognized the many board members, faculty, staff, and donors who gave so much over the decades to see Columbia develop. Current students Jason Harris and Michelle Veeneman shared their testimonies around the theme, “Why I Am Here.” Guests also enjoyed music by students and staff.

Board vice-chair Randy Redekop closed the evening by sharing Columbia’s vision for the future. With a campus bursting at the seams with more than 500 students, and residential facilities for only female students on site, seed money for a large residential complex is being raised, with a full-scale capital campaign planned for 2007.

—CBC release

CBC students and campus today