The following is the text transcript of an audio clip from the Toronto Bible College 70th year anniversary celebration. The audio is available in the History timeline (September 1964) or on the Tyndale SoundCloud stream.
[PR] Presenter
[JM] Dr.John McNichol
[SB] Dr.Stuart L. Boehmer
[singing]
[PR] 1894 to 1964, the Toronto Bible College celebrates its 70th Anniversary, 70 years of blessing and achievement to the Glory of God and the extension of His Kingdom.
[singing]
It was Dr Elmore Harris in the spring of 1894 who saw the need for a bible school in Toronto that would major in teaching the Word of God with the purpose of better equipping young men and women in personal work and public ministry and a school dedicated to a strong missionary emphasis. Dr Harris' favourite verse was Philippians 2:16, "holding forth the Word of Life that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." Thus the prospectus was drawn up clearly stating that the school was to be Bible centred, interdenominational and evangelical.
[singing]
The growth of Toronto Bible College can be traced in many ways. For instance, its graduation exercises grew from a small beginning in city churches to historic Massey Hall and then in 1937 to Varsity Arena. Do you remember this fine tradition that is relived in the hearts and voices of the congregation at Varsity Stadium every year when they sing the College Hymn?
[singing]
Another fine tradition of Toronto Bible College is its well-loved annual Carol Sing, extending from the College Assembly Hall to one of Toronto's largest church auditoriums.
[singing]
There is no person in the long tradition of Toronto Bible College whose memory is more revered that Dr John McNichol who for two generations taught eager students. Here is his voice...
[JM] Now let me go back over those years and explain what we have been doing. We were following no outside lead but were seeking to build up a system of teaching and training of our own that would exemplify the two fundamental and transcendent facts which lie at the heart of our Christian faith. The first has to do with the Bible as the Word of God. We've made it the guiding and regulating centre of the whole course. We believe that Christians ought to know the Bible better than any other book. We also believe that there could be no true Christian education and no genuine Christian culture without a knowledge of the Bible. When you have finished the TBC course you should be able to go back to your own churches or out to any part of the world's field with the firm conviction wrought in you that the Bible is indeed the Living Word of the Living God.
[PR] In 1894 the great design for the College read, "the purpose of the school is the training of consecrated men and women for Christian service at home and abroad". The first graduation in 1896 saw 50% of the graduates preparing to leave for foreign missionary service. The most recent graduation saw 57% preparing to take their place overseas. Churches, rescue missions, hospitals, jails, home missions and family circles have all felt the spiritual impact of the College alumni.
[singing]
It is to you that this record is prayerfully dedicated, for through your interest, your prayers, your financial support, the Lord has enabled Toronto Bible College to faithfully hold forth the Word of Life.
[singing]
And now the President of Toronto Bible College, Dr Stuart L Boehmer...
[SB] The great apostle wrote, brethren, this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We would echo these words. God has done a mighty thing in and through the Toronto Bible College during these past 70 years and for this we praise Him. But a new chapter is about to be written. Therefore we purpose to take our places and to resolutely face the future in God's almighty power. As we sing so often, to God be the glory, great things He hath done. So with abounding confidence, let us look to Him and depend on Him for the days ahead. Above all else, do remember us constantly before the throne.
[singing]
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You may view the full Tyndale History Timeline at http://www.tyndale.ca/about/timeline. Audio is also available in the Tyndale SoundCloud Stream.