2011 Alumni Journal: Fall & Winter Issue

Loyalty.
It’s the fabric
of who we are.
cornerstone has
been marked by a
rich heritage of
lives dedicated to
furthering our
mission.
Take a look at our past
70 years and join us in
celebrating a tradition
of loyalty.
Jan. 7, 1941
“Baptist Bible
Institute”
Established
First day of classes held
at Wealthy Street Baptist
Temple. Fees for regularly
enrolled students were
$2 per term!
1949
Name changed
to “Grand
Rapids Baptist
Theological
Seminary & Bible
Institute”
1945
Seminary-educated
professors were hired,
raising the level of eduction
for ministry.
1944
Name changed
to “Baptist
Bible Institute
and School of
Theology”
Nov. 1, 1959
Dr. W. Wilbert Welch
assumed presidency
1965
Gordon Music Hall was constructed; The Herald
became the official school newspaper
1970
Five varsity sports marked the beginning
of this decade – basketball, cross-country,
soccer, baseball & track
1972
1962
Property was purchased on E. Beltline
for the construction of a new campus.
Name changed to “Grand Rapids
Baptist Bible College and Seminary.”
School received full accreditation as
a liberal arts college and name was
changed to “Grand Rapids Baptist
College & Seminary”
1964
“Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College &
Seminary” moved onto the E. Beltline
campus. The first meal for students on
campus was oven-heated Spam!
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