50th anniversary of TWU
This upcoming 2012-year marks Trinity Western University’s Jubilee Anniversary. In the 50 years since TWU first opened its doors, it has evolved from a few hand-me-down farm buildings into one of the top Christian Universities in Canada.
Photo credit: Tim Andries
Originally called Trinity Junior College, the school was formed in order to provide higher Christian education in Canada. The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) felt that their bright young people were being lost to secular institutions. While there were already Bible schools in Canada, their programs were not readily recognized outside of the pastoral community. The decision was made to form the School for Canada committee who would be tasked with developing a school that would fill the gap between Bible school and secular university. This committee included Enoch E. Mattson, Carl Fosmark, David Enarson, Tony Hanson, James Westman, Arnold T. Olson, Will Norton, and G. Douglas Young. It was the diligence, ingenuity, patience, and faith of these men that built TWU.
Through one of the largest volunteer efforts ever undertaken by the Free Churches of Canada, ten buildings from the camp belonging to the Cheakamus River hydro-electric installation were dismantled, carted to the Seal Kap farm, and reassembled. Some of the basic pre-fabricated structures were used as the first dormitories. Meals were prepared in the old farmhouse kitchen. The original chapel was developed with the Women’s Missionary Society. This building, which was torn down over the summer, served as the “heart” of TJC. The Chapel served as the Library and as a lecture hall. The most interesting architectural feature of the campus came in the form of the original Seal Kap Barn. With the help of a generous donor, the interior of the barn was converted into a gymnasium, affectionately known as the “Barnasium.”
Many things have changed in the past 50 years: a mobile phone in every backpack instead of the one pay-phone on campus, three story dorms instead of pre-fabricated framework, and chapel services that serve thousands—far from the original seventeen students.
While other schools may have hundreds of years behind them, TWU’s youth may be a blessing. We are still young enough to remember what it means to have a dream. Every building, major, and event began because someone had the courage to believe they could make their school better. Each of us has the potential to spark a movement, ignite a tradition, or enflame passion.
More coverage of the 50th anniversary of TWU will be coming in the new year.
Breanne M. Fultz
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