Acadia Divinity College
ADC Appoints New President
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ADC appoints new President, Dr. Harry Gardner
he Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Harry G. Gardner as President commencing January 1, 2008. Dr. Gardner
was chosen following a comprehensive search by a presidential search committee composed of faculty and board members. “Dr. Gardner brings to Acadia Divinity College a strong commitment to education and to the professional development of spiritual leaders in Canada fitting with our mission,” said Rev. Edwin Allen, chair of the Board of Trustees. Most recently, Dr. Gardner has served as Executive Minister of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches (CABC). Since that appointment in 1996, Dr. Gardner has provided dynamic leadership in a period of transition as the denomination prepared itself for ministry in the 21st century. “Acadia Divinity College has been equipping individuals to be effective Christian leaders for almost 170 years,” said Dr. Gardner, who was recently presented with an award by former US President, Jimmy Carter, for his four years of service as President of the North American Baptist Fellowship. “I’m excited about the opportu-
2007 mer Sum 3, No. 01 0 Vol.
New President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Teaching Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Love and Loyalty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Reverend Porter Memorial . . . . . . 3 Gift of Encouragement . . . . . . . . . 4 A Love Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Called, Equipped, Commissioned . 5
nity to help lead the College’s vision of providing a strong theological education to future leaders.” Dr. Gardner was educated at Dalhousie University (BA) and attended Acadia Divinity College, graduating in 1977 with a Master of Divinity. In 1993, he received the Doctor of Ministry degree (in the areas of Church Growth and Church Renewal) from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Dr. Gardner has served the CABC as Director of Church Extension with the Home Mission Board as well as the Director of Home Missions and Church Planting. Prior to this, he held pastorates in Burlington-Victoria Harbour, Wilmot and Liverpool-Brooklyn United Baptist Churches in Nova Scotia. Dr. Robert Wilson, Professor of Church History, will serve as Interim President from July 1 to December 31, 2007.
The Lost Tomb of Jesus . . . . . . . . 5 Rev. Dr. Nelson Yiu . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Planning for Tomorrow . . . . . . . . 6 Moore Bursary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Events of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mondays In Metro . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Alumni and Friends BBQ . . . . . . . 8
Farewell to Dr. McDonald . . . . . . 9 Student News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Day for Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Faculty Book Picks . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What One Donor Has Done . . . 10 Thoughts on “The Tomb” . . . . . 12
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Dear Friends in Christ: Since this is my last communication with you before I leave my position at Acadia Divinity College, I want to express my deepest and most sincere appreciation for your wonderful commitment to the ministry of the College. You have been wonderful and God has blessed the ministry of ADC many times over. This is a great school and you have made it even better by sending us your dedicated servants of Christ to prepare for leadership roles in our churches. You have also supported us financially over the years and again without you, we could not accomplish our mission of preparing men and women for leadership roles in our churches. Thank you also for your prayers for the school and especially for our students as they prepare for Christian ministry. I have had recent visits with my successor, Dr. Harry Gardner, who is no stranger to any of you and he has been a most valued friend of the College and also a
friend to me personally. He will do well in his new role here and I encourage you to support him in your prayers and to encourage him as he leads the seminary to its next level of preparing servants of Christ for our churches. His appointment is exciting and he will be a blessing to the faculty, staff, and students of the seminary, but also to our churches. Dr. Bob Wilson will be the interim president until January 1, 2008 when Dr. Gardner assumes the presidency here. Please pray for Dr. Bob during this transition time. As you can see from the rest of this edition, we have some excellent individuals graduating who will serve our churches well, and we are very proud of them. The school has had a very good year, thanks to you and your financial support. We are most grateful for your support and, as you know, we continue to try to find ways to help our students afford a theological education. It is very expensive, but not having adequate preparation for Christian ministry is even more expensive. Thank you for remembering our students in your prayers, and also through encouraging
Acadia Student Union Hands Out Teaching Excellence Award
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t gives me great pleasure as the student Faculty of Theology representative over this past year to announce that the Acadia Student Union Teaching Excellence Award
ADC Today is published twice a year by the Development Office, Acadia Divinity College. It is distributed free of charge to friends of Acadia Divinity College.
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By N. Hill
for the Faculty of Theology was given to Dr. Greg Herrick. He was awarded this for his outstanding efforts teaching Greek and other courses to the students of Acadia
financial gifts. We are trying to make sure that the enormous levels of debt that they have when they enter ministry can be reduced considerably. Finally, and on a personal note, my wife (Mary) and I will be moving from the area at the end of June and will take up residence at Princeton University in New Jersey for the coming year. The Board has graciously granted me a sabbatical and I will spend it doing writing and research primarily, but also some teaching for Princeton Theological Seminary. We will surely miss the Maritimes and we plan to visit here now and then to see friends and churches where our graduates are serving. We love you and appreciate all that you have done for us. Please come to visit your seminary when you can. You are always welcome here. God bless you! LEE M. MCDONALD, President
Divinity College. Many students have appreciated Dr. Herrick's very approachable and interactive teaching method and have learned to laugh while studying what can be a difficult subject. He has impacted our studies greatly and on behalf of the students I would like to congratulate him for receiving this recognition.
Editor: Trisha Urquhart Email: trisha.urquhart@acadiau.ca Writing: N. Hill, R. Clark, S. Peverill, R. Knowles, L. McDonald, E. Sheppard, T. Urquhart, R. Wilson, D. Watt, C. Evans Design, Publishing & Distribution: PinPointCreative.com; Mark MacDonald
ADC
A little bit of “basketball fun� was had by the ADC staff, faculty and students and their families! We are not sure to this day who won which games?????
A Legacy of Love and Loyalty
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ach time I drive into Digby to run errands, I pass by a little farmhouse set just off Highway 217 in Roxville. If you close your eyes you can almost imagine a quiet dark-haired little girl playing in the yard with her dog and baby sister. Seventy years ago, that is just what you would have seen. Retired ADC professor Dr. H. Miriam Ross lived there until she was eleven when, as a result of their mother’s illness, she and her sister Luella went to live with their grandmother in Mapleton, just outside Springhill. From there, Miriam completed her public school education, and moved on to work as a teller in the Bank of Nova Scotia in Amherst until she was old enough to train as a nurse at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, in 1951. Intent upon serving the Lord as a medical missionary, she secured a B.A. (magna cum laude) from Gordon College in Boston in 1955. After further study at the Allan Memorial Institute of Psychiatry in Montreal, the Boston University School of Nursing (M.Sc.), and Bellshill Maternity Hospital in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where she
By R. Clark
was certified as a midwife, Miriam served for 14 years with the Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board. Her ministry with CBOMB was in the politically tumultuous then as now Republic of Zaire, first as a staff nurse in rural hospitals and later as Director of the School of Nursing at the Institut Medical Evangelique in Kimpese. In the mid 1970s, she returned to the classroom, earning first an M.A. and then a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology from the University of Washington in Seattle. For a number of years she taught cross-cultural nursing in the University of Ottawa School of Nursing. Miriam received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University in 1984, and in 1985 she made Wolfville her home and became the Hannah Maria Norris Associate Professor of Christian Missions and Social Issues at ADC, where she continued to lecture in Christian Missions until 2000. Those who sat under Dr. Ross in the classroom will remember her as a tireless thinker (and taskmistress!) with an unrelenting social conscience. Her experiences in Africa had left their indelible mark on her worldview, and she sought to imbue within her students that same passion for the needs of others. Colleagues who served with her on the ADC faculty or at Wolfville United
Baptist Church will remember her as a meticulous and devoted servant of God who was unafraid to use the keen mind He had given her. Miriam considered it a ministry to share her home with students and others, and many warm relationships began within those walls. Those of us who were blessed to cherish her in our circle of friends will remember her as a warm and convivial companion in this journey called life in Christ, one whose love and loyalty knew no bounds. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of our Miriam.
H. Miriam Ross RN, BA, MSc,CNM, MA, PhD, DD
March 30, 1929 – February 14, 2007
A celebration of Miriam’s life was held in Wolfville on February 17th. A brief graveside interment service will take place in the Mapleton Cemetery at 11am on July 28th.
Rev. John Porter Memorial “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family” (Proverbs 18:24 The Message)
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n May 7th hundreds gathered at Faith United Baptist Church in Lower Sackville to celebrate the life (and friendship) of Rev. John W. Porter. His willingness to listen and his sharp memory for details connected John with many in Atlantic Canada and beyond. His interest in our lives gave us significance and encouragement. The crowded sanctuary and overflowing rooms at the church were a wonderful tribute to the extent he was loved and appreciated. Rev. Wade Harvey, his pastor, and Ron
Weir, a close friend, led the celebration with warmth and humour which reminded us of the serious commitment John made to his ministry and at the same time the joy he brought to life. John served five churches in Atlantic Canada during 40 years of ministry and ten churches as interim during 15 years of retirement. He was a graduate of Acadia Divinity College and faithful supporter of our mission. Jesus brings affirmation to family, friends and colleagues in this transition with his words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together.” (Matt. 25:21, NLT)
ADC
On Monday, April 23 we had a “donor appreciation” dessert party at Birch Cove Baptist Church in Halifax. It was well attended by just over 70 people. Rev. John Wilton, pastor of the church and one of our alumni, put special effort into hosting this event. One of our Board members, Goldye Smith, co-ordinated the event, in cooperation with the Rev. Brian Keezer, the Halifax alumni Representative. We had an opportunity to introduce to our Halifax supporters several of our new faculty and staff members. Karen Doucette, a gifted ADC student, also blessed us with great music.
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Gift of Encouragement
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By David Watt
t was a privilege to attend the memorial service in Bridgetown, NS, for John Elliott in May of this year. Our friendship began in the 1980s when I served as pastor in Middleton and John and his wife, Betty, attended our church. The Elliotts had a unique gift of encouragement.
A Love Story
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By Shawna Peverill
s she sits in the living room of her home in Windsor, NS, Audrey Goucher-Millet tenderly speaks of the two loves in her life … her husband Lou and her artwork. Both “romances” blossomed in the 1930s in her hometown of Middleton, Nova Scotia. Audrey’s fondness for art began with a box of crayons she received for Christmas as a little girl. Over eighty years later, she remembers how excited she was to receive the special gift and she can still recall the smell, the feel and the look of those colorful waxed pencils. Just as vividly, Audrey can recall details of her courtship with her first love, Lou Millett, who lived near her family home. They began dating in their teens and were smitten with each other. Unfortunately, after Lou completed college he moved away from Atlantic Canada. It would be 50 years before their paths would cross again. One thing that did remain a constant in Audrey’s life was her passion for art. She spent countless hours drawing and painting people and scenery. In 1933, during her final year of high school, a teacher recognized Audrey’s talent and encouraged her to attend art college. She convinced her father to let her leave their little town to attend the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in Halifax. Not long after she completed college, Audrey met and married Garnet Goucher and began a family. She happily devoted her time
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They loved the Lord, served faithfully in the church and helped in other ways to serve in kingdom work. Acadia Divinity College was one of the benefactors of their devotion and generosity. John was a regional fund-raiser for ADC during campaign times and continued to faithfully support the college into his nineties. It was a heart-warming testimony that Christopher Keezer (ADC Student) shared at the memorial service about a visit with John just a few days before he died. John had invited
Chris, youth pastor at Bridgetown Baptist Church, and his fiancée, to an evening meal. It was John’s way of demonstrating his appreciation to a pastor-in-training. Christopher was deeply touched by his genuine caring and generous support. John Elliott is a modern day model of Paul’s directive to the early church “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1Thessalonians 5:11). There is a very important lesson here for all of us!
to raising their six children and helping her husband manage their general store in Windsor, NS. Though her passion for art still existed, there was little time to spend on it. Many years later, after her husband’s passing and her children were grown, Audrey found herself with time on her hands. So, she delved into her artwork, masterfully guiding her brushes along the canvas painting traditional Nova Scotia scenes. She experimented with canvas and included t-shirts into the mix. Her painted t-shirts became so popular she began to sell them to gift shops. The little business Audrey had developed was rewarding and exciting. But, one of the most exciting experiences of her life was yet to come. In 1991, she received a letter from a cousin who had recently bumped into an old friend of hers - Lou Millett. He encouraged Audrey to call Lou who was living in Florida. The moment he heard Audrey’s voice Lou says he had a flashback to “the pretty girl he took to the Engineer School’s Formal at Acadia University” in 1933. Though 50 years had gone by since they had last spoken, the two hit it off immediately. Lou, who was also recently widowed, was thrilled to reunite with Audrey and soon came to visit her in Nova Scotia. Within months they were married. Audrey and Lou began to travel far and wide. But, it was their trips around Nova Scotia that produced some wonderful photographs by Lou, photographs that inspired Audrey. With Lou’s shots of lighthouses,
seashores, and churches in hand she began painting. This time on another unique canvas; she painted 25 Nova Scotia scenes on quilting squares and then had an experienced quilter put it all together. The result made Audrey cry with joy. Next, Audrey took Lou’s photographs of country churches from around the province and lovingly painted them on a quilt. Having donated the first one to the Windsor library, Audrey decided the church quilt should also be seen and appreciated. “I knew it needed to go to an organization that was connected to church work”, says Audrey, proudly displaying the finished product in her cheery studio at home. “With several of my grandchildren having attended Acadia, I thought, ‘Why not Acadia Divinity College?’” With the assistance of ADC alumnus, Rev. John Bartol, Audrey was able to meet with Dr. David Watt, the Director of Development and Recruitment at ADC. “When John and I opened the magnificent quilt in Audrey and Lou’s living room, we rejoiced in the fact that we can effectively serve Christ at any age,” says David, who also teaches at ADC. “This beautiful quilt represented hours of patient artistry highlighting the heart of the Acadia Divinity College’s mission – training leaders to serve the churches of our region. We are grateful for this historic addition to our ADC community.” Audrey’s gift will soon find a special place in the halls of Acadia Divinity College. She looks forward to visiting the College once it has been hung. Although Lou’s health keeps them from traveling and taking new photographs, Audrey always finds scenes to paint. And, as she works away in her sunny studio at the back of her house, she can keep on eye on the two loves of her life … Lou and art.
Called, Equipped, Commissioned
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here is always a buzz of excitement around Acadia Divinity College at the end of the winter term as graduating students write exams, complete final papers and prepare for the commissioning service. The commissioning service recognizes the years of commitment to study and preparation that students have fulfilled. The faculty and staff feel honored as well, having been privileged to share the journey with these graduates. In his letters to the churches, Paul often raises questions that cause us to think more carefully about our calling. In Romans 10:15 he shares this provoking question, “And how can they preach unless they are sent?” The question raises for me the whole issue of partnership in the ministry of preaching. Paul is passionate about reaching his people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, building their Christian experience and witness on a solid foundation of teaching (Romans 10:1-2). Saul (Paul) received a clear call to preach
By David Watt
the Gospel after an encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road (Acts 9). However, it involved for him a long journey of mentorship (Ananias, Barnabas, etc.) and study in preparation for his calling to serve as a missionary leader in the church. The local church (Antioch) and church leaders played a vital role in helping him to affirm his call and understand his part in fulfilling the Great Commission. This past May has brought back the significance of Paul’s question “And how can they preach unless they are sent?” Students have been handing in their final papers, meeting with the credentials committee, and candidating for positions with local churches. It is an amazing partnership process of call, equipping and commissioning. Pray for our graduating students, and support them in every possible way, as they move forward to lead our churches in proclaiming Christ as Savior and Lord in our challenging times.
Honorary Doctor of DivinityRev. Dr. Nelson Yiu
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n May 13, 2007 the Acadia Divinity College community was delighted to watch Dr. Nelson Yiu receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree through Acadia University. His work and passion for education was greatly described by friend, Dr. Andrew MacRae, a former principal of ADC and current professor and Director of the Doctor of Ministry program. Also, proudly watching on were Dr. Yiu’s wife and his three daughters. Rev. Dr. Nelson Yiu (’81) is an acknowledged leader in clinical pastoral education, whose leadership and accomplishments are recognized in the
By N. Hill
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. A native of China, Dr. Yiu’s post-secondary education and training were obtained entirely in
Canada, the country in which he holds citizenship. In addition to the M.Th. he earned from Acadia University, Dr. Yiu holds a B.A.
Dr. Craig Evans on “The Lost Tomb of Jesus”
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n excellent turnout on a warm June evening gave evidence to the interest in recent controversial claims that "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" has been found. Dr. Craig A. Evans, Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at Acadia Divinity College, provided information on cultural customs and burial practices of Jesus’ day, Biblical background on the topic, the claims being made on recent television documentaries, and instances of experts in the field being misrepresented and/or misquoted. Numerous questions were answered during the discussion period, and one-onone with Dr. Evans during the reception that followed. The event, hosted by Kentville Baptist Church, was a joint effort of Acadia Divinity College with Kentville, New Minas and Bethany Baptist Churches.
and M.Div. from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a B.Th. from Toronto Baptist Seminary, and a D.Min. from North American Baptist Seminary. He served many years as a pastor and counsellor in Canada and Hong Kong, as well as the Canadian coordinator and treasurer of the Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the USA and Canada. He has offered numerous workshops and seminars on grief and bereavement. Dr. Yiu currently serves as the director of Graduate Studies at Bethel Bible Seminary in Hong Kong (since 1997). He is the director of the Hong Kong Hospital Christian Chaplaincy Ministry, and the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education and Pastoral Counselling Education of Hong Kong. During his graduate studies at Acadia University, Dr. Yiu was supervised by Dr. Charles Taylor, and as a result went on to form a prison ministry program in Hong Kong. He has helped make Bethel Bible Seminary, which is affiliated with Acadia University, one of the most prestigious in the region. Dr. Yiu lives in Hong Kong.
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Alumni News CAMPBELL, John, ’07, has accepted a call to West End Baptist Church as Youth Pastor, St. John’s, NL. COGSWELL, Stephen, ’03 was inducted as the first Pastor of the new church plant in Stratford, PEI. The church is being planted by Cornerstone Baptist Church with support from the PEI Baptist Association and the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. The new plant has 60+ in attendance. COLDWELL, Todd, ’07, has accepted a call to New Maryland Baptist Church, NB, as Youth Pastor. COLLINS, Quincy, ’82, has resigned as Pastor of the Pleasantville Baptist Church, NS, and has accepted a call to Alton Baptist Church Pastorate, NS. DEADDER, Virginia, ’06, has accepted the call to ministry at Mount Denson United Baptist Church, NS. DURLING, Barb, ’06 has accepted a call to Third Horton United Baptist Church, Canaan, NS. ESTEY, Pam, ’04, has accepted the call to Canning United Baptist Church, NS as fulltime Pastor after the summer as she is Executive Director for Kingswood Camp.
Planning for Tomorrow Today
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Dr. Ro bert Kno wles (’93) Senio r Pasto r - New Minas Baptist Church
hen God tapped me on the shoulder in the fall of 2002 with a new opportunity for ministry, I resisted. I was in my 11th year of a ministry I loved. I was content, busy, loved, challenged. I had no reason to move on. However, as I considered the opportunity and the strong sense of the Spirit’s leading, I proceeded. Once the commitment was made, I never looked back. Transitions are not always easy, but can be very rewarding.
Laying the Foundation In ministry, everything doesn’t happen overnight but a few decisions were pivotal in looking ahead. They included - building a com-
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GIBSON, Daniel, ’71, has accepted a call to Pereaux United Baptist Church Pastorate, NS. GOSMAN, Stirling, ’07, has accepted a call to New Minas Baptist Church, NS as the Pastor of Visitation. HOLMES, Colin, ’06, was ordained on April 22 at The Little Southwest Baptist Church, NB. Congratulations Colin! LANGILLE, Derek, ’99 has concluded his interim ministry with Pereaux United Baptist Church, NS. LEBOUTHILLIER, Jody, ’99, has resigned as Associate Pastor for Youth from Grand Bay United Baptist Church, NB and has accepted a call to Brunswick Street United Baptist Church, Fredericton, NB. LOCKE, Phil, ’92, has retired from full time ministry at Canning United Baptist Church, NS. MACKINNON, Tim, ’07, has accepted a call as Senior Pastor to Murray Harbour Baptist Church, PEI. MCFARLAND, Timothy, ’92, has resigned from his position at First Baptist Halifax, NS and has been appointed University Chaplain at Acadia University.
Missouri-Columbia in Classical Studies and has accepted a full-time teaching position in Classics in the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics at the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee). PRENTICE, Roger, ’69, concluded his twenty-two years of ministry as the Acadia University Chaplain on June 30th. SMALL, Rick, ’03, has resigned from Alton United Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to a short interim outreach ministry at Windsor United Baptist Church, NS. SMITH, Carol, ’92 has resigned from Hill Grove Baptist Church, NS. SMITH, Roger, ’05 accepted a call as Pastor of Centreville Baptist Church, NB. STEEVES, Toben, ’04 and wife Margaret welcomed their 4th born, Simon Steeves on January 19, 2007. Congratulations. WALSH, Matthew, ’06, has accepted a call to Stewiacke United Baptist Church, NS. YERXA, Charles, ’84, has resigned from St. George United Baptist Church, NB to accept a call to Meductic United Baptist Church, NB.
PORTER, Andrew, ’89, has successfully completed his Ph.D. degree at the University of
mitted pastoral team that now includes Jon Dixon (’06), Mark Sypher (ADC student), Sterling Gosman (’07), and Paul Fowler (ADC student). These servant leaders along with two ministry interns Claire Peveril (’08) and Mike Reid (’08) provide the team necessary to move us into the future. Another area of foundation for ministry was articulating our vision, mission, and core values. This was a lengthy process of asking ourselves fundamental questions: Why are we here? Who are we trying to reach? What are we hoping to accomplish? What changes and what doesn’t? How do I get involved in ministry? This was communicated to our church through spiritual growth campaigns such as 40 days of Purpose, 40 days of Community, S.H.A.P.E., and our own Life God’s Way and Embracing the Vision campaigns. The goal of these was to involve people in spiritual disciplines to spur on spiritual growth, develop bet-
ter community and communication in small groups, and to get us more connected to our community and world. To facilitate outreach we began new ministries such as Maximum Impact, Discipleship Classes, creating a new children’s ministry on Sunday morning, and moving to two morning services to make room for those who God wanted to bring our way. Outreach to our world has also come to the front burner as a number of individuals have gone on short term mission experiences. We continue to partner with Canadian Baptist Ministries missionaries who are graduates of Acadia Divinity College (Joyce Hancock, Aaron and Erica Kenny, Jeff and Deanne Carter, and Andy and Rebecca DesRoches). Another way we have laid the foundation is through our new leadership structure. Gone are the days of confrontational votes, ineffective Continued on Page 7
Continued from Page 6 nominating processes, inefficient boards and committees, and frustrated church members. We now promote team, gift-oriented ministry and consensus decisionmaking. This has been a huge change with huge dividends. The spirit in the meetings and the sense of progress, communication, and unity is paying off.
ed an expansion plan to create space for our current and expanding church ministry. This two
gation is embracing the vision of reaching more in our area for Jesus. The first phase, commencing in 2008, will cost $1.5 million and the congregation has risen to the occasion with a $1.1 million commitment over a three-year period. These are challenging but exciting days as we look forward. ADC has provided and is providing the training for us as pastoral Taking Risks leaders to lead our church forward. Setting the foundation has Our church is seeking to model been exciting but the real work is transformational leadership that seen as we stretch and go to entiretouches lives and creates a climate ly new levels of faith and commitfor God’s work to be accomment. It is well and good to put plished. We’re planning for tomorstructures in place, but people must row today. We’re expecting God to respond with zeal to minister. A move and draw many more to heartfelt compassion for souls must ADC Pastoral Team at New Minas Baptist Church includes, back row (left to Himself. We don’t want to miss right): Sterling Gosman (‘07), Mike Reid (‘08), Jon Dixon (‘06) and Robert drive the agenda of the ministry. out on anything God wants to do Knowles (‘93). Front row (left to right): Claire Peveril(‘08), Paul Fowler (ADC New Minas is 150 years in our community, province, counstudent), Mark Sypher (ADC Student) and Stephanie Munroe (Secretary). “young”. We are old in history, but try, and among our Baptist family. Thank you ADC for equipping young in demographic and are blessed with a multi-generational congregation. phase expansion will cost approximately two leaders for the church with the goal that many will To look at the next level of our vision, we adopt- million dollars. While a hefty price, the congre- come to know Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Josephine Kinley Moore Bursary
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cadia Divinity College is very grateful to a very kind and generous donor who has set up a bursary to honour the late Rev. Josephine Kinley Moore (19082001), the first woman to be ordained in the Atlantic Baptist Convention. This bursary is to be used to train women in Christian leadership at Acadia Divinity College. Josephine was presented as a candidate for ordination at the annual convention in Woodstock, NB in August 1954. Having passed the examining council, a historic vote recommended her ordination, which took place on October 25, 1954, at Prince William, NB. At the time, Mrs. Moore was already a well respected preacher and pastor. She was also a recently widowed mother of two small children.
By Elizabeth M. Sheppard (Josephine’s daughter) Her ministry in Baptist churches began in the 1930s when she asked her home church in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia for a license to preach. In 1938, she was granted an Association License which opened the door to work as a licentiate minister for the Home Mission Board. Josephine had attended Acadia University and had taught in rural schools as well. In 1944, she returned to Acadia for theological studies and went to Meductic, NB, with a student summer pastoral team. She accepted a call to stay on as their full time pastor and for three years she walked and bicycled around this wide-spread rural charge. She then moved to work in Prince William, NB, where she married Mr. Ersel F. Moore. She accepted a call to Rusagonis, NB at that time. Throughout these years, Josephine gained the respect of clergy in the area, particularly the Rev. Dr. William Elgee and the Rev. Earle McKnight. Dr. Elgee baptized many who came forward in her evangelistic services. These two men worked to present her case for ordination in Woodstock.
In 1956, Mrs. Moore returned to Nova Scotia to the Baptist church at Jeddore. She discovered that the Nova Scotia Marriage Act did not permit a woman to preside at a marriage ceremony. With a young couple waiting anxiously, the Baptist Convention successfully petitioned the NS legislature for a change in this law. Rev. Moore became the first woman to preside at a marriage in the province. She continued to work in the church, as well as teaching school, until her retirement from Canso Baptist Church in 1974. Mrs. Moore would wish to be remembered as a faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her life’s accomplishments were to her a byproduct of her deep desire to know the mind of Christ, to dwell in God’s love, and to love everyone who crossed her path in His name. She spent twenty-eight years of retirement in Port Hilford in a quiet ministry of intercession for the church, the world, and her family, dwelling in a life of prayer, which had always been a key aspect of her ministry. Her ordination opened the door for other women to follow their call to ministry in the Atlantic Baptist churches.
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Mondays in Metro
Events of Interest
…and More
August 18 4:30 pm - Alumni and Friends BBQ Acadia Divinity College RSVP – 902.585.2217/2210 September 4 Registration and Orientation Acadia Divinity College September 1- December 4 Mondays in Metro...and More BIBL 6013 Introduction to the Four Gospels Dr. Craig Evans Bedford Baptist Church Call 902.585.2215
Acadia Divinity College is offering two courses in the Metro area this fall. Earn the Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies in three years—without leaving Halifax! Or begin your preparation for a degree program—one course at a time.
Sept 14-15, Sept. 21-22, Oct 12-13, Oct 19-20, Nov. 2-3 Mondays in Metro...and More IDST 6013 Spiritual Disciplines New Beginnings Ministries, Dartmouth Dr. Lionel Moriah 6:30-9:30 Friday evenings and 9:30-12:30 Saturday mornings Call 902.585.2215
BIBL 6013 Introduction to the Four Gospels will be taught by Dr. Craig Evans on Mondays, Sept. 10 to Dec. 3, 6:30-9:30 pm, at Bedford Baptist Church, 38 Rocky Lake Drive, Bedford. Dr. Evans is wellknown in Metro for his critiques of The DaVinci Code and the TV documentary, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus.” He has taught New Testament at ADC since 2002. IDST 6013 Spiritual Disciplines will be taught by Dr. Lionel Moriah on five Friday evenings and Saturday mornings (Sept. 14-15, Sept. 21-22, Oct. 12-13, Oct. 19-20, and Nov. 2-3) at New Beginnings Ministries, 26 Cherry Brook Road (at Main Street), Dartmouth. Dr. Moriah was a pastor for more than twenty years, ten of them in downtown Halifax, and teaches Practical Theology at ADC.
November 1-2 Day for Discovery Acadia Divinity College Special Speaker: Rev. Rob Nylen Call to register 1.866.875.8975
October 22-24 Hayward Lectures “Prophets of the Old Testament” Professor Christopher Seitz Old Testament and Theological Studies University of St. Andrews, Scotland January 3-5 & 7-8 J Term Courses see our website @ adc.acadiau.ca January 14 to April 7 (except Feb. 18) Mondays in Metro...and More BIBL 6023 Introduction to the Apostolic Age (Acts to Revelation) Dr. Craig Evans 6:30-9:30 pm, Mondays Bedford Baptist Church Call 902.585.2215 February 11-13 Simpson Lectures Dr. Peter Holmes Minister of the Congregation Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto, ON “Preaching and Pastoral Care” March 6-7 Day for Discovery Acadia Divinity College Special Speaker: Dr. Richard Jackson Call to register 1.866.875.8975 Come to the ADC Alumni BBQ and catch up with all your pals!
Do you remember that guy in OT class who could never remember the names of the prophets? Or that gal in Homiletics who always wanted to put a limerick in her sermon?Wouldn't you love to know what they are up to? Not to mention all of your friends from ADC who are spread all over the Atlantic Provinces!
Where: When: Time: Register:
Acadia Divinity College Saturday, August 18 4:30 pm Call 902.585.2217/2210 or email adcinfo@acadiau.ca We will be looking for you!
The cost of a course taken for academic credit is $717, but bursaries are available; half-price for seniors 60 years and older. The fee to audit is only $150. Future courses in Metro include New Testament: Acts to Revelation (in January to April 2008), Hermeneutics, Homiletics, Christian Ethics, Church History, and The Practice of Ministry Today. For more information, phone Acadia Divinity College at 902-585-2215 or 1.866.875.8975
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ADC
Acadia Divinity College graduates and faculty gather together in front of Manning Memorial Chapel after Convocation in May 2007. Standing with students and faculty is Dr. Nelson Yiu who received an honourary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University. Dr. Yiu is the Director of Graduate Studies at Bethel Bible Seminary, an affiliate college of ADC located in Hong Kong.
Farewell to Dr. Lee McDonald
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n May 24, 2007 the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College held a Retirement Banquet in honour of Dr. Lee McDonald who served for eight years as Principal/President of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Faculty of Theology at Acadia University. There were many good friends in attendance including Lee’s son Karl, coming from as far away as California! There were many kind words said about Lee from Mr. Arthur Irving (AU Chancellor), Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb (AU President), Dr. Brian MacArthur (ABU President), Dr. Harry Gardner (CABC Executive Minister), Mr. Karl McDonald (Lee and Mary’s son), Dr. Harry Norman (long-time friend), Dr. Terry Atkinson (Lee & Mary’s former pastor), and Rev. John McNally (Lee & Mary’s pastor). A common theme running through the greetings was Lee’s love for the gospel and spreading the word so that others may find Christ. Karl, Lee and Mary’s son, is a living example as to how Lee and Mary have lived their lives and how they have raised their children in Christian faith to trust in the Almight God. Under Lee’s leadership the institution has changed significantly. Three major emphasis have been: 1. Gaining greater recognition in the University and broader academic community 2. An upgrade of the building and 3. Course offerings which meet the needs of the local church.
Greater Recognition The recognition within Acadia has improved significantly granting us two representatives on the University Senate and voting privileges on all university committees affecting the life of the school. In terms of the broader academic community, Lee took great delight in the growing list of publications from the faculty. He sought to lead by example in this area with a number of books and
By R. Wilso n
articles published during his eight years as Principal/President.
Building Upgrade Our building, which was constructed in 1968, has needed some repairs. During these eight years many updates have occurred with a new roof, a battle with mold in the basement, refurbishing of many offices and classrooms and the installation of air-conditioning in Langley Room, the Chapel, and the Boardroom. One key improvement was an elevator and a fully accessible wheelchair washroom. The building has not been in such good shape since it was built.
Continuing Education The final area which Lee sought to emphasize is an understanding of the churches in Atlantic Canada and then designing curriculum to meet their needs. This is still a work in progress, but much has been accomplished with greater flexibility in acquiring a theological education by introducing more online and intensive one week courses. This has led to increasing numbers of pastors and lay people taking courses, particularly in the areas of leadership and spirituality. As Lee and Mary McDonald leave for a sabbatical year at Princeton, we wish them God’s very best in the next stage of their lives.
ADC
Atlantic Baptist University is pleased to have presented the Atlantic Baptist University Leadership Award on May 5, 2007 to Dr. Craig Evans. Dr. Evans is a person of deeply rooted and well articulated faith, an author whose writings have touched the intellectual and spiritual lives of many, a teacher who engages the culture to which he is called. Craig is a person who truly exemplifies the essence of a Christian leader in all areas of life. We congratulate Craig on receiving this award.
ADC
Lee Mcdonald was awarded this beautiful handcrafted paddle for his retirement at the students’ year end banquet. It was given to Lee so that he will remember with fondness the ADC vs AST Regattas held each September in Halifax. Al Fewkes (proud maker of the paddle) and John Campbell, President of the ADCSA, made the presentation.
Student News COX, Greg, has resigned as Interim Youth Pastor with Alton Baptist Church, effective mid-August. MCGUIRE, Chuck, has accepted a fulltime call to Harmony United Baptist Church, NS. MOSHER, Debra, has accepted a call to Dykeland Lodge in Windsor, NS, as part-time Chaplain. ROSS, Joyce, a community leader and business person in East Preston, NS, has been named the 2007 recipient of Acadia University’s President Award for Entrepreneurship. Joyce is a role model for Acadia’s young entrepreneurs. Acadia’s definition of an entrepreneur exceeds the normal boundaries of someone engaged in business to include people who have made a significant contribution to society. Joyce’s commitment to lifelong learning and the effort she has made on behalf of her community of East Preston makes her the perfect candidate for this award. Congratulations, Joyce!
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Day for Discovery
Faculty Book Picks
This Incomplete One: Words Occasioned by the Death of a Young Person. Edited by Michael D. Bush. Eerdmans, 2006. 184pp.
This is a great opportunity if you are considering a call to Christian service. It is a chance to discern of God's call and a time to experience ADC in the presence of others with similar goals. At ADC, we are committed to providing a more flexible environment for people preparing for ministry. You may discover there are a number of configurations in theological education. There is no charge to visit, however we do need you to register (902.585.2215/2217). We will cover your lodging and meals while you are with us. This is a great opportunity to discuss God's call in your life and to talk to faculty, pastors, and students about preparing for Christian service. I hope you will join us for this important time of challenge and discovery. DR. ROBERT WILSON, Interim-President Rev. Rob Nylen is Director in the Youth and Family Ministry Department with the CABC, the chair of CBM Youth (a group of youth leaders from across Canada who give oversight to initiatives around global discipleship and leadership development) and is the Director of the Youth Ministry Program at Acadia Divinity College. Rev. Dr. Richard Jackson grew up in a Christian home and committed his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 15 at a Christian Athletes Hockey Camp. It was at this same camp that he felt God's hand upon him leading him into the ministry. His concept of pastoral ministry can be summed up in the phrase “Servant Leadership”. He believes that the pastor is called to be a servant to his or her congregation and community and is also to provide leadership as both pastor and congregation seek to follow God's vision for the church and the community.
This remarkable and surprisingly uplifting book is a collection of sixteen sermons occasioned by the death of young people – including six delivered by pastors on the death of their own child. Written by eminent preachers of the past century (recent ones as well), these sermons combine honest emotion with profound Christian hope. Here are no clichés, but the deep cries of a broken heart. J. Howard Edington, whose 20-year-old son was killed in a car accident, writes, “I have been to where life hurts the most and cuts the deepest and hits the hardest” (73). One of the gems of this book is the sermon preached by Karl Barth at the memorial service of his own son, Matthias, here in English translation for the first time. With literary skill and theological depth, these preachers articulate a faith that will withstand the most rigorous test. Rejecting “simplistic theology and unconsoling consolations” (126), all of these writers reaffirm, “In all our pain, and beyond all our pain always is the beauty, truth, and love of God in Jesus Christ, which never dies, and which will never allow us to die” (130). I warmly recommend this book to all who are dealing with the loss of a beloved (especially young) person, to pastors and spiritual care-givers and particularly to seminary students, who will find this little book a spiritual treasure and practical resource. Rev. Carol Anne Janzen, Educational Ministries
The Meaning of Prayer, by Harry Emerson Fosdick Abingdon Press, 2003 The following book is recommended as a good resource for stimulating or rekindling the practice of prayer in the devotional life, a benefit I experienced on my spiritual journey. The Meaning of Prayer, by Harry Emerson Fosdick, Abingdon Press, 2003, is a revised edition with a new introduction. The reader is guided in a daily exploration of the spectrum of prayer through meditation on scripture, focus on prayer selections, apt commentary on each section, as well as suggestions for personal and corporate study. The goal: “The Meaning of Prayer is designed to provide a better understanding of prayer and add depth to your prayer life.” [John D. Shroeder, ed.] I hope that this venture will revitalize our corporate journey as the community of faith, engaged in ministry and anticipating the Lord’s return. Dr. Lionel Moriah, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Supervised Field Education
What One Donor Has Done!
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his May, on Convocation weekend, Dr. Granville Nickerson and his wife, Mary Lou, long time faithful contributors to ADC, traveled from Ontario and held a fabulous evening at the Sheldon Fountain Learning Commons in honour of students who had received their bursary over the past nine years. This bursary was established by the couple in honour of Granville’s parents. Granville is a native of Barrington,
By Trisha Urquhart
Nova Scotia. He began his post secondary studies at Acadia University where he graduated with his BA, winning the coveted Cox Cup, reserved for the most outstanding allround student, both academically and athletically. This was followed by medical studies at McGill, where he obtained his medical doctorate. Dr. Nickerson is also a member of the Order of Canada. During a distinguished career in pediContinued on Page 11
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Continued from Page 10 atrics, Dr. Nickerson served in hospitals in Boston and Montreal and conducted ground breaking research in infectious disease, with special interest in tuberculosis and tubercular meningitis. While working in Quebec, Dr. Nickerson established the first mass polio immunization clinic, initiated the Daily Hello service for Senior Citizens and the first community program in Quebec for children with learning disabilities. His dedication is also clear in his work in Nova Scotia, where he served as a member of the Premier’s Committee for Learning Disabilities. As an educator, Dr. Nickerson is internationally renowned. In Canada he has taught at Acadia and McGill; in the United States he was a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University and he has lectured in many parts of the world. Countries that have benefited from Dr. Nickerson’s lectures include England, Japan, the Philippines, Egypt, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the countries of the East European Soviet Bloc. Mary Lou was born in Hamilton, ON and graduated from McMaster University (B.A., hon. Eng.) in 1946 and was a recipient
in that year of the McGregor-Smith-Burr Scholarship in English Literature. Mary Lou has a special interest in the arts and is an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto in solo voice. She sang in the Mendelssohn choir under Sir Ernest MacMillan in Toronto and in the ELGAR Choir at Montreal. She has been both an actress and a benefactor of the arts in Montreal and Nova Scotia. Originally, Granville and Mary Lou were going to set up a bursary at a local church to aid the pastor to be able to travel once every two years. They made contact with Dr. Harold
Mitton (long time Acadia University friend) who suggested they might want to think of setting up a bursary at ADC instead, to aid those students in financial need. After much thought and prayer, the couple decided to go ahead with this idea. To this day they are thankful to Dr. Mitton for his suggestion; the funds have been beneficial to many more students than would have been possible had the bursary gone to a local church. The evening itself was a time of fellowship and gratitude. Dr. and Mrs. Nickerson graciously accepted the thanks of those students who had received the bursary. Many spoke of the way in which the Nickersons had enabled them to have financial security while studying and of the impact their time at ADC has made on their lives. To meet their benefactor in person greatly affected the students. The Nickersons are an exceptional example of the Christian stewardship that allows ADC to continue to equip those who are called to serve the Lord. Granville and Mary Lou now reside in Cobourg, ON, and spend their winters in Florida where they enjoy golfing together. “…may He be gracious to you, show you His favour, and give you His peace.” Numbers 6:24
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Thoughts on the “Tomb of Jesus”
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By Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament
n February the Discovery Channel aired the documentary “The Lost Tomb of Jesus,” written and produced by Simcha Jacobovici and James Cameron. The former lives in Toronto and is known for his program, “The Naked Archaeologist.” The latter is known for his blockbuster movies, such as “Titanic” and the “Terminator.” Neither filmmaker, by their own admission, is a scholar, historian or archaeologist. The documentary claims that a tomb south of Jerusalem (in a neighborhood called East Talpiot), discovered by builders in 1980, is the tomb of Jesus and his immediate family. Ten ossuaries (or bone boxes) were found inside the tomb. Six of these ossuaries have names inscribed on them: Jesus, son of Joseph; Mariamne and Mara; Maria; Matthew; Judah, son of Jesus and Josah The filmmakers identify Jesus, son of Joseph with Jesus of Nazareth, the founder of the Christian movement. They also claim that Mariamne is Mary Magdalene (by understanding the inscription to read “Mariamne the Master”), Maria is the mother of Jesus, Josah is Jesus’s brother Joses,
Judah is the son of Jesus and Mary, and Matthew is either the disciple of Jesus or a member of the family of Mary his mother. Not surprisingly, the documentary has created an uproar. Virtually no scholar, historian, or archaeologist agrees with the documentary’s arguments or conclusions. Some scholars are saying that the Mariamne inscription actually refers to two women, one named Mariamne and the other Mara (a shortened form of Martha). I and others point out that the name Josah is probably not the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name Joses (Jesus’ brother, mentioned in Mark 6:3). And, of course, because there is not a shred of credible evidence that Jesus had a wife or children (Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code notwithstanding), the inscription that reads “Judah, son of Jesus” weighs heavily against the documentary’s proposal that the Talpiot tomb is the tomb of Jesus and his family. Another important point to make is that there is no history of veneration of the Talpiot tomb as the burial place of Jesus. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in
contrast, was thought by early Christians to be the site of Jesus’s death and burial as far back as the second century. The documentary also makes much out of the pointed gable and rosette over the entrance to the tomb. The filmmakers suggest that it was a symbol of early Jewish Christianity. But this pattern has nothing to do with Christianity. In fact, this pattern predates Jesus and the Christian movement by many years. It is found on Hasmonean coins and on coins struck by the tetrarch Philip, son of Herod the Great, well before the activities of Jesus and the emergence of his movement. The gable and rosette pattern is also found in Jewish funerary and synagogue art, usually symbolizing the temple or the ark of the covenant. The pattern is also seen on several ossuaries that we have no reason to think are Christian. In short, the pointed gable over the rosette is a pre-Christian Jewish symbol that referred to the temple, not a Jewish Christian symbol. Was there a Jesus family tomb in ancient Jerusalem? Probably not, but if there was it was almost certainly not the Talpiot tomb. The documentary has been so widely criticized that the Discovery Channel has commissioned a new documentary that will point out the many errors and problems with the first documentary. I am pleased to report that I have been invited to give an interview. I’ll have a few things to say. Stay tuned. To read more, visit: http://adc.acadiau.ca
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Acadia Divinity College 31 Horton Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
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