There is an old song that declares “The Move Is On”. In our case, the move is over. After a number of years on the market, 780 Argyle Street in Peterborough sold with an interesting condition attached. As long as we became a tenant then the sale could close. So here we are with residences, offices, classrooms, library, and cafeteria and it is wonderful to say the least.
Our students are truly enjoying the residence setting and, while we share the building, we have our own designated areas as well as one wing of residences. It has proven to be a great benefit already to our school. Early in the fall we invited local area social agencies to vie for our students and now we have Master’s people involved in fourteen local agencies serving God and our community.
Speaking of students, we started the year with 112 of them including 94 full-time students; 66 full-time in residence with 7 staying part-time and the remainder commuting from near and far.
The faculty and staff have made the transition very well. While we regretted losing one support staff after a few months in Peterborough; everyone else made the journey with us and continues to serve with excellence as always.
We tried something new this year. When we planned the calendar we set graduation at the end of April and allocated a reading week for students. We discovered we had a whole extra week to use for our students’ benefit. The first years were in the Dominican Republic for that week so we closed classes for the rest of the school and had a ministry week for second, third and fourth years. They had an amazing week of ministry, serving the community and sharing life and faith. We have already been asked if there is any way to include this week again next year.
March break in high schools has been used to invite high school students to visit Master’s for College Days. We used an all out blitz to get as many students as possible to share in a Peterborough campus experience. Many young people who visit us for these three days become students when they graduate from Grade Twelve.
Moving to Peterborough meant we had some extra costs that will likely occur for a couple of years to a lessening degree. This year we needed to raise an extra three hundred thousand dollars. By the first of February the dollars received to meet this need had reached $233,586.94.
I am incredibly thankful for the support of our district leaders and especially our district superintendents. They have led the way in support and in raising funds. It is largely due to their efforts that we have received this level of donations.
I continue to travel to churches, sections, and districts on behalf of the school. For many of you that means I show up two or three times a year. I am aware of the number of contacts but continue to realize that while we have made great gains we still have a long way to go to ensure our college has the kind of solid foundation we desire it to have for the future.
We will be very pleased to go to ABHE this year and report the continued progress we are making toward the kind of stability we all desire. We trust they will see the steps forward and support our efforts. They will be doing a full evaluation of the school this fall and the Board of Governors, Administration, Faculty, and Staff of Master’s is working long and diligently to get ready for their visit.
Our students continue to meet God in life transforming ways at Master’s. It is wonderful to meet with them and hear their stories of God at work in their lives. The new first year program has already proven to be an exceptional tool that allows students to be challenged and to be changed in an excellent academic milieu.
Not only is the college part of our school moving forward but the seminary is experiencing great days as well under the leadership of Van Johnson. We have a partnership with Tyndale that allows students to take eight courses with us, the rest with them, and upon graduation receive a post undergraduate degree and qualify for credentials with the PAOC. Just four years ago we had eight students in the full program with us and Tyndale. Three years ago that number grew to fifteen. Two years ago it was twenty-five and this past fall it grew again to thirty. After many years of faithful service and exemplary leadership, Van is seeing the fruit of his labour. While all this is happening Van has also become a significant voice for Pentecost in our fellowship. We thank God for his giftings and ministry.
Sheila continues to support me in this role and we are thankful for God’s faithfulness to us these many years. He has blessed us with hope and health, faith and favor, strength and service. We want to continue to give our lives and years to Him. It is a special privilege to do so on behalf of Master’s College and Seminary. Everyday I thank God for the passion, desire, hunger, and potential in our students. They are truly amazing. If you are ever in the Peterborough area or would like to be intentional in coming to see us, your visit would be most welcome.
I dislike being presumptuous about God’s grace but I must confess I have lived an Old Testament promise since last summer. Here is what one of God’s prophets spoke;
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Dr. William D. Morrow
President