Summit Pacific College (formerly Western Pentecostal Bible College) is an undergraduate and postgraduate Bible college and seminary, on a foothill of Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. It is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and is the theological college of the BC & Yukon District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
History
Summit Pacific College (originally British Columbia Bible Institute) was established in 1941 following a meeting of the ministers from the British Columbia and Yukon District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. The ministers were greatly concerned for the need of young people who were seeking to answer God's call to the Christian ministry. A suitable college for the training of such youth was seen to be an urgent need. Thus, the invitation by the official board of Glad Tidings Tabernacle of Victoria was gladly accepted, and within the facilities of that church, the British Columbia Bible Institute opened its doors in the fall of 1941. The founder and first President was Rev. Ernie W. Robinson.
As the years passed the growing college felt the need for its own campus and residences. Thus, in 1951, it moved to a residential campus in North Vancouver (city). In 1962 British Columbia Bible Institute was renamed Western Pentecostal Bible College. A program to add buildings and facilities saw a steady upgrading of the original plant. Nevertheless, it became evident that future requirements called for larger accommodations outside of urban restrictions. As early as 1966 there was a preliminary land purchase, but it was not until 1971 that the present site was acquired.
New campus construction began in 1973, and the college took occupation in the fall of 1974. The three original buildings (the Eric A. Hornby Memorial Academic Building, the William J. Friesen Residence, and the Ernie W. Robinson Dormitory) were augmented by the Vernon Morrison Residence in 1977 and the P.S. Jones Memorial Auditorium in 1979.
In 1983, the governing bodies of the college made public the plans for new buildings on campus. This new project was titled the “Nehemiah Project”. The new proposed buildings were The Mary Ellen Anderson Memorial Chapel (1986), The Lorne Philip Hudson Memorial Library (1988), and a proposed new dormitory. It is stated that the need for these new buildings was not to enlarge the college but to complete the campus. Unfortunately, not enough money was raised for a new dormitory and the college would not see their new dormitory until 2001.
In 1999, a proposal was put forward for a new residence building on campus. The existing Ernie W. Robinson Dormitory (1974) was only capable of housing 100 students while the proposed new building would house 140 students. The L. T. Holdcroft Residence was completed in 2001 and is still in use today.
In 2004, The Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Memorial Auditorium (2004) was built and replaced the P.S. Jones Memorial Auditorium (1979). The P.S. Jones Memorial Auditorium was eventually sold to Christian Life Community Church and would be used as their church building.
In 2010, the Eric A. Hornby Memorial Academic Building saw a significant revitalization, as well as a new academic wing, called the Revival and Learning Centre.
During the last decade, all of the college buildings have been carefully maintained for safety and optimum learning conditions.
In 2023, The college ended it's direct affiliation with Trinity Western University in Langley, BC in favour of developing its own teaching faculty and independence.
Programs and majors
Summit Pacific College offers undergraduate degree programs in Biblical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Child and Family Leadership, Music Leadership, Youth Leadership, Non-Profit Global Leadership, and Counselling Foundations. Summit also offers one and two-year concentrated certificates as well as in these areas. SPC is accredited by the ABHE and chartered by the government of British Columbia. Additionally, Summit Pacific College is affiliated with Trinity Western University of Langley, British Columbia. Summit Pacific College offers its graduates Certificates, Diplomas and bachelor's degrees. The bachelor's degrees are; Bachelor of Arts In Religion and Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.).
A popular program at Summit Pacific College is the one-year Certificate program, OMEGA. The OMEGA program has an academic and service emphasis for 2 semesters and ends with a 3 week overseas mission trip in May. OMEGA has a strong focus on the Biblical idea of personal discipleship, emphasized by mentoring with professors, academic study and Christian ministry outreach with small group involvement.
