Steinbach Bible College launches new build

As the sounds of Hymn 606 sung by the crowd came to end, a sod turning marked the beginning of another chapter in Steinbach Bible College (SBC) history.

Sod turning in name only, those involved quickly coined it a “snow turning” as those with shovels made no attempt to get through the frozen crust and instead tossed shovels of snow in the air to mark the occasion.

SBC launched the beginning of their new campus on Loewen Boulevard on Tuesday, celebrating the start of the $15 million project that will utilize parts of the former Steinbach Family Medical building.

The move became necessary as Steinbach Christian School continued to grow. A deal in 2019 established that SBC, who shares the building, would move when Steinbach Christian needed the space.

Parts of the building will be refurbished for offices and a community living area, while the western section will be torn down and replaced with a two storey facility home to classrooms, a chapel, library and dorms.

Dave Reimer, president of SBC described it as a significant move after spending 70 years at their old location, and 89 years since their beginnings.

He shared their mission with the crowd in attendance.

“Steinbach Bible College is an evangelical anabaptist Bible college empowering servant leaders to follow Jesus, serve the church and engage the world,” he said. “We’ve been doing that for 89 years. We intend to do it for another 89 and we need a new location.”

A total of $11.5 million has been raised for the project with SBC looking to donors for the remaining $3.5 million.

“We’re excited about empowering servant leaders to serve the church and engage the world and follow Jesus,” he said.

Provencher MP Ted Falk expressed his admiration for the college and the work they’ve done. He said in 1932 Mennonite Brethren and Evangelical Mennonite Brethren conferences kicked things off with a plan to train up leaders. Now four church conferences provide the ownership of SBC.

“When I look at the influence that these churches have had in our community it’s absolutely amazing,” he said. “I’m looking forward to more of that to come.”

Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk agreed, telling the crowd that celebrating the good things happening in the community through events like this are the favourite part of his job.

He also praised SBC for what they’ve done over the years.

“The City of Steinbach gets the benefit from what happens here at this school but so does our globe, the whole earth that God has created,” he said.

Reimer said the reaction to SBC’s plans has been good from all corners of the community.

“I am intrigued by the way the community has come together, where whoever we’re talking to is excited about what’s happening,” he said.

For more information or to donate, go to sbcollege.ca/donate.