Providence University College and Theological Seminary with campuses in Otterburn and Winnipeg, will mark a huge milestone in 2025: its 100th anniversary.
The journey began in January 1925 with a small group of students gathering in a house on Spence Street in Winnipeg, then known as the Winnipeg Bible Institute.
Dr. Kent Anderson, the current President, reflected on this humble beginning and the significant growth since then.
"It’s an exciting thing for us to imagine 100 years of service," Anderson shared. "There have been a lot of changes over those years, but it all began in a house with maybe 9 or 10 students led by Reverend H.L. Turner, who wanted to establish a training institute for those called to Christian ministry."
Changes and similarities over decades of Christian Education
Over the decades, Providence has seen many changes, from its name and location to its student body and programs. But despite all the shifts, Anderson emphasized that the heart of the institution has remained the same.
"In some ways, everything’s changed—locations, name changes, the scale of things, the number of students. But what’s stayed the same is our commitment to being a Christ-centered institution, helping people understand their calling in a changing world," Anderson explained. "It’s about the person of Jesus, the importance of the Word of God, and the priority of the church. That’s what’s always animated our work here."
What's ahead for Prov?
As Providence looks ahead, Anderson is optimistic about the future of Christian Education at the University, College and Theological Seminary, although he admits that the specifics are hard to predict.
"We’ll keep serving, finding new ways to embrace the future, but I think it’ll look both similar and different. We’ll lean more into our identity as a university, embrace new models of education, and pursue global opportunities, all while staying rooted in our core calling."
Celebrating a Century this September
The 100th anniversary celebration weekend will take place September 5, 6, and 7, 2025, with several events planned to honour Providence’s rich history. Anderson shared details about what to expect.
"We’ll have a major Gala event at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on Friday, of the first weekend of September," he said. "Then, on Saturday, we’re planning a big festival here on campus with alumni, students, and friends joining us for a day of celebration. We’ll also have a special worship concert that evening and finish the weekend with prayer and worship, committing ourselves to the next 100 years."
For Providence, this milestone isn’t just about looking back—it's about continuing to grow and adapt while staying true to the mission that has guided them for a century.
Key milestones in its history include:
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Becoming the first Bible School in Canada to grant bachelor’s degrees in 1948.
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Expanding to its current 100-acre campus in Otterburne in 1970.
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Establishing the seminary with new graduate-level programs in 1972.
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Strengthening the undergraduate degrees within the university, expanding its offerings in liberal arts, humanities and social sciences.
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Beginning an Aviation program in partnership with Harv’s Air (Steinbach) in 1984.
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Launching the Buller School of Business in 2007 and the institution’s first Bachelor of Science program in 2017.
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Returning to its roots in Winnipeg with the opening of the Providence Downtown site (on 294 William Avenue) in 2022.
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Starting a Centre for On-Demand Education (CODE) in 2023/24.
For more information on centennial events, visit prov.ca/100.