A kilometre from the church I serve stands an unassuming three-story building. Most of our congregants drive past it weekly without a second glance, but it holds special significance for me. This building once housed Central Baptist Seminary, my alma mater from over 30 years ago. Theologian D.A. Carson once studied at this institution (albeit in a different location), and the institution significantly influenced the fellowship of Evangelical Baptist churches across Canada.
I began my studies there in 1987, during a markedly different era. Male students followed a formal dress code of ties and jackets, and we completed assignments by hand or typewriter; most of us didn’t yet own computers. Though modest in size, the faculty included influential scholars like theologian Stan Fowler and church historian Michael Haykin—a small but intellectually formidable team that left an indelible mark on its students.
As a student, I was mostly unaware of the looming financial crisis threatening the school. Around the time I enrolled, the seminary began grappling with serious financial challenges. Leadership explored various options: relocating the seminary, transferring ownership, and pursuing partnerships with other academic institutions. Despite these efforts, financial stability remained elusive.
They eventually sold the three-story building for $2.7 million, but even this wasn’t enough. In September 1989, the seminary declared bankruptcy. Under new leadership, the school relocated north of Toronto and eventually merged with London Baptist Bible College and Seminary to become Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge.
When I pass the old building on Jonesville Crescent in Toronto, two thoughts consistently strike me. First, I reflect on the tremendous pressure the seminary faced during my time there. Maintaining an institution demands extraordinary effort, and the behind-the-scenes struggles must have been overwhelming. From one perspective, this might appear as institutional failure.
Throughout my ministry, I’ve encountered numerous institutions—from small ministries to major seminaries—wrestling with survival. Even well-established organizations often struggle to maintain financial stability and retain essential staff. Central’s story is far from unique. Many ministries face the persistent challenge of achieving sustainable momentum, both financially and in human resources. The weight of these pressures on institutional leaders can be overwhelming, demanding both resilience and wisdom to navigate uncertain waters.
Yet, my second reflection centres on the profound impact this small school had on countless lives. Only eternity will reveal the full extent of its influence on Christianity in Canada. I’m grateful for those who carried out vital work in this modest setting, persevering despite financial hardships to make lasting spiritual differences.
My time at Central Baptist Seminary taught me that success isn’t always immediately apparent. Financial difficulties may suggest failure, and institutions may face pressure to transform or adapt. Nevertheless, God continues His work through small ministries that maintain the right focus.
These institutions often exceed expectations, creating ripples of influence far beyond their apparent capacity—a testament to how God uses faithful service, regardless of size or circumstance.
This seminary’s legacy endures well beyond its physical presence in east Toronto. Though the building, dedicated with promise in 1973 and used by the school until 1991, now serves different purposes, it stands as a testament to the seminary’s lasting influence on countless lives and ministries. For this, I remain grateful.
