The Roots of a University
1956 Inception
June 22, 1956 marks the earliest reference to the idea of a school in Canada. It was recorded in the minutes of the Evangelical Free Church of America’s (EFCA) General Board meeting held in Winona Lake, Indiana.
1960 On Holy Ground
David Enarson recalls going with a group to visit the farmland in Langley, the site of the future Trinity Western university. As Henry Friesen pointed out the beauty of the terrain, Enarson noticed Walter Cahill stop and remove his shoes. When asked what he was doing Cahill replied, “I’m taking the shoes off of my feet; I want to walk on this ground in my stocking feet because I believe I am walking on holy ground. I’m coveting this ground for the Wheaton of Canada.”
1961 Leadership Established
In June 1961, at the annual EFCA conference at Green Lake, Wisconsin, four people were elected to administrative posts at the Canadian college-to-be:
- President:
Calvin B. Hanson - Dean & Registrar:
Enoch Mattson - Dean of Students:
Leland Asa - Vice President for Business Administration:
Perry Havens
1961 Land Dedication
On October 8, 1961, approximately 400 persons witnessed the sod-turning and dedication services for the 115-acre campus of Trinity Junior College (TJC). Rev. Calvin B. Hanson, President of the new school, delivered the dedicatory address. Also participating were Harold P. Halleen, Vice President and Moderator of the EFCA; Dr. Enoch E. Mattson, Registrar and Dean of TJC, and Rev. Perry Havens, Vice President in charge of business administration, each of whom turned shovels of sod.
1962 The First Seventeen
On September 17, 1962, classes began for 17 enrolled students. The following day TJC held its first Convocation ceremony; President Hanson spoke, “concerning the great pillar of cloud and of fire which led God’s people of old.”
The Leadership of President Hanson
1963 First Graduating Class
Trinity Junior College’s first convocation ceremony was May 13, 1963. Four students graduated with an Associate of Arts diploma, prompting the first yearbook—the Pillar—which has been produced ever since. In it, President Hanson wrote, “We salute you, the first class of Trinity Junior College, for blazing a new trail in Christian higher education. We salute the student yearbook staff for producing the first Pillar to mark the completion of a year of milestones and miracles.”
1963-64 Spartans Invade
Through a vote, students chose the name “Spartans” for their athletic teams. At the time, TJC athletes competed against high school teams. Within four years, an inter-collegiate sports program was established, with TJC renting gymnasium facilities to host games.
1965 Library Building Erected
The first library was housed in a wing of the Hanson Chapel. With no more than a few bookshelves and rapid enrolment growth, it became clear that more space would be needed. The answer to this predicament came from a businessman from Moline, IL—Vernon Strombeck—who generously donated the funds to build and stock the original library, as well as its expansion in 1971.
1967 First Dramatic Production
It was called The Romantics, and the house was packed. The play was directed by students and was the first in a long series of Trinity Western theatre productions.
1968 Washed Away
Rapid snowmelt was responsible for one of the most memorable moments in TJC’s history. Cal Hanson wrote, “We watched our picturesque little bridge float down the Salmon River and into oblivion. There was no access to the campus other than walking the railroad tracks.” Authorities opened a temporary exit from Highway One to bring food and supplies to the stranded students, staff, and faculty on campus.
1970 McMillan Hall Constructed
In eight years, TJC’s enrolment had grown from 17 to 350, and there wasn’t enough room to house the students. In response, TJC constructed McMillan Hall, named after the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trader who established Fort Langley in 1827.
1972 TJC Goes “Western”
Ten years after TJC opened, the British Columbia Legislature approved the maturing college’s request to change its name to Trinity Western College. This change marked the first time “Western” was officially associated with the school’s name.
1972-74 Search for New Leadership
After the College’s 10th anniversary, Cal Hanson and the Board of Governors decided it was time for Canadian leadership. Until then, most of the College’s leaders, including Hanson himself, had been American. In 1974, R. Neil Snider, Ph.D., was appointed president of TWC.
For more information on TWU's 50th Anniversary year, check out twu.ca/50.
Photos and historical information courtesy of the TWU Archives.
Next issue: A look back on TWU’s milestones during Neil Snider’s presidency.
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