9 July 2026 | Bracknell, UK [Joe Philpott]
Along familiar pathways, former classmates greeted one another with embraces and laughter. Conversations resumed as though only weeks, rather than decades, had passed since they had last shared a lecture room or a meal together. Across the campus, stories of lifelong friendships, ministry and service were exchanged as generations of Newbold alumni returned to the place where many were equipped to follow God’s calling.
Yet Newbold College’s 125th Anniversary Celebration was about more than revisiting treasured memories. Throughout the four-day celebration, held from 25 to 28 June 2026, the College repeatedly turned its attention to the future, asking how Adventist higher education can continue to prepare pastors, teachers, missionaries and leaders to serve an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
The anniversary weekend brought together church leaders from across the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists, the Trans-European Division (TED), and beyond, as well as alumni, former principals, lecturers, students, and members of the local community. Through worship, historical reflection, academic discussion and celebration, one message emerged consistently: while the world around Newbold continues to change, the College’s mission remains remarkably constant.
Looking Back to Move Forward
The anniversary celebrations began on Thursday evening with a special opening service with Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, GC Education Director, before alumni gathered on Friday to reconnect with former classmates, lecturers and friends. A cream tea and afternoon conversation with former Newbold principal and former Andrews University president Andrea Luxton provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the College’s history but also to consider the enduring influence it has had on generations of students.
Speaking candidly about her journey from student to lecturer and eventually principal, Luxton described Newbold as foundational to her own life and ministry. “I would not have been able to do half of what I’ve done had it not been for Newbold College.”
Responding to questions from alumni, she reflected on the changing landscape of Adventist higher education while emphasising that institutions such as Newbold must continue adapting without losing sight of their spiritual purpose.
That balance between honouring the past and preparing for the future continued throughout Friday evening’s alumni vespers. David Trim, director of the Office of Archives, Statistics and Research at the GC and himself both a former student and faculty member, guided attendees through Newbold’s remarkable journey from its beginnings as Duncombe Hall College in 1901 to the international institution it is today.
While campuses, organisational structures and even the college’s name have changed over the past 125 years, Trim observed that one defining characteristic has remained unchanged: Newbold exists to prepare men and women to share the gospel.
One of the stories he highlighted was that of George D Keough, one of Newbold’s earliest missionary graduates. Hoping initially to serve in Sub-Saharan Africa, Keough instead accepted an unexpected appointment to Egypt, where his willingness to learn Arabic, immerse himself in local culture and build authentic relationships transformed his ministry.
Rather than remaining socially distant, Keough intentionally lived among the people he served, earning their trust before sharing his faith. His ministry, Trim suggested, reflected the Christ-centred approach to mission that Newbold has sought to cultivate throughout its history.
The evening also recognised those whose leadership helped shape the College’s story. Honorary Legacy Awards were presented to descendants of influential Newbold leaders, including the families of Roy Graham and George D Keough, acknowledging generations whose faithfulness laid foundations upon which today’s College continues to build.
Taken together, the day’s events highlighted a recurring theme that would continue throughout the anniversary weekend: Newbold’s history is not simply measured by its buildings, programme offerings or anniversaries, but by the countless lives it has helped prepare for service to God and His church around the world.
Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow’s Church
If Friday encouraged attendees to remember where Newbold has come from, Sabbath morning invited them to consider where it must go next.
Under clear blue skies and unusually warm summer temperatures, alumni and guests dispersed across the campus for a series of panel discussions exploring some of the most pressing questions facing Adventist theology, education and mission today. Rather than focusing solely on the College’s past achievements, the conversations examined how theological education can equip leaders for an increasingly secular society while remaining faithfully rooted in Scripture.
One discussion explored how theology should serve the church in the twenty-first century, while another examined the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and rapidly developing technologies. A third panel reflected on Christian witness in an increasingly secular Europe, encouraging participants to consider fresh ways for churches to connect with their communities while remaining faithful to biblical convictions.
Reflecting on his pastoral ministry in the 1990s, newly appointed returning lecturer Gifford Rhamie recalled recognising that he was living within an Adventist echo chamber. “All my friends except one person were Adventist,” he said. That realisation led him to make a covenant with God to intentionally build friendships beyond church circles, challenging himself to live authentically not only among Adventists, but also among those with no connection to the church. For Rhamie, such relationships were essential to meaningful mission, expanding both his influence and his ability to share his faith.
Echoing this, former GC president Jan Paulsen added, “Love your neighbour as yourself because he’s like you.” His words reminded attendees that meaningful engagement with people outside the church begins by recognising them as equals, not as ‘others’, and that such engagement strengthens, rather than compromises, biblical faithfulness.
The afternoon also recognised that preparing leaders involves more than classroom teaching; it includes honouring those whose scholarship has shaped the theological thinking of generations. Emeritus Principal Lecturer Dr Laurence Turner was presented with a Festschrift, In the Beginning Was the Plot, published by Newbold Academic Press in recognition of his decades of biblical scholarship, teaching and influence. Presenting the volume, TED President Daniel Duda described a Festschrift as “an academic way of saying thank you”, recognising Turner’s lifetime of scholarship and his enduring influence on generations of students and fellow scholars.
Worship at the Heart of the Celebration
While the panel discussions encouraged thoughtful engagement with the future of theology and mission, the Divine Service reminded attendees that Newbold’s purpose extends beyond academic excellence. Throughout its 125-year history, the College has sought to prepare people not simply for careers in ministry, but for lives centred on Christ.
Welcoming the congregation, Douglas McCormac, senior pastor of Newbold College Church, reflected on his own journey as a student arriving on campus in 1989. Sharing stories of lecturers, support staff and campus workers who have shaped generations of students, he reminded worshippers that Newbold’s legacy has been built not only by principals and professors, but also by the countless individuals whose faithful service often took place behind the scenes.
“Newbold’s history is varied and is shared not just with the students and the lecturers, but with the many people who have kept the cogs of this institution running in the background, often unknown, but faithfully serving.”
The service brought together leaders from across the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, including GC President Erton Köhler, GC Vice President Audrey Andersson, former GC President Jan Paulsen, TED President Daniel Duda, other TED officers and directors, British Union Conference leaders, conference and mission presidents, as well as alumni, students, and members of the local community.
Preaching from Daniel 2, Köhler reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout history, drawing a connection between the faith of Newbold’s founders and the challenges facing the Adventist Church today. He encouraged the congregation not to view the anniversary simply as an opportunity to celebrate what previous generations had achieved, but as an invitation to continue God’s mission with the same courage and conviction.
Closing his sermon with a personal appeal, Köhler reminded listeners that God’s calling remains unchanged despite changing circumstances. “Don’t forget your dream. Remember that the One who called you is with you.”
Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future
Saturday evening’s service brought together music, recognition and vision, acknowledging both the individuals who helped shape Newbold’s history and those responsible for carrying its mission forward.
Rather than focusing on individual achievements, Principal Dan Serb used the occasion to recognise the partnerships that have sustained the College throughout its history. Representatives from the General Conference, Trans-European Division, British Union Conference, unions, attached fields, conferences and missions were presented with commemorative coins as expressions of gratitude for their continuing support. Former principals, including Paulsen and Luxton, were also recognised for their leadership and contribution to the College’s development.
Reflecting on his years at Newbold, Paulsen described the College as a place whose influence extended far beyond its campus. Throughout decades of international ministry, he explained, he had repeatedly encountered church leaders whose foundations had been laid at Newbold.
“So many I met whose roots were firmly established at this institution… You made them servants for God and for the church.”
Later in the evening, Audrey Andersson delivered the plenary address, highlighting Newbold’s ongoing role in preparing people for faithful service. Speaking about the value of trusted Adventist educational institutions, she reminded attendees that Newbold’s next chapter matters because its mission remains deeply connected to the needs of the church and the world.
“That is why Newbold still matters today. That is why trusted Adventist educational institutions matter. That is why the next chapter of Newbold matters,” she said. “The Church needs Newbold College. The Trans-European Division needs Newbold College. The world needs the witness that is found here at Newbold College.”
Extending Newbold’s Mission
One of the weekend’s most significant announcements was the launch of Newbold Connect, a new digital learning platform designed to make Newbold’s distinctive approach to faith-integrated education accessible well beyond the College campus.
Introducing the initiative, Serb described it as a natural extension of the College’s founding vision rather than a departure from it. “New Connect is not a replacement for the campus experience… It complements it and extends our reach without diminishing our roots.”
Alexandre Ghiorzi, former E-Learning Project Coordinator, now Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy, explained the thinking behind the platform’s design. “We wanted to make something that takes both faith and craft seriously,” he said. “Short, cinematic classes, with one honest step, you can actually try this week. Formation, not just information.” During the launch, attendees were also shown a promotional video introducing the vision behind Newbold Connect.
The announcement provided a fitting illustration of the anniversary’s overarching message. Just as previous generations responded creatively to the mission needs of their time, Newbold is seeking fresh ways to equip today’s church while remaining faithful to the purpose on which it was founded 125 years ago.
[Photos: Asun Olivan]
