{"id":26031,"date":"2026-07-09T21:52:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T21:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=26031"},"modified":"2026-07-09T22:29:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T22:29:52","slug":"honouring-the-past-preparing-for-the-future-newbold-marks-125-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/honouring-the-past-preparing-for-the-future-newbold-marks-125-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future: Newbold Marks 125 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"

9 July 2026 | Bracknell, UK [Joe Philpott]<\/p>\n

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\u2019s calling.<\/p>\n

Yet Newbold College’s 125th Anniversary Celebration<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s mission remains remarkably constant.<\/p>\n

Looking Back to Move Forward<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s history but also to consider the enduring influence it has had on generations of students.<\/p>\n

\"Dr
Andrea Luxton reflects on Newbold’s past, present and future during a Friday afternoon conversation with alumni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speaking candidly about her journey from student to lecturer and eventually principal, Luxton described Newbold as foundational to her own life and ministry. \u201cI would not have been able to do half of what I\u2019ve done had it not been for Newbold College.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

That balance between honouring the past and preparing for the future continued throughout Friday evening\u2019s alumni vespers<\/a>. 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\u2019s remarkable journey from its beginnings as Duncombe Hall College in 1901 to the international institution it is today.<\/p>\n

\"\"
David Trim traces Newbold College\u2019s 125-year history during Friday evening\u2019s alumni vespers programme<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While campuses, organisational structures and even the college\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

One of the stories he highlighted was that of George D Keough, one of Newbold\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Dr
Lubica Mueller (third from the left) speaking with family members of Roy Graham (second and third from the right) and George D Keough (second from the left) during the presentation of the Honorary Legacy Awards recognising their families\u2019 contributions to Newbold College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The evening also recognised those whose leadership helped shape the College\u2019s 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\u2019s College continues to build.<\/p>\n

Taken together, the day\u2019s events highlighted a recurring theme that would continue throughout the anniversary weekend: Newbold\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow\u2019s Church<\/h2>\n

If Friday encouraged attendees to remember where Newbold has come from, Sabbath morning invited them to consider where it must go next.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s past achievements, the conversations examined how theological education can equip leaders for an increasingly secular society while remaining faithfully rooted in Scripture.<\/p>\n

\"From
From left to right: Newbold College lecturer Tihomir Lazi\u0107, former General Conference President Jan Paulsen, returning Newbold College lecturer Gifford Rhamie, General Conference Vice President Audrey Andersson, South-East European Union Conference President Dragan Gruji\u010di\u0107, and Danish Union of Churches Conference President Bj\u00f8rn Ottesen participate in a Sabbath morning panel discussion exploring mission and ministry in an increasingly secular Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cAll my friends except one person were Adventist,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\"Former
Former General Conference President Jan Paulsen shares insights during a Sabbath morning panel discussion at Newbold College\u2019s 125th anniversary celebrations<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Echoing this, former GC president Jan Paulsen added, \u201cLove your neighbour as yourself because he\u2019s like you.\u201d His words reminded attendees that meaningful engagement with people outside the church begins by recognising them as equals, not as \u2018others\u2019, and that such engagement strengthens, rather than compromises, biblical faithfulness.<\/p>\n

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<\/em>, 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 \u201can academic way of saying thank you\u201d, recognising Turner\u2019s lifetime of scholarship and his enduring influence on generations of students and fellow scholars.<\/p>\n

Worship at the Heart of the Celebration<\/h2>\n
\"The
The congregation joins in worship during the Sabbath Divine Service<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the panel discussions encouraged thoughtful engagement with the future of theology and mission, the Divine Service<\/a> reminded attendees that Newbold\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cNewbold\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"General
General Conference President Erton K\u00f6hler preaches during the Sabbath Divine Service, encouraging attendees to remain faithful to God\u2019s calling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The service brought together leaders from across the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, including GC President Erton K\u00f6hler, 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.<\/p>\n

Preaching from Daniel 2, K\u00f6hler reflected on God\u2019s faithfulness throughout history, drawing a connection between the faith of Newbold\u2019s 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\u2019s mission with the same courage and conviction.<\/p>\n

Closing his sermon with a personal appeal, K\u00f6hler reminded listeners that God\u2019s calling remains unchanged despite changing circumstances. \u201cDon’t forget your dream. Remember that the One who called you is with you.”<\/p>\n

Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future<\/h2>\n
\"Newbold
Newbold College Principal Dan Serb (right) presents a commemorative coin to Emanuel Bran, who was elected British Union Conference Executive Secretary a few days after the anniversary weekend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saturday evening\u2019s service<\/a> brought together music, recognition and vision, acknowledging both the individuals who helped shape Newbold\u2019s history and those responsible for carrying its mission forward.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s development.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo many I met whose roots were firmly established at this institution\u2026 You made them servants for God and for the church.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"General
General Conference Vice President Audrey Andersson delivers the keynote address during Saturday evening\u2019s anniversary programme<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Later in the evening, Audrey Andersson delivered the plenary address<\/a>, highlighting Newbold\u2019s ongoing role in preparing people for faithful service. Speaking about the value of trusted Adventist educational institutions, she reminded attendees that Newbold\u2019s next chapter matters because its mission remains deeply connected to the needs of the church and the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is why Newbold still matters today. That is why trusted Adventist educational institutions matter. That is why the next chapter of Newbold matters,\u201d she said. \u201cThe Church needs Newbold College. The Trans-European Division needs Newbold College. The world needs the witness that is found here at Newbold College.\u201d<\/p>\n

Extending Newbold\u2019s Mission<\/h2>\n

One of the weekend\u2019s most significant announcements was the launch of Newbold Connect, a new digital learning platform designed to make Newbold\u2019s distinctive approach to faith-integrated education accessible well beyond the College campus.<\/p>\n

Introducing the initiative, Serb described it as a natural extension of the College\u2019s founding vision rather than a departure from it. “New Connect is not a replacement for the campus experience\u2026 It complements it and extends our reach without diminishing our roots.”<\/p>\n

\"Alexandre
Alexandre Ghiorzi introduces Newbold Connect, the College\u2019s new digital learning platform<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alexandre Ghiorzi, former E-Learning Project Coordinator, now Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy, explained the thinking behind the platform\u2019s design. \u201cWe wanted to make something that takes both faith and craft seriously,\u201d he said. \u201cShort, cinematic classes, with one honest step, you can actually try this week. Formation, not just information.\u201d During the launch, attendees were also shown a promotional video introducing the vision behind Newbold Connect<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The announcement provided a fitting illustration of the anniversary\u2019s overarching message. Just as previous generations responded creatively to the mission needs of their time, Newbold is seeking fresh ways to equip today\u2019s church while remaining faithful to the purpose on which it was founded 125 years ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

[Photos: Asun Olivan]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Equipping generations for faithful service and mission<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":26178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26031"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26031\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26202,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26031\/revisions\/26202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}