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Providence’s History

Founded in 1925 as the Winnipeg Bible Training School, Providence has a long history of educating and equipping leaders to serve Christ. While our name has changed over the years, our goal has remained the same: to prepare students to be difference-makers in their churches, communities and in the world. We offer a vibrant learning community, anchored in the heritage of our school and our evangelical Christian faith. This transformative environment builds leaders of character, knowledge and faith to serve Christ in our ever-changing world.

“My experience at Providence helped prepare me for ministry. I look forward to continued signs of the faithfulness of God. They’ve been presented throughout my life and I wouldn’t expect anything less in the future.” – Mark Doerksen, 1997 Master of Divinity

Top Christian University

Our vision is to be among Canada’s leading Christian universities. We believe that faith is a journey and that God has called us here. The name Providence speaks to God’s provision for our institution over our more than 90-year history. We know and trust that God is present, working within Providence to create strong Christian leaders of faith and service.

Founded With Vision

Our founder, the Rev. H.L. Turner, dreamed of training, “Christian workers for service in voluntary or official positions in the Church, Sunday school, or the mission field at home or abroad.”

History of Our Home

When Providence’s original campus in Winnipeg was slated for destruction, the school found a new home in St. Joseph’s College, a Roman Catholic high school in Otterburne. The college moved in the fall of 1970.

Theological Seminary

The Seminary was formed in 1972 to meet Canada’s need for evangelical graduate ministry training.

1929
  • Four years after Providence was founded, the Winnipeg Bible Training School was renamed the Winnipeg Bible Institute
1948
  • After receiving a provincial charter to grant theological degrees, the name was changed to Winnipeg Bible Institute and College of Theology
1964
  • After receiving full degree-granting status, the institution was renamed the Winnipeg Bible College
1972
  • A longtime dream became reality with the addition of the Seminary
1991
  • To more accurately represent the college’s theological roots and broad academic programming, it was named Providence College and Theological Seminary
2011
  • The Manitoba legislature passed Bill 301, allowing the name to be changed to Providence University College & Theological Seminary
2015
  • Providence launches ‘Impact 2020: The Campaign for Providence’ with a goal to raise $12.5M by 2020
2016
  • Providence opens The Buller School of Business
2018
  • With two years remaining, Impact 2020 surpasses its original goal of $12.5M. President David Johnson announces a campaign goal increase to $14.5M
2020
  • Providence completes its largest ever capital campaign, ‘Impact 2020: The Campaign for Providence’, having raised $14,791,139

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