FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Annual Simpson Lectures includes the Launch of the MacRae Centre

Wolfville, NS, February 9, 2016 – Acadia Divinity College (ADC) President, Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner, today announced the formal launch of the College’s third Centre of Excellence during the annual Simpson Lectures being held on the campus of Acadia University.

“Now, more than ever, the church needs to respond to an ever-changing world,” said Dr. Harry Gardner, President of ADC and Dean of Theology of Acadia University. “The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture will be an integral part of the work of Acadia Divinity College preparing students and church leaders to think deeply on matters of faith and witness.”

The Centre for Christian Faith and Culture is named for Andrew D. MacRae in honour of his valuable leadership as the 4th Principal of Acadia Divinity College and recognition of his lifelong commitment to evangelism and mission. In 1979, the Reverend Dr. MacRae received an invitation from Acadia Divinity College to establish the first Chair of Evangelism and Mission in Canada. In 1980, Dr. MacRae began his service at the College, and in 1983, he became the first occupant of the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Chair of Evangelism and Mission. He then served as Principal (President) and Dean of Theology from 1985 to 1998.  In 2004, Andrew received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University.

Dr. Gardner also announced that this year’s Simpson Lecturer, Dr. Anna Robbins, will serve as the new director of the Centre. “Dr. Andrew MacRae’s greatest desire is for people to know Christ. I am excited to further the work he has begun by helping our churches and leaders learn to engage our culture well,” said Dr. Robbins, Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics.  “Through new courses, degree specializations, resources, and research, the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture will be a powerful avenue for Christians to engage the world, and the world to engage Christian life and thought.”

A permanent endowment has been established for the MacRae Centre.  This fund will be used to create a reliable, long-term source of revenue to help students and the wider church engage with people and issues in meaningful, thoughtful, relevant, and transformative ways.

“The College is grateful to two anonymous donors who have given so generously through a gift of $150,000 and a pledge of $100,000, representing fifty percent of the total goal of $0.5 million needed for the endowment,” stated Rev. John Campbell, Director of Advancement.

In making the announcement, Dr. Gardner explained that endowing the MacRae Centre is one of the four strategic priorities between 2015 and 2018. These priorities are:

• Refurbishing the College building on Acadia’s campus;
• Ensuring quality instruction through increasing endowments for key academic Chairs;
• Supporting students through increasing scholarships and bursaries; and
• Going public with the Gospel by securing an endowment for the new Centre for Christian Faith and Culture

A reception followed these announcements and the Simpson Lecture, with special guests: Dr. MacRae’s beloved wife, Jean, their son and daughter-in-law, Findlay and Julie MacRae, their daughter, Fiona Webb (née MacRae), and their three grandchildren, Andrew, Calum, and Jane MacRae. Other family members viewed the announcement via live stream from their homes in Newfoundland: son-in-law, Greg Webb, and three grandchildren, Bruce, Jana, and Joy Webb.

About Simpson Lectures

Mr. Gerald K. Simpson of Fairhaven, Deer Island, New Brunswick, established an endowment in 1979 to finance an annual series of lectures on the practice of ministry prepared primarily for students, pastors, and spouses. The lecturers are outstanding persons in ministry who focus on the role of the minister as both preacher and pastor. This lectureship has welcomed many distinguished preachers including John N. Gladstone, Haddon W. Robinson, Alan Sell, and Gardner Taylor. For more information about Simpson Lectures, visit www.acadiadiv.ca/simpson.

About Acadia Divinity College

Acadia Divinity College is the Faculty of Theology at Acadia University and is the official seminary of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. Acadia Divinity College offers theological education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, preparing men and women for leadership roles in churches, chaplaincies, denominational leadership, university and seminary teaching, cross-cultural mission, para-church leadership, and other areas of ministry. Graduate degrees are approved by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. All degrees are awarded by Acadia University. For more information about Acadia Divinity College, visit our website at www.acadiadiv.ca.

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Contacts:

For more information, please contact Rev. John Campbell, Director of Advancement
Phone: 902.585.2218     email: john.campbell@acadiau.ca

To arrange an interview with ADC President, Dr. Harry Gardner, please contact Eveline DeSchiffart, Executive Assistant to the President
Phone: 902.585.2213      email: eveline.deschiffart@acadiau.ca