On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Acadia Divinity College celebrated our 64th annual Commissioning Service — a day marked by joy, community, and meaningful moments of formation.
The celebrations began with an Open House at the College, where graduands, families, faculty, and staff gathered for connection and reflection. The Commissioning Supper continued the warm atmosphere as graduands were encouraged, uplifted, and officially welcomed into the alumni family. During the meal, ADC honoured outstanding students: Master of Divinity graduand Caleb Dixon, recipient of the Student Service Award and Doctor of Ministry graduand Edmund Woo, recipient of the MacRae Prize for thesis excellence.
As the doors of Wolfville Baptist Church opened for the Commissioning Service, a sense of anticipation filled the sanctuary. Acknowledging the sacred land of Mi’kma’ki, Dr. Danny Zacharias reminded the gathered community that creation itself forms us: “The land is his good gift… and we are connected with it — a grace to us.”
Music shaped the worship throughout the evening, led by Owen Lee, Minister of Music at EBC The Meeting Place, the EBC Band, and Dr. Heather Price, Director of Music at Wolfville Baptist Church. Their leadership lifted the congregation in gratitude and praise.
Dr. Anna Robbins, President of ADC, welcomed the leaving class with joy, recognizing the faith and perseverance that had carried them to this moment. Several speakers returned to the theme of formation. Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo, Provost and Vice President Academic of Acadia University, reflected on grace found in quiet attentiveness, quoting Simone Weil: “Faith is the experience that the intelligence is enlightened by love.”
Rev. Renée MacVicar, Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, offered a charge rooted in hope: “You are carriers of hope in this world…When you encounter darkness, point to Jesus.”
The service also served as graduation for students receiving diplomas and certificates, presented by Dr. Zacharias, who celebrated their diverse paths of ministr y. Applause followed as Luke Steeves received the 2025 President’s Award and offered the Reflections of a Graduand, before Dr. Elie Haddad, recipient of the 2025 Acadia honorary Doctor of Divinity, delivered the annual John Gladstone Sermon, calling graduands into a new season: “You are stepping from preparation to mission, from comfort to calling.”
As the evening concluded with the laying on of hands and a final benediction, the community was reminded that formation is an ongoing journey — one that continues as these graduates step faithfully into their callings.
