About Western Baptist Bible College
Western believes the chief aim of a good college is not merely to teach books but the meaning and purposes of life as well. To know God and the Laws and Purposes of His Universe and to reconcile one's life with these laws is the objective of Christian Education. Diligent study and the learning of books are the only means to this end. Through study, we develop power, courage, and determination to go forth.
The Western Baptist Bible College is located at 2119 Tracy Avenue. It is considered the oldest African American school west of the Mississippi River, established exclusively by Negroes.
Historical Summary
On January 13, 1890, the board of the Baptist General Association of Missouri (Now Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri) met at the Second Baptist Church of Independence, Mo., and held opening exercises of the Western College. In 1892 the school moved to Macon, Mo. In September 1920, Western College moved to the Ridge Estates in Kansas City, Mo., located at 2101 Woodland. After a decade at the Ridge Estates which proved to be too small, the school moved to its present location. The school closed for a short period during the 1930s and reopened in August 1937 as Western Seminary.
Mission
Western Baptist Bible College is a four-year co-educational Christian institution of higher education. Western believes the chief aim of a good college is not merely to teach books but the meaning and purposes of life as well. To know God and the Laws and Purposes of His universe and to reconcile one's life with these laws is the objective of Christian Education.
Ownership
The school is owned by the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri, which comprises 13 District Associations of churches throughout the state, including Kansas City Associations New Era District (43 Churches) and Midwest District (12 Churches). Dr. Jimmy L. Brown, the St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church pastor in St. Louis, is the state convention president.
Kansas City Campus
The Kansas City campus is comprised of two buildings located at 2119 and 2125 Tracy Avenue. The two buildings were constructed in 1899-1900 and 1903-04. The buildings are the Gillis Orphans Home, 2119 Tracy, and the Armour Home for Aged Couples, 2125 Tracy, constructed by Kansas City's Women's Christian Association (WCA) founded in 1870. The buildings are LATE 19TH CENTURY AND 20TH CENTURY Georgian Revival style of architecture. Both buildings are three stories in height. Historic Preservation Services, LLC prepared a report for the Department of Housing and Community Development that states both buildings are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.
The two buildings are on Kansas City's Landmark Commission, Case No. 0122-D.
Other Campuses
Western has extension schools in:
The school offers a certificate program, Bachelor, Master and doctorate degrees.
The President & Organization
Mr. Thad Jones was appointed President of the school in October 2002. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2002. He served as Interim President from 1994 to 1997 and from 2001 to 2002. He is a Deacon at the Second Baptist Church in Independence, Mo., Vice President-at-Large of the Missouri State Laymen, General Secretary of the National Baptist Laymen's Movement, Auxiliary to the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.
Dr. Robert Baynham – Dean of Academics
Accreditation
Affiliate Institution – The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) – Western Baptist Bible College is an Affiliate institution of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. As such, it participates in and contributes to collegial and professional development activities of the Association. Affiliate status does not, however, constitute, imply, or presume ABHE accredited status at present or in the future.
Support
The school is primarily supported by the Baptist churches of Missouri and Kansas. The churches are affiliated with three (3) main national conventions: National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc., National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., and Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Key Events
Tax Status
Western Bible College is incorporated in the state of Missouri and is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation. Western is also classified as a school under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible under section 170 of the Code, and tax-deductible Bequests, devices, transfers, or gifts under sections 2055, 2106, or 2522.
Contact Information
