Western believes the chief aim of a good college is not merely toteach 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 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 1930’s 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 is comprised of 13 District Associations of churches located throughout the state including Kansas City Associations New Era District (43 Churches) and Midwest District (12 Churches). Dr. Jimmy L. Brown, pastor of the St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church 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 19^TH CENTURY AND 20^TH 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 the Kansas City’s Landmark Commission, Case No. 0122-D.

OTHER CAMPUSES

Western has extension schools in:

St. Louis, MO
Topeka, KS
Wichita, KS
Junction City, KS
Olathe, KS

The school offers a certificate program, Bachelors, Masters and Doctors degrees.

THE PRESIDENT & ORGANIZATION

Mr. Thad Jones was appointed President of the school in October 2002. He also has 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

September – Fall Semester Begins
October – Carolyn Ealy Lectureship Series (Missions)
November – Thanksgiving Convocation
January – Alumni Annual Founder’s Day Weekend
January – Spring Semester Begins
February – John W. Williams Lectureship Series (Christian Education)
March – Black History Emphasis Week
March – I. H. Henderson Sr. & Jr. Lectureship Series (Evangelism)
March – Women’s History Month Observance
April –  Annual Loyalty and Fellowship Banquet
May – Commencement Exercises

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, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Western Baptist Bible College
2119 Tracy Avenue
Kansas City, Mo. 64108
816-842-4195 Voice
816-842-3050 Fax
[email protected]

Thad Jones, President
11403 E. 58^th Ter.
Raytown, Mo. 64133-3470
816-358-7691 Home
913-328-4225 Work
816-590-5443 Cellular
816-358-9319 Home Fax
Email:  [email protected]