Stirling Theological College
Stirling Theological College is a former Australian Christian theological college located in Mulgrave, a south eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria.
Former names | Churches of Christ Theological College (CCTC) The College of the Bible |
---|---|
Motto | Forming God's people for leadership, mission and ministry. |
Type | Christian theological and counselling education |
Established | 1907-2022 (closed) |
Accreditation | none |
Religious affiliation | Churches of Christ |
Academic staff | 0 |
Students | 0 |
Location | , |
Campus | Mulgrave, Victoria, Melbourne CBD, (former) |
Website | stirling.edu.au |
History
The college was established in 1907 in Carlton, Victoria, by H. G. Harward as the College of the Bible. By 1912, there were "44 students in residence, including two women students".[1] From 1910 to 1988 it was located in Glen Iris. It changed its name to Churches of Christ Theological College in 1989 when it moved to its current location at 44-60 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave and in September 2011 changed its name to Stirling Theological College. Stirling Theological College was named in honour of former graduate and vice-principal, Gordon R. Stirling. Stirling ministered in all Australian states and in New Zealand. After retiring he became editor of The Australian Christian.
The college board sold the Mulgrave campus in 2020. In November 2022 the college announced that it was leaving the University of Divinity on December 31 2022. It subsequently announced merger discussions with the Australian College of Ministries which is a Member Institute of Sydney College of Divinity.
Notable alumni
- Ernest Aderman OBE (1894–1968) - Member of Parliament in New Zealand[2]
- Andrew Hughes - missionary, minister, politician, actor
- Terry Lane - noted atheist, radio broadcaster and newspaper columnist
- Gordon Moyes AC - Head of Wesley Mission in Sydney and Member of Parliament in New South Wales
Principals
Three presidents of the council of the University of Divinity and its predecessors, the Melbourne College of Divinity and MCD University of Divinity, came from Stirling Theological College: K. R. Bowes (1978–79), W. Tabbernee (1986-1987) and M. A. Kitchen (2004-05). A. F. Menzies served as Deputy Chancellor of the University of Divinity from 2012 to 2020.
- 1907 - 1910: H. G. Harward
- 1910 - 1938: A. R. Main
- 1938 - 1944: T. H. Scambler
- 1944 - 1973: E. L. Williams
- 1974 - 1980: K. R. Bowes
- 1981 - 1990: W. Tabbernee
- 1993 - 1999: G. O. Elsdon
- 2000 - 2009: M. A. Kitchen OAM
- 2010 - 2020: A. F. Menzies
- 2020 - 2022: G. J. Hill
- 2022 - : S. Sutton
References
- The Argus, 13 April 1912.
- Gustafson, Barry (1986). The First 50 Years : A History of the New Zealand National Party. Auckland: Reed Methuen. p. 296. ISBN 0-474-00177-6.