Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Dr. Henry Hildebrand

Dr. Henry Hildebrand, founding president of Briercrest Family of Schools (my alma matter), passed away yesterday at the age of 94:

Born in 1911, Henry Hildebrand migrated to Canada with his family in 1925 to escape the growing Communist tyranny in southern Russia (Ukraine). In 1935 he accepted an invitation to come to the small town of Briercrest, Saskatchewan, to lead the Briercrest Gospel Assembly. That same year Briercrest Bible Institute was founded. In 1946 the institute moved to Caronport, Saskatchewan, and a Christian high school was created. The Bible institute grew to become one of Canada’s largest Christian post-secondary schools (now known as Briercrest College and Seminary).

On October 24, 1979, Dr. Hildebrand was invested by Governor-General Edward Schreyer with membership in the nation’s highest civil honour, the Order of Canada, for his leadership in Christian education through Briercrest and the impact of his life upon Canadian youth and society.

Dr. Hildebrand had a passion to honour and share God’s Word, and he was deeply committed to seeing this happen through Briercrest. Dr. Hildebrand offered up his life to see this dream break into reality, labouring diligently to extend the vision of these schools far and wide. Throughout his life, Dr. Hildebrand had been closely tied to the activities of Briercrest, having served as president for 42 years and then as Chancellor and Chancellor Emeritus until his death.

Dr. Hildebrand finished well, exemplifying his life long passion to honour Christ.


- from the Briercrest Passport Online

More info here.

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