New Antietam Bible College home could double enrollment

October 10, 2008|By MATTHEW UMSTEAD

HAGERSTOWN -- Leaders of Antietam Bible College expect their new location in Hagerstown could allow enrollment to more than double.

After a summerlong renovation project was completed, the only biblical seminary and graduate school in the Tri-State area relocated to 15 High St. in the former Sunday school space at First Baptist Church.

"We're trusting that God will help us to really grow," college President George L. Rundle said before joining school founder and chancellor William H. Freed Jr. and Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II on Friday for a ribbon cutting for the 5,500-square-foot space.

With a current enrollment of 35 students, Rundle said the additional space could allow growth to as many as 100 students.

"We're excited about it, we really are," Rundle said.

Bruchey read a letter of appreciation that he presented to Rundle and Freed before he cut a red ribbon that stretched across the hallway, dividing four administrative offices, a workroom and lounge, and four classrooms and a library.

"You couldn't have picked a better place, I can tell you right now," Bruchey said. "This is the old part of the west end of Hagerstown, Maryland."

The college was founded in 1976 as Broadfording Christian College at Broadfording Bible Brethren Church. The school moved briefly to the Washington Street School in Hagerstown before locating to Broadfording Christian Academy west of Hagerstown, Freed said.

"I am extremely thankful to the generous folks of First Baptist Church ... for opening the doors to us," Freed said.

More information about Antietam Bible College, Biblical Seminary & Graduate School can be found at www.antietambiblecollege.org.

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