As Andrews University continues to celebrate its legacy of 150 years of Adventist higher education, reflecting upon specific moments within the school’s history has become valuable. Pictured is the J.N. Andrews sculpture outside the Pioneer Memorial Church on Andrews University campus.
One avenue of reflection has existed since 2002 in the creation and publishing of “As We Set Forth,” written by Meredith Jones Gray, currently professor emerita of English at Andrews. This book was the first volume in the Andrews Heritage series, and now a second volume by Jones Gray titled, “Forward in Faith,” will pick up from when Andrews University came into being. The book will be unveiled to the public on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, during the 2024 Alumni Homecoming Banquet.
“Forward in Faith” provides a comprehensive overview of Andrews University’s history from 1960 to 1990 from various perspectives, including administrative history, the history of student life, academic development, campus culture and more. According to Pat Spangler, who assisted with production and image selection for the book, the title is derived from the following quote by Richard L. Hammill:
“Because our denominational leaders have noted the increase in the number of people who are seeking to obtain higher education, they have moved forward in faith and established our own university so that our youth may obtain higher education within an Adventist environment.”
Hammill became the president of Andrews in 1963, only four years after the institution became a university, following the merger of Potomac University, the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and Emmanuel Missionary College. Hammill and others recognized the significance and necessity of continued academic excellence catering to the Seventh-day Adventist community, so that the church at large could be strengthened and pushed “forward in faith.”
Telling Andrews’ history in such a format is important due to the many stories the University has gathered over 150 years and their overall significance to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. When the school was known as Battle Creek College in 1874, it was the first Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning. Many consider Andrews the flagship educational institution of the church, making it even more vital to record its history.
The goal of the book is for readers to understand the importance of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to education. Jones Gray says, “Another takeaway should be the vision and dedication of the people who have kept the school going all these years through hard times and good times, the sacrifice and hard work of the students who have come to school at Andrews and its ancestors, and how God has led in the development of the University.”
“As We Set Forth” highlights 1874 to 1959, the period of Battle Creek College and Emmanuel Missionary College, predecessors to Andrews University. The development of “Forward in Faith” began immediately after the release of “As We Set Forth” in 2002. It took roughly 22 years of writing, researching and production to bring this volume to life. This extensive timeline underscores dedication and meticulous attention to detail.
“Forward in Faith” will be available at the Andrews University Bookstore on Friday, Sept. 27, and at additional locations throughout Homecoming weekend. “As We Set Forth” is currently available for purchase at the bookstore. Both volumes will also be available as a set for a reduced price beginning Homecoming weekend.
Andrew Francis is a student writer for the Office of University Communication.
