Our History
Vancouver School of Theology has been part of theological education in British Columbia for over 100 years — a rich, pioneering tradition upon which to build. We are a direct descendent of a number of denominational institutions founded in Vancouver over the years.
The Anglican Church's college, Anglican Theological College (ATC) moved into what is now called the Chancellor Building on the University of British Columbia campus in Point Grey, Vancouver in 1927.
Also in 1927, Ryerson College, Westminster Hall, and the Congregational College of British Columbia were amalgamated to form the United Church's Union College of British Columbia, housed in the west wing of the Iona Building, constructed that year. In the 1930s, the tower section was added.
Throughout the 1960s, Union College and ATC held joint classes in several disciplines and began exploring the idea of a new ecumenical theological centre serving the Pacific Northwest.
Out of this exploration, Vancouver School of Theology was formed in 1971.
The 1970s and early '80s were exciting years of growth, with students coming from as many as 10 denominations. With the affiliation of St. Andrew's Hall, the Presbyterian Church in Canada officially became associated with VST. Both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Methodist Church in the United States recognized VST as a seminary for the training of their clergy.
The School has since initiated the Native Ministries Degree Program by extension, reaching out to distant parts of Canada and the western U.S.A., as well as the Canadian Studies Certificate Program co-sponsored with Shizuoka Eiwa College in Japan. The Doctor of Ministry program and the Diploma in Christian Studies have also been created and have enhanced the School's commitment to contextual theological education both at home and abroad.
The School has an exciting goal for these changing times: using VST's curriculum, world-renowned faculty and modern technology and methods to help people integrate the Christian faith in their lives for ministry wherever God calls. Welcome to VST.