Booth College of Mission

From Sawiki

The Salvation Army's Booth College of Mission (BCM) is one of New Zealand’s longest established theological training colleges. For more than 88 years, from its campuses, first in Aro Street, now in Upper Hutt, the college has consistently and effectively trained men and women for leadership and ministry in the church in New Zealand.

The Booth College of Mission was known from 1914-1983 as the William Booth Memorial Training College and then as The Salvation Army Officer Training College from 1983 until 2001. As such it was responsible for the training of officer-cadets for ministry in The Salvation Army.

Various forms of training took place in the late 19th Century with separate men’s and women’s training in 1890 attached to two separate corps (churches) in the Christchurch area. Later on cadet officers were sent to The Salvation Army Training College in Melbourne Australia for training.

In 1913, training was established in Wellington and in 1914 the William Booth Memorial Training College was opened in Aro Street Wellington. Training varied in length and in 1964 was increased from one year to two year’s residential training.

In 1983, the college was relocated to a purpose-built campus in Upper Hutt, which continues to serve as the centre for residential training.

In 1991, the college gained accreditation from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. This gave local course approval to its officer’s Certificate of Training and also provided access to student allowances.

In 1999, The Salvation Army Officer Training College entered into partnership with the Bible College of New Zealand enabling it to offer the Diploma of Biblical Studies course. The first non-officer students were admitted in 2001 and the college was renamed as the Booth College of Mission under which four schools are operative and a fifth is in development.

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