REV KENNETH GRANT, 1892
“It is increasingly imperative that our evangelists should be well instructed (so) that they may be qualified to teach others who are rapidly growing in knowledge.”
1892
2nd February 1892 The Presbyterian Theological College (PTC) was opened by Rev. John Morton and Rev. Kenneth Grant on the Susamachar Presbyterian Church compound in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. Rev. Grant stated, “No church can expect any great success that has to rely upon an imported ministry.” In his opinion, it was “increasingly imperative that our evangelists should be well instructed (so) that they may be qualified to teach others who are rapidly growing in knowledge.”
The first staff of the PTC included Rev. Lal Behari, the first local Presbyterian Minister and Rev. Morton was the PTC’s first principal.
1898
1892-1898 - Theological training of local catechists had begun, and by 1898, ten (10) had been trained.
1904
1904 - The PTC was placed under the principalship of Rev. F. D. Coffin, who remained principal until 1915. In 1909 there were seventy-five (75) men undergoing training. Dr. Coffin also introduced an additional purpose for the PTC which was to educate and ensure that “the general body of our people have clear and intelligent views of Christian truth.”
1922
1922 – The PTC relocated to Paradise Hill, San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago, which has since remained the centre of theological education and formation for the Presbyterian community.
1929
1929 - Rev. J. A. Scrimgeour became principal of the PTC and served in that capacity until 1950. The PTC worked together with the principals of Naparima Training College and Naparima College (both established in 1894), which were also located on Paradise Hill, to accomplish the common vision of the preparation of young persons for both church and secular vocations informed by Christianity and the values of Presbyterianism.
The first local candidates for ministry, the Reverends James Seunarine, Cyril Beharry and Roy Neehall, were also sent to Canada to complete their theological studies. This initiative of training ministerial candidates both locally and abroad continued for several years in parallel with the training of catechists locally.
1950
1950 - Rev. J. E. D Newbery became principal of the PTC. Under his stewardship, students of the PTC also began completing their theological education at the United Theological College in Jamaica.
1959
1959 - Rev. James Seunarine became the first local principal of the PTC.
BIRTH OF THE ST ANDREW'S THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, 1959
“And he brought them to Jesus”
1959
8th October 1959 - The PTC was renamed St. Andrew’s Theological College (SATC) and adopted as its motto “Adduxit eum ad Jesum” (he brought him to Jesus). The choice of the name “St. Andrew’s” and of the motto was inspired by Andrew, the disciple of Jesus, who brought his brother, Peter, as well as the boy who had the loaves and fish, and also some Greeks to Jesus (John 1:41-42; 6:5-9; 12:20-22). When we realise that Andrew brought a family member, a child, who could help, and foreign seekers to Jesus, we accept our own calling and ministry; this is the guiding philosophy of St. Andrew’s Theological College.
The logo of SATC was designed by Rev. Laurence Purdy, adapting the logo of the United Church of Canada.
‘Lay Schools’ were introduced to expose the general community to theology and biblical studies.
1961
1961 - Rev. Arthur Dayfoot became principal of SATC. SATC joined with the wider Caribbean in a movement towards ecumenism in theological education.
1962
1962 - the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTC WI) was established in Jamaica. Rev. Newberry and Rev. Dayfoot, representing SATC, tutored there.
During this period, SATC also opened its doors to Baptists, Moravians, Methodists and Anglicans.
1970
1970 - Rev. Idris Hamid succeeded Rev. Dayfoot as Principal of SATC. He remained Principal until his death in 1981.
1985
1981-1985 - Rev. Harold Sitahal became principal. The College facilitated Church Workers’ Conferences, Ministers’ Retreats and Elders’ Retreats in addition to formal theological education. Most notable is a complete ministerial programme leading to a Licentiate in Theology (L. Th) and ordination.
1987
1987 - Rev. Winston Gopaul was appointed principal of SATC. The Ruralede programme had been phased out.
A LOCAL LICENTIATE IN THEOLOGY
“Locally trained Graduates of SATC
Ordained Ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago”
1988
1988 - Rev Elvis Elahie became the first graduate of SATC to be ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament of The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT) following successful completion of the entirely local Licentiate in Theology (L. Th.) programme
1989 – Rev. Joy Abdul became the first woman to be ordained in The PCTT upon completion of the local L. Th. programme.
1992
1992 - A building with a downstairs Chapel and upstairs dormitory was completed.
2002
2002 - Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan succeeded Rev. Gopaul as principal. Other publications were undertaken such as a “Book of Prayers for Everyday Devotions” and a collection of popular “Hymns and Choruses”.
2004
2004 - The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) was established by Act No. 16 of 2004. SATC, being a post-secondary educational institute, was required to arrange their affairs to conform with the standards set by the ACTT. All course programmes are subjected to rigorous review for quality assurance standards and the requirements of ACTT.
2009
2009 - SATC was incorporated as a non-profit corporation and its governance structure changed; a Board of Directors was now created and appointed by the Synod of the PCTT. Although SATC was now an independent entity from PCTT, the Synod of The PCTT retains jurisdiction over SATC through the appointment of the Board and the Principal as well as financial aid.
2010
2010 - An annual Advent Booklet was initiated and, along with Lenten Booklets, continued to be published and distributed to the national and international community.
An Administrative Centre was built with offices for the Principal and Staff, with a Faculty Room. The organisational structure of SATC was rationalised and reviewed.
2011
In 2011, Rev. Elvis Elahie was appointed as the first Deputy Principal by the Board of Directors. Rev. Elahie succeeded Rev. Sitahal as Principal from 2012 - 2015.
A New publication, “Values for Life” was introduced for use by Primary schools of Trinidad and Tobago.
2012
2010 - 2012 - Rev. Harold Sitahal was Principal from 2010-2012.
2015
2012 - 2015, Rev. Elvis Elahie was appointed as the first Deputy Principal by the Board of Directors in 2012. Rev. Elahie succeeded Rev. Sitahal as Principal from 2012 - 2015.
A New publication, “Values for Life” was introduced for use by Primary schools of Trinidad and Tobago.
2015 - SATC published a revised “The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad & Tobago – A General Overview and Guide to Presbyterianism in Trinidad & Tobago”.
2020
2015 – 2020 - Rev. Randall Sammah was appointed principal of SATC in 2015, followed by Rev. Adrian D. E. Sieunarine in 2020.
2020 and Beyond
“Elements of this progressive learning environment were focused on digital literacy, connectivism, and self-directed learning”
2020
to Present
2020 – Present - The vision and mission statements were revamped in 2020 to reflect the new strategic direction of SATC.
A revision of “The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad & Tobago – Guide to Church Membership” was published in 2021. Advent and Lenten Meditations and The PCTT Guide to Church Membership books were now being created as Kindle eBooks, available for online purchase.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of health regulations of Trinidad and Tobago which prohibited in-person teaching at educational institutions. Several changes were introduced at SATC and processes developed so that teaching and learning could continue and even be enhanced. Elements of this progressive learning environment were focused on digital literacy, connectivism, and self-directed learning, made possible through investments in technology, software, digital research and creative teaching techniques and assessment methods.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of SATC, we look forward to the future and we strive towards accomplishing our mission of inspiring and fulfilling the call to spiritual enlightenment, empowerment, engagement and edification through ecumenical, inclusive, theological education.
We look forward to a continued partnership with you!
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The Mission of SATC is to inspire and fulfil the call to spiritual enlightenment, empowerment, engagement and edification through ecumenical, inclusive, theological education.
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