The Early Years
In 1954, just a few years after World War II, four American missionaries had a vision of great importance. It was their desire to make a school that would train young people for the future of the Philippines. Young people who would become the pastors and missionaries to go all over the Philippines with the Gospel message of salvation. Young people who would plant churches to train and lead those who accepted Christ in their worship of our Heavenly Father.
Missionary Null and his wife
Fred Null established Bible Baptist Church of Mandaluyong, Laurel Woosley of Bethany Baptist Church in Makati, Frank Hooge of Bible Baptist Church of Sta. Mesa in Quezon City and Bill Anderson of Bible Baptist Church in Cavite City, were the founding Americans of the school that is now known as Bible Baptist Seminary. It was established in the same location of today, but housed in the Bible Baptist Church in Mandaluyong City.
However, over the years, it seemed that because of some doctrinal differences, those men could not continue to work together and missionaries Woosley and Hooge moved out to start their own bible schools while missionaries Null and Anderson continued with the Mandaluyong school. At a later time, Bill Anderson would also leave the school to do other ministries. However, Bro. Null continued the school until he was physically unable to continue in the Philippines. In 1981, he retired and returned to the States. It was then, at the request of Bro. Null, that missionary Dennis and Gloria Ebert assumed the leadership of the school and remained until the present time.
Rev. D. Ebert(Right) Rev. Tabanda(Left)
An early responsibility for Bro. Ebert was the organization of the school for legal identity which became Bible Baptist Seminary of the Philippines, Inc. in 1983, where Dennis Ebert as President and Primo J. Tabanda as the Vice President. There was also the transfer of the property to the school. After a legal battle with claims by certain people for the property, it was determined by the Supreme Court that the current location was the property of the Seminary.
The buildings that have been built over the years have also changed dramatically. When Bro. and Mrs. Ebert assumed the management of the school, the structure that were in existence for more than 35 years were already dilapidated. In 2003, the original two-storey wooden construction that was termite-infested was torn down. Money was raised and a new building was constructed for the use of the school in 2004. After a few years, another construction was accomplished which is the school building of today.
During these many years of the existence of BBS, many great men have been trained and planted churches that are examples of the ministry. Among the products of BBS are men like Wen Secillano in Davao City, Primo Tabanda in Pasig City, Edwin Tan, Butch Garcia, Eric Fajardo, The Three Boniog Brothers, Nards Nisperos, Abi Legaspina and the list goes on.
Missionary Dennis and Gloria Ebert
I should mention that during the passing of the years, other changes have taken place in the BBS. One was the determination that this school is not a one man show but the responsibility of everyone involved. All churches, pastors and professors are responsible for the success of the product of BBS. In the organization and progress of the school, everyone has a voice whether it is in the discipline of wrongdoers or the curriculum that is taught. All of those decisions are from the consultation of pastors and teachers. One prime example is the decision to increase the number of years of study from three to four to finish the same number of credits. If a student doesn’t finish four years, they are not a graduate.
Also, there was a new concept that was decided upon: BBS would locate in more than one location. In addition to Mandaluyong City, a campus was opened Olongapo City in Zambales under the administration of Doctor Ed Boniog in the facilities of Scripture Baptist Church in 2009. Then, another campus followed in Salawag, Dasmarinas, Cavite under Pastor Abi Legaspina in the church building of Heritage Bible Baptist Church. In 2010, two more campuses were added. One in Nueva Ejica, located in Rizal under Pastor Fred Santiago and the other in Baliuag, Bulacan at Society Bible Baptist Church but under the administration of Butch Garcia, the Pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Marilao. This year, a new campus in Tayug Pangasinan was established under the leadership of Pastor Melchor Boniog of Tayug Bible Baptist Church. Over the years, there have been many outstanding men and women who joined our teaching staff at the coming of the new century until now. At present, we have more than 60 men and women, who are the professors of Bible Baptist Seminary of the Philippines, a people who are in the ministry with a heart to teach others from their experience and knowledge.
May this history encourage you students and even those who are struggling in your ministry in the present time to accomplish anything that God sets before you.