Weather Holds For Sod Turning

Thanks to the efforts of VP Operations Greg Needham and a brief let up in the rain, the sod turning, referred to by some as the "mud turning" was a great success. Two loads of crush gravel provided a spongy but mud-free path and surface for the white tent that comfortably held the crowd of 150. Heaters kept off the chill as the wind came in from the north. A hot catered meal featuring BBQ beef on a bun was a great hit, especially with the students who are stretching their meal money at the end of the semester.

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Sod Turning Program Simple but Meaningful

VP External Relations Gordon Dirks served as Master of Ceremonies for a simple but meaningful sod turning. Dr. George Durance recounted the purchase of the land from Sam and Kitty Mahood recognizing the leadership of Rolly Laing in working through the complex details. Dr. Riley Coulter, speaking from the perspective of the Church of the Nazarene Canada, looked back on the historic decision by Nazarenes to partner together with the C&MA in the establishment of a new institution on a new campus.Greetings were brought by Rev. Harvey Matchullis from the C&MA West District and remarks from Dr. Franklin Pyles President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada were read by Gordon Dirks. Student leader, Damien Lee read selections from Hebrews 11, Isaiah 40,41 and Psalm 44. Student Leader Ryan Monson exhorted students to do their part financially by raising $5000 to help pay for the Chaplain's office. The sod was turned by Co-Presidents George Durance and Riley Coulter, Chancellor Mel Sylvester and Student Leaders Damien Lee and David Klassen. Mel Sylvester offered a prayer of thanksgiving and then Dr. Don Quantz of the music department led in the singing of the closing hymn "Be Thou My Vision".

Dr. Franklin Pyles President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada

Special greetings to you all from the National Office of the Christian & Missionary Alliance in Canada on behalf of our official workers and our church congregations across the land and our many missionaries around the world.

We are here today as the first tangible step in bringing a vision to completion that has been in process for over a decade, a vision birthed by the Lord to bring the gospel in a full way to Canada and the world.

A significant portion of that is to recapture the university ethos where Christian thinkers and practitioners elucidate the meaning of scripture for all of life and for the whole society.

As we turn over the sod we do so in faith anticipating that we will see buildings rise up in the coming months and years, and for students being taught on this very ground and to see the complete fulfillment of this glorious dream.

May the Lord bless you all on this momentous day.

Dr. Riley Coulter Co-President of AUC-NUC and President of NUC

I remember well the day that the President of CBC/CTS in Regina came into my office and asked if we - Nazarene University College - would be interested in jointly building a campus in Calgary. Of course, the decision had yet to be made to move to Calgary; but if it was made, would we want to be part of a joint effort?

At that time we were on the 5^th and a portion of the 6^th floor of our present building, having moved there in the summer of 1995.

After a few moments of discussion and reflection, my response was positive - and a partnership was established that has led to AUC-NUC and the events of today.

When I was elected President of Canadian Nazarene College in 1990, I paraphrased the purpose of our school as: To educate and develop Christian Servant-Leaders: persons of Godly moral character who are willing and prepared to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ as they serve their fellow men and women in the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm impressed again today that this is, indeed, the summary of our work and mission.

On behalf of our National Director and National Board, the Churches of the Nazarene in Canada, and the Board of Governors of NUC, I am pleased and honoured to be a part of this remarkable initiative and this historic occasion.

My prayer is that God would continue to lead and provide; that He would be honoured; and that His Kingdom on this earth will be advanced because of what happens on this campus and beyond.

Scripture Readings for the Sod Turning Ceremony

Heb 11:1,2,6 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Isa 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard" The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isa 41:10, 13 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Psa 44:1,3 "We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them."