Chapter 12

History of the California Landmark Bible Schools

The California Missionary Baptist Association was started in 1934. Churches that had represented in the Eastern Baptist Association with a few others came together and formed this Association. The Association had a Missionary Committee and elected a Missionary. The need of a school was seen even back then in California. However, the churches were small and far between. In 1940, a meeting was held in Bakersfield to consider the possibility of starting a school.

Pomona Bible Institute (ABA)

In 1940 the Pomona Bible Institute was started under the leadership of Elder G. M. Workman. The following article appeared in the first issue of the California Missionary Baptist, May, 1940, page 1.

The Purpose Of A Baptist School In California

“First of all I want the people to know that the Baptist School, located at Sixth and Lindon streets in Pomona was, as some of us believe, a call of God. On June 1st of the same paper, was this article. ‘The Bible School in Pomona is progressing nicely. We have a fine group of students, who are really anxious to learn. Never have I seen a more consecrated group. Elder W. E. Dowell is now teaching.’ Then in the September issue of the same paper an article appeared showing that the school had changed its name to the California Missionary Baptist Institute. Because of the press of other duties, Bro. G. W. Workman resigned as President and Instructor at the California Missionary Baptist Institute. Elder H. R. Cline was elected President and will carry on. This school is a real Missionary Baptist School on the New Testament plan. It is under the control of the church in Pomona as we believe that the command to teach as given in the great Commission was to the church and not to an association or convention. The school only lasted for a short time. Brother Workman later went into the SBC and Brother W. E. Dowell went into the BBF. Brother Cline died driving a truck in August of 1947. He remained true to Missionary Baptist. Note: With the establishment of the Pomona school and all others in the Western States, the Little Rock model of a local church sponsoring the school would be followed. This may be in part, why the California brethren would not get behind the Portland School, which was owned by the two Oregon Associations.”

Fresno Missionary Baptist Institute (Old State)

In June of 1943 a special Bible conference was held in Fresno with Brother C. E. Hunt and the First Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno. At this meeting a school was discussed and Brother Hunt, a graduate from the Little Rock School, with a Dr. Degree and Brother Howard Cline, another man from the Little Rock school and Pastor of Pixley, was to be an instructor. L. D. Perdue was a young man and present at the meeting. He was scheduled to preach his first sermon, but was called home suddenly by the death of a brother. An article appeared in the California Missionary Baptist, October 15, 1943, which included the following information, “In September of 1943, the First Missionary Baptist church in Fresno voted to start a school with Dr. C. E. Hunt to head it up. He was given power to select the faculty and selected H. R. Cline, R. Y. Blalock and Mrs. R. Y. Blalock to teach.”

In November of this year in the Northern Association that met in Riverbank, a school was discussed and the messengers recommended wholeheartedly that a school be started in Fresno. It was decided to start classes in January 1944. Classes were started with 5 students enrolled. They were L. D. (Doug) Perdue, Roy M. Reed, Glen Priddy, Charlie Crouch and his wife Ann. Brother Hunt was the only teacher. Charlie’s son Larry was an infant and monitored the classes. After the first semester, Perdue, Reed and Priddy moved to Little Rock to attend school there. For the next several years the Fresno school received good cooperation from the churches with the State and Local Associations recommending it and the Little Rock school for support. In 1945 a Bible Conference was held with the school with Ben M. Bogard as the main speaker. Over the years, Travis Hubbard, Wayne Easlon and others taught in the school. The Fresno school in California lasted a number of years and provided a real service to the California churches. In the 1948 State Minutes Christian Ed report, Fresno was reported as being in their 5th year with 20 students enrolled, R. R. Farris was an instructor and they were working on obtaining the G. I. Bill approval. With Riverbank and Los Angeles starting a school, Fresno would begin to go down. When the split came in 1950, it remained with the old Association.

Fresno Missionary Baptist Institute (COOP)

FMBI, a ministry of First Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno, California since 1978, is dedicated to the education and training of ministers and Christian workers for the purpose of teaching "the whole counsel" of God's Word, the Bible, and do so with a commitment to excellence, both spiritually and academically. The emphasis is two-fold: Biblically sound instruction and practical ministry development.

FMBI offered two major fields of study for the student interested in training for the pastorate or the mission field with the Theology major serving as the primary emphasis. The Christian Education major is provided for those interested in preparing for a more effective service in the Lord's work and or those who understand the need for a Bible-based foundation before entering other institutions of higher learning. The Associate of Theology and Associate of Christian Education degrees are provided for the latter. FMBI instituted a three-year Master's degree curriculum in both Theology and Christian Education emphases for those who have fulfilled a baccalaureate degree from a university in an unrelated major. In addition, FMBI provides several classes in External Studies curriculum for the student who desires to experience seminary-level courses through carefully monitored home study and who may eventually move to the campus as a resident student. In such cases, the External Studies courses completed will provide transferable credit

The Pacific Coast Bible School (ABA)

In the Annals of California Missionary Baptist, written by G. A. Williams, Page. 116 is this quote, “In July of 1947 the First Missionary Baptist church in Riverbank, California, called Elder Ben Crawford as their Pastor. He accepted the call of the Church, and a short time later began to teach Bible Analysis two nights a week from the chart prepared by Ben M. Bogard of Little Rock, Arkansas. The interest in the study course began to grow with each service, young preachers from nearby churches began to attend these lectures. Realizing the need for a Bible School in this part of the State the Church voted to start a full time school. The Pacific Coast Bible Institute today is the result.” The faculty of the Riverbank School included Ben and E. E. Crawford, W. S. Goulding, M. B. Hubbard, R. R. Farris and later Allen Tabor, Jess Crawford, Travis Hubbard, Wayne Easlon and George James. To begin with there was a lot of interest in the school and a large number of students enrolled, many of them becoming leading pastors in the work. The first mention of the school in the Association minutes was in the State work in 1948. It was included in the Education report with the Fresno school. It also was listed in the 1948 Northern Association along with Fresno and the Bible Baptist Institute of Los Angeles. In the Northern Association Minutes 1948, this report was included on page 21.

“For schools of instruction we recommend the following: the Missionary Baptist Seminary and Institute of Little Rock, Arkansas; The Texas Baptist Bible Institute of Henderson, Texas; The Pacific Coast Bible Institute of Riverbank, California.” In the 1950 State Association the following recommendation was presented by the Oakdale church and passed by the messengers.

“That the messengers while convened together in Association capacity discuss fully and thoroughly, the possibilities of building one state school, that all the churches might come to a cooperative agreement in a plan to adequately support the school and its teachers.”

1951 would be the last year of the combined State work and the Riverbank School was the only one recommended. The Split came in 1952 and both the Fresno and Los Angeles Schools stayed with the Old Association. The Riverbank school in the official paper for the school, the Baptist Trumpeter, October, 1950 had this statement, “We only have six or seven regulars among the preacher boys at present but expect others to come in one by one as their jobs begin to play out with the beginning of winter.” Allen Tabor was President. By 1952 Ben Crawford had resigned as a teacher and Travis Hubbard was elected President. The school would wind down with the 52-53 year.

The Bible Baptist Institute (Old State)

In Los Angeles the Bible Baptist Institute was organized in 1948 under the leadership of Luther Cooper, Pastor of the New Hope Church. It is recommended in the 48 Northern California Association Minutes, Page 16. It is also recommended in the 49 minutes as The Missionary Baptist Seminary of Los Angeles. In the 50 State minutes it is listed as one of the “three Bible Schools in California. The New Hope Church had been a leading church in the ABA work, having sent out Brother Albert Maples one of the great Missionaries of the forties. It would be a leading church in the director work. Among her notable Pastors was Randy Rudd who was very active in the division of the State Association.

Western Baptist Institute (ABA)

In July of 1953 the following article appeared in the Baptist Signal;

School For California

The meeting of preachers and workers that was held in Oakdale June 26 proved to be one of the most profitable meetings in the history of the work in California. Preachers and others represented some twenty churches, and a full and open discussion of Christian Education was held. After the meeting we learned that the Ceres church had voted in conference to start a school for young preachers in October, if the churches of California deemed it advisable. Many brethren expressed themselves and finally an informal vote was taken that those there take the news to the churches and recommend that they cooperate with the Ceres church. M. C. The Ceres school opened on September 29, 1953. Her faculty included Travis Hubbard, President, with Wayne Easlon and Bedford Andrews as instructors. The school had the support of a number of churches but never reached the level of support that was needed. She operated for the 53-54 year and the 54-55 year. The last year of her operation this writer gave lectures and support to her as a Local and State Missionary. She was recommended in the 54 and 55 State minutes for support. During this time, R. Laurence Crawford, Pastor of the church in Oakland, had started a night school. Brother Crawford, M. F. Downing and L. D. Perdue were instructors in this night school. This effort, along with others was not helpful to Ceres and Ceres closed down after two years of operation turning the school over to Dominguez.

The Dominguez School (ABA)

In 1956 L. D. Perdue was State Missionary and had moved to Paramount, California and was working very closely with Martin Canavan, Pastor of Dominguez. Brother Martin Canavan, with the encouragement of Brother Perdue, led the Church at Dominguez to start The Bible Institute of Long Beach, California. This was in 1956. It would operate for two years. The teachers would include Brother Canavan, Travis Hubbard and Ed Sharver with Brother Perdue to help promoting the school. Among the early students were Burel Burnes and Harold Hendrix. The school was recommended in the 56-57 State Cooperative Association. Under the joint work of Martin Canavan and Herbert Banks, the two schools merged and became one under the name of CMBI.

California Missionary Baptist Institute (ABA)

The school in Bellflower started out in the Gloria Gardens Church, which was one of the Old California Association churches. This was done in Church conference on February 27, 1957. The Pastor of the church was K. G. McKellip. For two years the school was considered a “Director” school and received the recommendation of the Old Association meetings. Brother McKellip was followed by Herbert Banks and under his leadership the school came into the Cooperative work. There was a lot of bitterness and hard feelings about the “Coops stealing their school” An excerpt from the Old Northern California Association in 1961 shows this feeling, “Due to the unfortunate experience we have had with schools operated jointly by our brethren and those of the “Cooperative” groups in the past, we have no school we can whole-heartily recommend.”

A short time after the messenger meeting of the southern association in the fall of 1956, Gloria Gardens Missionary Baptist Church (now FMBC Bellflower) voted to start a Bible school and call it the California Missionary Baptist Institute. They drew their faculty from pastors in the area: Arden Johnson, La Habra; Randy Rudd, New Hope, Los Angeles; K. G. McKellip, Gloria Gardens; Merton Canfield, Bethel, Sunshine Acres, Norwalk. All of these pastors except Bro. Canfield had graduated from Missionary Baptist Seminary, Little Rock, AR. Bro. McKellip served as president, Bro. Rudd as dean. By the end of the spring semester, 1957, Bro. McKellip was the only member of the original faculty still going, he made a tour through the South looking for someone to serve as president of CMBI. He contacted Dr. Herbert Banks and the Gloria Gardens Church called him. In 1958 Bro. McKellip resigned and the church installed Bro. Banks as pastor, retaining him as president of the school.

It was under Bro. Banks’ leadership the church’s name was changed to First Missionary Baptist Church, Bellflower, on December 3, 1958. To keep your history straight, we must point out that this was all done in the fellowship of what we designate now as the Old State Association. This will also explain the existence of another Missionary Baptist school in Southern California sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Dominguez and named Long Beach Missionary Baptist Institute. Initially this was a night school with Martin Canavan and Travis Hubbard as instructors. Shortly after this, E. A. Sharver came as pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Lomita, and was added to the faculty. Churches of the California Cooperative Missionary Baptist Association, which had been organized in 1952, mainly supported this school. With God and with man who listen to Him, all things are possible. What Bro. Banks faced, as he became pastor of FMBC, Bellflower, and president of CMBI, was the existence of two Missionary Baptist schools not more than fifteen miles apart, one representing the California State Association (Old State) and one the California Cooperative Missionary Baptist Association. It might have seemed an impossible task to those of us who were perhaps almost too closely involved in the split, but Bro. Banks was up to the challenge. By the beginning of the fall semester, 1958, he had done the impossible, he had brought the two schools together. That first year, with the two schools becoming one, CMBI had about 50 students. Bro. Banks was the leader in another great step of faith when he led the church to call Dr. Carl Farrar to serve as full-time dean. And the school did grow! Not only in students and faculty, but also in its acceptance by the churches, not only throughout California but all the western states and the nation. It soon became known as one of the finest schools in our fellowship of schools. Dr. Banks resigned in 1960 and was followed by Bro. Allen Adkins as pastor of FMBC. He did not choose to serve as president of the school, so the church named Dr. E. A. Sharver pastor of FMBC Lomita, as president. During Dr. Sharver’s tenure as president the CMBI building was erected. He led the church to float a $40,000 bond issue to pay for the building, repaying it out of the general operating find. Skilled workers from our churches all over the West contributed their time to build the building. I know my church, FMBC, Brentwood, graciously gave me several weeks’ time off from my pastoral duties, and I drove to Bellflower each Monday to work all week. Because of all this volunteer labor, the building was built at minimum cost. Thus, in just four years the churches of California had rallied to the support of CMBI so that, not only was Dr. Farrar paid full time, the other faculty members reimbursed for their expenses, and a $40,000 bond issue was being paid off. On October 14, 1962, Dr. Roy M. Reed was called as pastor and president, and under his leadership CMBI continued to grow and flourish. Enrollment grew to over 125 full time students per year. During this time the school gained the recognition of the U S government, when in 1963 CMBI received its certification to train GI's and then in March, 1964 was certified to train foreign students. In May 1966, CMBI was recognized by the California State Board of Education as a Class B school (a Class A school is one fully accredited by a national accrediting board) and was granted permission to grant degrees from a two-year associate of arts degree to a full PHD. Until CMBI closed its doors as a seminary in 1993 it maintained this standing and was so recognized by the State Superintendent of Schools and State Board of Education. This prosperity continued until events changed the complexion of all our lives. The GI Bill came to an end, and many that might have enrolled did not do so. The economy changed drastically in the Los Angeles area, making it much more expensive for students to live here. At the same time, jobs, which had been readily available, became much harder to find. There were many personnel changes as well. Dr. June Godbehere moved to northern California. Dr. Chastain moved to Texas. Dr. Martin Canavan died. Dr. D. S. Madden moved to Texarkana. Dr. Travis Hubbard, giving his age and the distance of commuting as his reasons, resigned. Dr. Reed died. Dr. Farrar died. Dr. Cross resigned and moved back to Texarkana. All these circumstances combined to reduce the number of students and the number of faculty members available to teach. Finally, due to the lack of students, finances, and faculty, CMBI closed its doors in May 1993, after 37 years of operation.

God truly blessed during these years. At one time as many as 90 churches had pastors who had received their training at CMBI. At least 6 other ABA schools have had administrative men on staff who had been trained at CMBI. Missionaries serve in at least nine foreign countries and are serving churches and missions in most of the 50 United States where we have churches. LEM

The CMBI school was widely supported by the churches in the State of California and elsewhere including thousands of dollars for the CMBI school building and equipment. It should be noted that the original Foundation adopted by the church and trustees provided for the following:

The Foundation of The
California Missionary Baptist Institute And Seminary
Succession of Trustees

In the event that The First Missionary Baptist Church (formerly Gloria Gardens MBC), for any reason, should refuse or cease to sponsor The California Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary, and, if said school is removed from the premises of said buildings, The First Missionary Baptist Church (formerly Gloria Gardens MBC) the trustees are herein empowered and directed to select and agree with some other Missionary Baptist Church of like faith and order to sponsor the California Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary, thus perpetuating the said school in keeping with the purpose of this resolution, and such church as may agree to sponsor the California Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary shall become the successor of the First Missionary Baptist Church (formerly Gloria Gardens MBC in the perpetuation the said school and in perpetuation of its trustees.
Allen T. Adkins, Moderator
Mary Johnson Church Clerk.
It should be noted that the large library of CMBI is being taken good care of by the Bellflower Church.

Missionary Baptist College (ABA)

In 1960, an extension was started by CMBI in the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento, California, L. D. Perdue, Pastor. Brother Joe Spradlin was pastor of the Cyprus Church and both he and Brother Perdue along with Dale Hamilton were instructors. In the Sentinel, Oct. 1960 there was a two-column article about this, which clearly showed that CMBI was very much in favor of the work and was in complete control. It also emphasized that there were no objections. In 1961, two weeks before classes were to start, the Bellflower school cut off the Extension school in Sacramento. Their excuse was that the instructors were not qualified to teach according to the requirements of the American Baptist Association of Schools. This was a false premise on their part as was proven, but nevertheless it was done. A meeting was called for to be held in the Sacramento Church with Hoyt Chastain in attendance, representing the Bellflower school, and it was determined by those present to start our own school. This was done because we had no other choice for a school.
The following notice was put out as a result of this meeting.

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE

All the Churches in Northern California concerning our School in Sacramento should notice the following statements.

1. The school will operate this year as it did last year with the exception of the connection with Bellflower. However Bellflower will give full credit for the work done this year.

2. The schedule will be the same as last year. This will include classes from 7:00 P.M. till 10:00 P.M. each Thursday and Friday night.

3. The teachers will be Bro. Fiser, Bro. Spradlin, Bro. Owen and Bro. Perdue till Bro. McCallister can take over his class. The classes will be Bible Analysis and Defense of the Faith, Bible in Eight Ages, English and Evangelism.

4. School will start the evening of the 21 st of September 1961 with a special opening service. Brother O. D. Tilly will bring the message. The students present will give reports. This will be a great time of fellowship. Enrollment will take place the next night.

5. We are in full harmony with the work in California and especially the Bellflower School. However we make no bones about our plans on building a great full time School in Northern California. It is our plan to do this without cutting off the support of the Bellflower School. The Churches in the Sacramento area have all expressed their feelings along this line.

6.The qualifications of our men are as follows. L. D. Perdue, Pastor of the sponsoring Church has four years of schoolwork with credit for a Master’s Degree on presentation of a Theses to Little Rock. Bro. Perdue will not be a regular teacher. L. T. Fiser will receive his Doctors Degree on presentation of a theses in Little Rock. Joe Spradlin has his Masters Degree. Ray Owen is working on his Theses. He will have a Doctors Degree. L. E. McCalister has his Masters Degree.

Missionary Baptist College was started and went on to become almost as large as Bellflower. She provided a great service to the churches and people of our work. From 1962 on until Missionary Baptist College was lost to our work under the leadership of Jim Wilkins, the school was endorsed and recommended by the Cooperative Association. The work of the school was recognized by the University of the Pacific, University of Nevada, Southern Oregon University and others on a conditional basis which allowed several of her students to enroll in the Graduate Programs of said Universities and receive Masters Degrees from said schools.

The Fresno Missionary Baptist Institute. (ABA)

In 1976 CMBI started an Extension School in Fresno. This was with the understanding that it would only be an extension of CMBI. However, after two years and under the leadership of Brother Burnes, the Fresno church voted to start a separate school and FMBI came into being. On September 10, 1978 the school began her first year of full-time instruction. The Church called Dr. Thomas D. Judd to serve as president of FMBI. Dr. Judd had been involved in schoolwork for a number of years. Dr. Wayne L. Easlon was called to serve as Dean. Dr. Burnes was Vice President and David Williams was a student teacher in the English Department. The faculty of the school was made up of several men and women who are very capable in their fields of teaching. Dr. Burns was pastor of the church over 30 years and under his leadership, the church grew spiritually, numerically and financially. The church built an edifice with facilities to accommodate the school. In August of 1994 Dr. Burnes went to be with the Lord. Dr. Lester Miller was then called as Pastor of the Church and as President of the school. As of now Brother David Butimore, a graduate and former instructor in CMBI is pastor of the church and president of the school and the school is doing very well under his leadership.

Redlands Missionary Baptist Institute (ABA)

The First Missionary Baptist Church, Redlands, California, owns and sponsors Redlands Missionary Baptist Institute. Pastor Lonnie Wiggins has led the church to sponsor a fill-time school for the training of young ministers and Christian workers. The school will begin her first year of full-time instruction September 2006. The First Missionary Baptist Church has dedicated members who are fully behind the school. With this dedication, along with the cooperation of sister churches, we will begin this Christian Education ministry for the honor and glory of Christ. RMBI will be under the watchful care of Pastor Lonnie Wiggins as President and Brother Glenn Ridings as Administrator. Redlands Missionary Baptist Institute is subject to the authority and oversight of First Missionary Baptist Church of Redlands. RMBI commends itself to her leadership as she guides us with her spiritual, moral and financial support. All students will be required to respect the pastor, services buildings, business meetings, officers, discipline and doctrines of this church. The purpose of Redlands Missionary Baptist Institute is to equip God-called ministerial students and other Christian workers for the service to which God has called them: pastors, missionaries, teachers, etc. The textbook used to accomplish this purpose is the Bible. Courses of instruction are designed to help students rightly divide the Word of Truth. The main objective is that students will develop into fundamental, evangelistic, mission-minded, church-minded workers who are dedicated to bringing honor and glory to God. Redlands Missionary Baptist Institute will be located at 1114 Occidental Drive in Redlands, California, next door to First Missionary Baptist Church. The Southern California location will service an area where there is currently no Missionary Baptist Seminary. Redlands Missionary Baptist Institute is supported through the budget of First Missionary Baptist Church and by free-will offerings from Missionary Baptist Churches and friends who love the cause of Christ and want to see His ministers have a place to study.

Tulare Missionary Baptist Seminary (ABA)

The First Missionary Baptist Church in Tulare started Seminary classes in the fall of 1995. The school has done very well with a number of graduates. The following article appeared in the Searchlight about the school.

Best Wishes to a New School (2) Searchlight, August 1995

Tulare Missionary Baptist Church, Tulare California, Bro. Dewayne Hoppert Pastor, is beginning a new seminary this fall. This school will offer a course of study duplicating the Associate of Bible plan offered by the Seminary in Little Rock. I recently was asked to visit with this church in order to bring about a seamless transfer of credit from this new school to the Seminary here.
I want to stress that this new school is not an extension of or from the Missionary Baptist Seminary. Tulare Church had already decided to start the school before I was asked to visit there. The only involvement of the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock is to insure direct transfer of credit from one school to another.

The Tulare Missionary Baptist Seminary was started in 1995 in order to meet the needs of two of our young men who had surrendered to the ministry. Originally, we intended to offer only the two-year Associate's program designed to integrate with the program offered in Little Rock. The planning for this endeavor was done with the input of the administration in the school there. Since there would be no formal connection between our school and the seminary in Little Rock, the relationship between the two schools was based on the personal knowledge and integrity of the individual administrators and faculty. Acceptance of credits from our school was not guaranteed by the administration in Little Rock. However, favorable consideration would be given to those students who wanted to transfer to the school there. Certainly, final acceptance of any credit would lie in the educational progress of the individuals involved.

During the first two years of operation, the school operated with two faculty members; myself and Bro. Lynn Harris also a graduate of the school in Little Rock. Additionally, my daughter Karen, a certificated public school teacher, taught the first year English class. Since the school was basically tracking only two local students for the first two years, the two full-time faculty members were each able to teach four 2-unit classes per semester. This schedule was in full compliance with the 1st and 2nd year curriculum offered in Little Rock.

During these first two years of operation of our school, the school in Little Rock was experiencing some instability and turmoil. As the curriculum underwent seemingly continual change, it became difficult to keep our curriculum aligned with theirs. This problem, coupled with the addition of two new out of town students in the fall of 1998, created a dynamic in which the administration, faculty and trustees recommended to the church that we re-structure our school and offer a full four-year Bachelor's program. This was done to insure a curriculum of known quality to the two students returning for their junior year. This decision was not made lightly as it would require considerable flexibility in our scheduling process. Further, we were aware that the decision violated the spirit of the understanding we had with the administration in Little Rock. We were also aware of the considerable criticism that would accompany such a decision. It must be noted here that at every juncture a conscious effort was made to keep our curriculum in good order and the quality of instruction at a high level. There was always the desire to keep the structure of our school at such a level that should any of our students desire to transfer to Little Rock, I would be able to present a credible and compelling case for the acceptance of credits completed here.

The next three years were turbulent as we continued to attempt to keep our curriculum in harmony with Little Rock. Additionally, we were faced with the challenge of offering the two original students acceptable progress toward completion of the Bachelor's program and providing a meaningful number of classes for the new students. To accomplish this difficult assignment, we divided the 3rd and 4th year curriculum into three equal components. This move allowed some room in the schedule to accommodate the new students.

Finally, the original two students completed the Bachelor's program and graduated in the spring of 2000. Realizing the deficiency resulting from the fact that Bro. Harris was teaching in the Bachelor's program without having obtained his Master's degree, I worked with him to complete the last semester of Systematic Theology he was lacking for that degree. Bro. Harris was granted the Master's degree at that same commencement service. This irregularity was corrected in 2001 when Bro. Harris was allowed to finish his Master's degree from Little Rock.

Having the need to offer a quality Master's program to the men who had graduated from the Bachelor's program of this school, the trustees recommended to the church that we call a man holding an earned Doctorate from Little Rock to work with me in the Master's program. After much prayerful consideration our church called Dr. B. Wayne Marler in the spring of 2001. Dr. Marler would serve as Associate Pastor and Administrative Vice President of our school. He has been an excellent addition to our church and school.

We continued to experience growth in the number of students desiring admission to our school. In the fall of 2001, two members of the church pastored by Bro. Jeff Tackett in Sacramento enrolled as 1st year students. To accommodate the needs of students living such a long distance from school, we further adjusted our schedule to offer the complete program in two consecutive days of the week. This arrangement allowed the students from Sacramento (220 miles away) to drive down to school, stay one night, and then go home the next afternoon. Members of our church and other supporting churches enabled us to provide motel accommodations for these students.

Since 2001, we continued to have various Pastors from area churches request opportunity to attend seminary part time and we have accommodated everyone so far. This arrangement allows us to provide needed support to Pastors who have had little or no seminary experience. It has proven to be quite valuable based upon the feedback from these men. Further, in the Fall of 2003, two more men from the Sacramento area enrolled in school as full-time students.

In response to this increased number of students, in the summer of 2003 the administration, faculty and trustees recommended to the church that we adopt a "staggered" curriculum in which 1st and 3rd year curriculum would be offered one year and 2nd and 4th year curriculum the next year. This arrangement would allow the maximum utilization of our limited teaching resources. This arrangement, in which we offer two complete years of curriculum every year, requires teachers for 16 classes per semester. This schedule of classes is being accomplished only by extraordinary efforts. Obviously, the workload is not sustainable. Fortunately, the original graduates of the school helped ease the load by teaching a few of the classes in the Associate's program. This arrangement allowed the school to continue through the end of the spring semester of 2005 when the two students from Sacramento completed the Bachelor's program.

Realizing the need to offer another year of the Master's program for those who had graduated from this school, the Administration and Trustees asked the church to extend a call to Bro. Scott Brooks of Malvern, Arkansas. Bro. Brooks holds a Master of Bible Language degree from the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock. This addition allowed Dr. Marler and myself to add the classes of the Master's program to our workload. This workload, though unsustainable, will enable the graduates of this school to complete their studies, including a Doctorate program planned to begin in the Fall 2006, thus allowing continuance of this school into the future. This future is totally dependent on the commitment and dedication of the graduates of this school energized by the power of almighty God!

We believe that this school, or one of similar quality, is absolutely necessary for the work in California to progress. Therefore, we earnestly request that you continue to remember us in your prayers.

In His Service, Dewayne Hoppert, DBL President

California Bible Institute and Seminary (BMA)

Annual report

Every year that passes brings new challenges and new frontiers that come with growth. This year has certainly been no different. We continue to progress in every way. This past year we have added a bookkeeper as well as, a Director of Admissions. Both departments have been drastically needed and overdue. The addition of these new offices increased the efficiency of our database of records on each student. Mrs. Sandra Thompson has proven invaluable in this area. Likewise, the addition of Mrs. Elaine Standifer has well exceeded all expectations. Regular monthly statements have increased revenue significantly. As well, these ladies have greatly added to the overall "team" effort that comes as a result of a God-called staff. Both look at their appointments, not as jobs, but as ministry. Their contribution is not limited to their specialty.

We have been affirmed once again with Associate Status with TRACS for 1993-94. Also granted the use of the word "ARTS" to be used on degrees by the State of California under Educational Code 940302 (w) (5) as long as the degree is within the confines of the beliefs and practices of the particular religion. Also the term "Ph.D." can likewise be used.

We have three offices that have been fully equipped (some with their own equipment) with telephones, faxes, and copy machines. We are in desperate need of a new computer and printer for Dr. Hide’s secretary.

The need is crucial for a secretary for Dr. Hyde. His ministry, not only as president of CBI&S, but as editor of the Golden State Baptist and as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Warm Springs. In fact the work is at the point that "something must give" before he can continue.

We have added forty-one new courses made available through the Institute of Theological Studies. This greatly adds to our advantage in the External Department.

We are, however, reaching a point of stagnation in new course development, student enrollment and financial increase. In the latter two areas we have not lost ground, but neither have we gained. We have not been able to recruit new students nor develop new courses, both largely due to the time limitations of Dr. Hyde. This could easily change with additional staff.

The challenge before us is either to press forward by faith or silently retreat. To do the latter is not stagnation but strangulation. We grow or die.

We must encourage every church to add CBI&S within their budget and to be uppermost in their prayer.

Alisal Baptist Institute (Independent)

On August 8, 1982 we, the Alisal Baptist Church, Independent Missionary, in regular conference and by unanimous vote agreed to open the Alisal Baptist Institute.

The curriculum offered shall be in accordance to the Articles of Faith held by the Alisal Baptist Church, Independent Missionary. No other curriculum will be offered that is not in harmony with the Bible and said Articles, as well as the principles practiced by this church.

All students who satisfactorily complete the courses provided shall receive certificates, diplomas, and degrees accordingly. The Alisal Baptist Institute reserves the right to expel any student not complying to Christian standards set forth in the Bible.

It is the primary aim of this institute to communicate to worthy students the inexhaustible riches of God's Word, to glorify our Father in heaven, and equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

Done by order of the church,
A. D. Harris, Pastor, President
A. Harris, Dean
In regards to the history of the Alisal Baptist Institute: In 1980/81 there was a great interest in this area for a school to be started for the purpose of preparing men for the teaching and preaching ministry. There were also ladies who desired to be equipped for teaching other women, etc. Although I had been to school, I personally knew nothing about starting and operating a school. Being a graduate of Sacramento Baptist College, I contacted Bro. O. C. Harris (no relation) who worked in concert with the California Board of Education. Bro. Harris did the necessary paperwork and took care of the logistics in getting our school approved. On August 13, 1982 Secretary of State, March Fong Eu, gave certification and the school became registered with the office of Private Post-secondary Education of California. The school opened that fall with 30 plus students.

We also had a small teaching staff of three. My father taught Hebrew History and Church History. Bro. Lane Lawless taught English Grammar and I taught Homiletics and New Testament Survey. The school was open for five straight years with most of the students graduating. Over the past 24 years the school has only opened as needed. This spring when we closed for summer break we had 26 registered students.
Arthur DeWayne Harris

June 27, 2009