Eston College announces plans to move
By Joan Janzen
On October 16th, Eston College announced its plans to relocate to Regina. Although it came as a surprise to many people in the community, the board’s decision was made over a period of eleven months.
The college was established in Eston in 1944 with six students, increasing to 18 students registered by the second term. By 1976, student enrolment grew to 187, with numbers averaging around 80 students in the years following.
The college’s new campus will be located at Regina Apostolic Church, where they will be able to multiply the number of programs offered. At the same time, students from other educational institutions will be able to participate as well. It will be two separate organizations operating out of one facility.
Sean Stevenson Douglas, president of Eston College, said, “We will likely be moving sometime in the summer, but it won’t be longer than two years. The latest will be the fall of 2024.”
He was frequently asked about what will happen to the facility in Eston. “We’d like to see a Christian organization use this facility,” he responded. “We’re working with the Town of Eston and Eston Full Gospel Church to seek options and are working with two possibilities right now.”
He acknowledged appreciation for Eston College’s financial support over the years for renovation projects. “Not a single dollar was wasted up to this point,” he said, noting the importance of having supporters who helped the college make necessary repairs.
When asked if the college would undergo a name change, he said that was a decision that would be made by the board. However, individuals are welcome to submit suggestions.
Stevenson Douglas went to great lengths to explain their decision-making process at a meeting on October 26th for members of the Eston Full Gospel Church, as well as a town hall meeting on October 27th, which was live-streamed for those unable to physically attend.
“At least 40 people were consulted in this decision-making process. Unanimously they thought the college shouldn’t stay in Eston,” Stevenson Douglas explained. “We experience grief at saying goodbye to this campus, but we’ve had primarily a positive response.”
“One of the reasons why we’re moving is our budget lines will be better in Regina,” he said. “We will save $150,000/year in Regina, and food services will be more affordable there. The budget will change in a positive light, which will affect students positively.” Eston College is already known as one of Canada’s most affordable Bible colleges.
According to the college president, the Regina Apostolic Church will be a significant facility upgrade for the college. Students will have access to a state-of-the-art athletic facility nearby and sports programs.
Although a student residence isn’t available at the facility, Stevenson Douglas is confident they’ll be able to obtain an apartment/dormitory before the move. And if they don’t, they have access to dorm space at Luther College.
Stevenson Douglas said they’re grateful to be debt free and want to be financially secure before making the move. “A college is only as strong as its alumni support. We took a survey among our alumni and got 400 responses. Only 10 percent financially support the college but said they would if asked. Now we are asking you to help us with this move,” he said.
But before the move takes place, the college is planning to host a reunion, inviting all past students to attend.