Page 137 - Bulletin 20 2016

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The subjects for the curriculum comprised:

1. The Study of the English Bible
2. The Analysis of the Bible
3. Biblical Doctrine

4. Missions
a) General Principles
b) Historical Survey
c) History of South African Missions

d) Comparative Religions
5. Pastoral and Practical Theology

The Doctrinal Basis for the Institute was founded in the belief in one God, in the Eternal
Existence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in

His resurrection.

The first Journal of the Bible Institute in September 1923 (Vol. 1, No. 1) stated:
The Bible Institute of South Africa is an accomplished fact. The vision is at last translated

into concrete shape and form, and we firmly believe that there lies before us a real mission

which could only be accomplished by means of an Institution of this kind.
We are therefore quite satisfied to make a beginning with two full-time students and in

entering the second term we have no fewer than seven regular students…

From these humble beginnings who would have believed what lay ahead.

The men students were originally scattered about in approved lodgings until accommodation

at The Manor House was completed. The women students were housed at the YWCA in a

building known as Blairmore, which abutted onto The Manor House property. The men’s and
women’s accommodation was separated by a fence. The grounds ran along the back of the

Rectory of St. Peter’s, Mowbray. It stood on the northside of Wolmunster Park Road some 30
m up from Main Road (Now 10, Wolmunster Street – a private residence). In 1923 The

Rectory was occupied by the Rev. Alfred Daintree MA, incumbent of St. Peter’s Mowbray

and Principal of the Bible Institute. At the back of Blairmore was a small hall known as
Marsh Hall. Originally it was a stable and then a garage. Here lectures were first held. (Figs.

3.6 – 3.8.)