Shipping Out

During the frontier days of the early 18th century, the quaint Cumberland Valley town of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, served as a gateway of sorts. Westward-moving settlers would use the town to prepare for their journey through the Appalachians and beyond. Wagons were repaired, horses were shod, tools acquired, and supplies were obtained. For this reason, one historian described the town as “a place where people prepared for what came next.”1

In more recent times, the town has continued that legacy of preparation by educating students at Shippensburg University. And since 1980, preparation at an even higher level has been taking place each summer through the Mid-Atlantic Christadelphian Bible School (MACBS). No longer were it horses that were shod in this place, but rather, disciples—having their feet “shod with the preparation [readiness!] of the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15).

MACBS originated with eight brothers and sisters who, in the late 1970s, saw a need to establish another Bible School due to capacity constraints at the Eastern Christadelphian Bible School (then held at Wilbraham). After MACBS’s inaugural year in 1979 at Messiah College, the Service Committee was informed by the college that a new location would be needed due to Christadelphians’ rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity. Thus, Shippensburg State College—as it was then known—was the choice for the second year, in 1980.

Some 45 years later, the committee is thankful to our Heavenly Father for the Bible School’s continued cross-generational pull and the ongoing support received from the brotherhood—for example, enjoying several times the teaching talents of the late Tidings editor, Brother Bob Lloyd—and for the long-term relationship enjoyed with the university. The committee is also grateful to the many volunteers over the years. Space prevents mentioning them all, but they know who they are, and the success of MACBS depends on their continued support.

This year will be markedly different from all preceding years: when June 27-July 4 arrives, attendees will convene for the last time at Shippensburg University. Due to a recent university policy change, MACBS will no longer be able to operate on its campus. Yet, with full anticipation, the committee and all presently enrolled look ahead to the final year at Shippensburg: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof,” as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 7:8.

Other Bible Schools have endured after facing similar circumstances, and MACBS intends to do likewise. The committee is therefore grateful for your prayers as the search for the 2027 host commences—should the Lord’s absence render it necessary. No matter the location, the Service Committee is prayerfully committed to once again providing an uplifting atmosphere where brethren have ample opportunity to spiritually prepare for what comes next—the Kingdom to come!

MACBS Service Committee:

Chuck and Robin Colby
Mansfield Ecclesia, PA

Bob & Norley Kling
Washington Ecclesia, D.C.

Cory & Kristel Crabill
Washington Ecclesia, D.C.

Brian & Rachel Alexander
Book Road Ecclesia, ON

Dan & Kim Langston
Marlton Ecclesia, NJ