From the Desk of Chancellor Tom Messer: Reflecting on 50 Years

My first exposure to Trinity Baptist College came in the fall of 1979, when my then girlfriend and now wife, told me her dad was moving to Jacksonville, Florida to become the Executive Vice President of Trinity Baptist College. The idea that a Christian college could be a vital part of a local church ministry was then and still remains intriguing to me today.

In May of 1982, after graduating from college in Wisconsin, I moved to Jacksonville and began working at Trinity. My first jobs included recruiting new students, coaching basketball and teaching classes. At that time, I could have never imagined the impact that this place would have on my life over the next 40 years.

When I think of those early days on McDuff, I’m reminded of so many great memories. Occasionally, I drive by the old campus and reminiscence on the great people, both students and faculty that made those times so special. My kids still talk about Sunday dinners in the cafeteria as a favorite childhood memory.

I am grateful to those who have served as President of the college. Dr. Charles Davis, (my father-in-law), Dr. Charles Shoemaker, and Mac Heavener have all sacrificially and very-capably filled that role in remarkable ways. Their leadership contributions have made lasting impacts that will continue for years to come.

I love thinking about the many people who made up the faculty and staff over the years. Professors, coaches, deans, and so many other vital roles have been fulfilled by some of the greatest people I know. Each of them pouring into the students and training difference makers who have multiplied the kingdom impact all around the world.

In 1996, we felt the unmistakable leadership of the Lord to pursue moving the college from McDuff Avenue to the current location on Hammond Boulevard. God provided in ways that were as miraculous to me as the moving of the children of Israel from Egypt across the Red Sea and eventually to the Promised Land.

When we put the McDuff campus up for sale, we asked a commercial broker to make 100 phone calls or contacts to gauge interest. The last contact on the last day generated the first offer of $365k, we countered asking for $1 million. They accepted the next morning.

That led to the building of the dorms and the activity center and eventually two more buildings that made up the bulk of the college side of campus. The early days on Hammond felt much like the early days on McDuff. There was a season of growth and excitement as God sent so many students with a heart for ministry and making a difference. So many great events marked that season of college history, beyond the campus relocation.

In 2010 we faced new challenges which brought on new opportunities. The world was changing and we had to adapt to continue to fulfill our mission. We have added degree programs, grown campus life experiences, added athletic programs, and grown our faculty these last 14 years. The most significant building was added in 2022, the Main College Academic building (MAC), ,which has become the center of campus life.

Today, we are entering into the second part of the first century of our history. Reflecting on the past fills me with the deepest gratitude – it also excites for the future. There is still much kingdom work to be done. The need to get the gospel to a lost and dying world is as great as ever. We want to pursue the mission relentlessly through our students and graduates of Trinity Baptist College.  

Tom Messer

Chancellor, Trinity Baptist College

Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

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