The Presbyterian College, Montreal

The Presbyterian College, Montreal, is a theological institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in Canada and McGill University. It was established in 1865, although classes began in 1867. The college is part of the Montreal School of Theology, an ecumenical consortium that also includes Diocesan College (Anglican) and the United Theological College.

History

The Presbyterian College's origins trace back to the early 1860s when the Canada Presbyterian Church recognized the need for a theological college in Montreal to complement Knox College in Toronto. The Synod of the Canada Presbyterian Church granted the charter in 1865, with classes starting two years later, initially held in the basement of Erskine Presbyterian Church. The college's mission has been to prepare students for ministry and community leadership across Canada and globally.

Programs

The Presbyterian College offers several programs:

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.): A foundational degree for ministry.
• Diploma in Ministry: Focused on practical ministry skills.
• Maitrise en Étude Théologique Pratique: A master's degree emphasizing practical theological studies.
• McGill Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.): A collaboration with McGill University.
• McGill Master of Sacred Theology degree (S.T.M.): An advanced theological degree.

Notable Alumni

The college boasts notable alumni, including James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, and John Weir Foote, a World War II chaplain awarded the Victoria Cross.

Affiliations

The Presbyterian College is affiliated with McGill University through its Faculty of Religious Studies, providing students with a rigorous academic program within an ecumenical framework through the Montreal School of Theology.