Seminary History
On February 14, 1936, Rev. John G. Mitchell called a meeting of Portland-area ministers and Christian businessmen. The Pacific Northwest, he was convinced, needed a school that would faithfully instruct men and women in the truth of God's Word. As a result of a shared vision, Multnomah School of the Bible was born the following October.
Multnomah has offered the Graduate Certificate course of studies for college graduates since 1947, adding the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Master of Sacred Ministry degrees in 1977. The Board authorized the formation of a distinct graduate school, Multnomah Graduate School of Ministry, in 1986 to meet the needs of college graduates and to offer a unique curriculum, internships, and scheduling for students currently in pastoral ministry. Multnomah Graduate School of Ministry launched its innovative Master of Divinity program in September 1987. In May 1993, the name was changed to Multnomah Biblical Seminary to properly reflect its academic level of instruction and ministry intent.
Dr. Donald L. Brake served as Multnomah Graduate School of Ministry's first dean. Dr. Daniel R. Lockwood became the school's second dean from 1990 until 1997 when Dr. Lockwood was appointed president of Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary. At that time, Dr. John Wecks assumed the responsibilities of dean until 1999 when, at his request, Dr. Wecks returned to the classroom. After nine years away from Multnomah, Dr. Brake was once again appointed dean.
In 1989, initial inquiry and consultation was made for Association of Theological Schools accreditation. In 1996, full accreditation was granted by ATS, the highest form of academic recognition.
