Wycliffe College (/ˈwɪklɪf/) is an evangelical graduate school of theology at the University of Toronto.[1] Founded in 1877 as an evangelical seminary in the Anglican tradition, Wycliffe College today attracts students from many Christian denominations from around the world. As a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology, students can avail themselves of the wide range of courses from Canada's largest ecumenical consortium. Wycliffe College trains those pursuing ministry in the church and in the world, as well as those preparing for academic careers of scholarship and teaching.
History
Old postcard depicting Wycliffe College
In response to the Liberal Catholic perspective of Trinity College, which is the Toronto diocesan seminary, the Church Association of the Diocese of Toronto, a lay evangelical group at the Cathedral Church of St. James, founded the independent Protestant Episcopal Divinity School in 1877 to provide an alternative source for evangelical and low-church theological training. Like its Oxford counterpart, Wycliffe Hall, the name Wycliffe College was inspired by John Wycliffe, a 14th-century English scholastic philosopher, theologian, biblical translator, and reformer. The name was given first to the college's building and then to the college itself.[2] To ensure its long-term viability, Wycliffe College began considering various forms of union with the University of Toronto towards the end of the 19th century. Wycliffe College became affiliated with the University of Toronto in 1885 and federated in 1889.
Wycliffe College had a close association with the Anglican Church of the Epiphany in Parkdale. The church's founding rector, Bernard Bryan, had been one of the nine men who constituted the first class at Wycliffe in 1877. This connection continued in 1959 when the Church of the Epiphany's rector, Leslie Hunt, was appointed Principal of Wycliffe College.[3]
George Martel Miller (architect) designed Convocation Hall, 1902.[4] Henry Bauld Gordon (architect) designed the Dining Hall and Dormitory Wing, 1907; Principal's Residence and new Chapel, 1911.[5]
William Faulkner billeted at Wycliffe College while a student at the School of Aeronautics in 1918.[6][7]
Northern facade of the main building
In 1969, the Toronto School of Theology (TST) was created as an independent federation of seven schools of theology, including the divinity faculties of Wycliffe College. Within its own federation, the University of Toronto granted degrees except theology or divinity degrees. Since 1978, by virtue of a change made in its charter, the University of Toronto has granted theology degrees conjointly with Wycliffe College and other TST member institutions.
An act respecting Wycliffe College, being chapter 112 of the Statutes of Ontario, 1916, was repealed and the Wycliffe College Act, 2002 was substituted.[8] Wycliffe College's arms were registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority on March 15, 2007.[9]
The Wycliffe College Chapel sanctuary features several stained glass windows, including "Our Lord", "St. Paul", "St. John", and "Timothy" by Robert McCausland Limited.
Campus
East wing of Wycliffe College, seen from the edge of Queen's Park
Wycliffe College is situated in the centre of the University of Toronto campus, on the corner of Hoskin Avenue and Queen's Park. Next door is Hart House (University of Toronto), which houses athletic facilities, a theatre, an art gallery, reading rooms, sitting rooms, offices, a library, music rooms, student meeting and study space. Along with classrooms and a chapel, Wycliffe houses 75 graduate residents, many of whom are studying other disciplines at the University of Toronto and its affiliates.
Students have access, moreover, to the services of the University of Toronto, including the athletic facilities, library systems, and student union clubs.
Academics
Portrait of John Wycliffe on a stained glass window in the Wycliffe College chapel
As a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology, students are able to participate in the wide range of courses from Canada's largest ecumenical consortium.
A Certificate in Anglican Studies is available for candidates for the Anglican priesthood and vocational diaconate who hold an M.Div. from a non-Anglican seminary.
In addition to Wycliffe's collection of theological texts, students have access to the libraries of the member schools of the Toronto School of Theology, including Knox's Caven Library, St. Michael's Kelly Library, Trinity and Wycliffe's John W. Graham Library, and the libraries of Emmanuel College, Regis College, and St. Augustine's Seminary. Students, moreover, have access to the library system of the University of Toronto, including Robarts Library, Canada's largest library and the fourth largest academic library system in North America.[11][12]
Institute of Evangelism
The Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism provides resources, including teachers and practitioners of evangelism, print and A/V materials, and conferences and seminars in order to help nurture and grow evangelizing communities. The mission of the Institute of Evangelism is to "encourage and equip the church for the work of evangelism, empowering it to engage in this ministry confidently, joyfully and expectantly."
F. D. Coggan, The Story of the English Bible Illustrated in the Memorial Windows of Wycliffe College Chapel, Toronto. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1942.
Arnold Edinborough, ed. The Enduring Word: A Centennial History of Wycliffe College. University of Toronto Press, 1978.
