I.3. HISTORY

The history of Farel Reformed Theological Seminary begins in September 1978. Several individuals from various churches – all being in agreement with the theology and mission of the Reformation – gathered in Montmorency, Quebec with the goal of establishing a Reformed Evangelical Alliance to promote a Biblical and Reformed world and life view.

Incorporated under the name L’Alliance réformée évangélique, the movement had three objectives: (1) publishing a Reformed journal; (2) establishing a publishing house ( Editions Parole) ; and (3) founding a Reformed theological institute.

Institut de théologie réformée Farel began in the summer of 1979, with pastor David Craig being its first President, a post he held until his death in October 2001. In 1980, pastor Martin Geleynse joined Farel as professor and Academic Coordinator, serving in these roles until 1986. In January 1986, pastor Jean-Guy deBlois, then President of L’Alliance réformée évangélique, was called as the part-time Administrator, a position he still holds today. During the 1980s, Farel trained a number of pastors, from different churches, of whom many still serve in Quebec and elsewhere.

During the 1990s, Farel bought its first building in Charny, on the south shore of Quebec City, and pastor J.G. Zoellner became the Academic Coordinator (1989-1992). In 1998, Farel moved to Montreal, first locating downtown, then in the suburb of Laval, and currently, in the heart of centre city Montreal near the major universities and cultural centres.

Beginning in 2000, the post of Academic Coordinator became Dean, and several Deans have served Farel, noteably Adrien Neele (2002-2004), Daniel Timmer (2004 – 2009), and Christian Adjémian (2009-2010). As well as training students for the pastorate during this period, an important development was the 2008 signing of an administrative agreement with the Institut de formation théologique de Montréal (IFTM), which grants the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree.

Throughout its history, Farel has savoured the task of making known the whole of Biblical revelation in a committed, convincing and faithful manner, in each area of life, and particularly by bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard his good news.