Hobe Sound Bible College: A History of Christ-Centered Education
Hobe Sound Bible College (HSBC) stands as a testament to a commitment to Christ-centered, Bible-based education within the Wesleyan tradition. Founded on the principles of conservative Bible holiness, the college has a rich history of preparing servant-leaders to impact the world for Christ.
The Genesis of a Vision
The story of Hobe Sound Bible College begins with Dr. Stephen D. Herron, a pastor in Knoxville, Tennessee. He keenly felt that public and theological education had failed to meet its moral responsibility and envisioned a conservative holiness school that would offer a quality education. This vision took shape in 1960 when Dr. Herron approached Rev. H. Robb French and the Florida Evangelistic Association (FEA), now FEA Ministries, about the possibility of utilizing their Sea Breeze Camp facilities year-round for a Bible college. FEA generously offered their grounds and facilities for this purpose.
In 1947, Rev. and Mrs. Robb French, Wesleyan Methodist evangelists, and Rev. and Mrs. James Zuch had purchased a twenty-eight-acre plot of ground in Hobe Sound, Florida, for less than $200 an acre. Their intent was to carve out of the thick palmetto bushes a place for a campground where church services would be held. Primary access to this rescued sanctuary passed two white pillars and proceeded down “Bethel Way.” The first buildings were army squad cabins moved from Jacksonville. Later buildings were purchased from Camp Murphy (near present day Jonathan Dickinson State Park) and moved to the new campus.
At the FEA camp meeting of 1960, an offering was collected to aid in launching the school. The cooperative agreement between these men has led to 65 years of shared ministries and facilities resulting not only in the successful establishment of the College, but also the development of a local church, and the expansion of FEA to include Hope International Missions which works in cooperation with 35 missionary families with international outreach and ministry in 20 different countries.
The Inaugural Year and Early Growth
On Friday, September 30, 1960, Hobe Sound Bible Institute welcomed its first student body, representing twelve states and Canada. The registration for the first year totaled twenty-four. The initial college building was partially finished but usable by September 30, 1960. It boasted two wings, which would serve as boys’ and girls’ dorms respectively, separated by the library, office complex, post office and classroom space. This small group of students along with two faculty members knelt in prayer to request the guidance of God on the new school in both its first year of operation and in the future. The beginning faculty was Rev. Herron, Mrs. Amy Zike-a retired teacher who lived on the grounds, and Rev. and Mrs. C. J. Goodspeed.
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In November 1960, the Elementary Christian School was established at the request of camp residents. Miss Melva McNees and Mrs. Amy Zike served as instructors and later were joined by Miss Virginia Fink who would spend her lifetime serving the interests of Hobe Sound Bible College and Academy. The high school department was added to the Academy in 1962.
May 11, 1964, was a red-letter day in the history of this emerging education institution. It was the first commencement day. Two would graduate from the college-Raymond Shreve and Robert Whitaker, while six would receive diplomas from the academy.
Academic Excellence and Accreditation
From its unpretentious beginning, Hobe Sound Bible College has received both state and national recognition and certification of its degree programs. In 1967 the academic programs of the College were approved by the state accrediting agency. In recognition of this certification, the name of the institution was changed to Hobe Sound Bible College (HSBC).
Academic excellence has been a hallmark of HSBC. The founders of the college did not view a focus on academic excellence as conflicting with a desire for spiritual growth, but rather that a focus on academic excellence could be a direct reflection of our spiritual advancement, an oft proclaimed mantra being, “all truth is God’s truth”. This focus on academic excellence led to the accreditation of the college by the American Association of Bible Colleges, in 1986. AABC was the national accrediting association for Bible colleges, which today is known as the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
Programs of Study
Hobe Sound Bible College offers a variety of programs across multiple academic divisions, including:
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- Counseling: MA in Counseling, BA in Counseling, AA in Counseling
- Education: MEd in Education, BA in Education, BA in TESOL, BA in Child Evangelism, AA in Child Evangelism
- Missions: BA in Intercultural Studies, AA in Intercultural Studies
- Music: BA in Music Education, AA in Church Music
- Professional: BA in Business, BA in General Christian Studies, AA in Preprofessional Studies, AS in Preprofessional Studies
- Theology: MA in Theology, BA in Ministerial Studies, AA in Bible
Some degree programs are available as an online learning option, External Degree Program, Academic remediation, Distance learning program, Double major option, Independent study, Advanced Placement credit, Internships, Summer session for credit.
Location and Facilities
Hobe Sound Bible College is situated on an 84-acre campus in the coastal town of Hobe Sound, Florida, in Martin County. The campus is bounded by the Intracoastal Waterway on the east and is approximately one mile from the Atlantic Ocean. Hobe Sound is located on the Atlantic Coast of South Florida. The campus is secure and safe, yet located close to essential commercial services. Hobe Sound is twenty-five miles north of West Palm Beach on US Highway 1 and twelve miles south of Stuart. Major airlines with flights landing at Palm Beach International Airport make the school readily accessible by air. Bus and train connections are also handy.
The campus features several key facilities, including:
- Herron Center (administration building)
- Carroll Educational Center
- Archie Coons Fine Arts Center
- Glenn Reiff World Education Center (classroom)
- G.R.
At least one staffed computer lab is available to students. A wireless computer network is available throughout the campus. Number of computers available are 13.
A Christ-Centered Philosophy
Hobe Sound Bible College is committed to a very definite philosophical viewpoint, which ultimately is theological. The college believes final, absolute truth centers in a Creator God. This truth is revealed in the Bible and in the created universe and is personified in Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God. Education is a Christ-centered, biblically-integrated process of developing spiritually, mentally and physically.
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The ultimate aim of life is not adjustment to the age, but conformity to Christ. This objective is achieved by a disciplined life of sacrificial service, patterned after Him who pleased not Himself, who came not to be served but to serve, and who gave Himself for others.
tags: #Hobe #Sound #Bible #College #history
