By Bob Dickson
The Master’s College student body, faculty, staff and special guests were on hand for the official dedication of The MacArthur Center on Jan. 31.
The dedication marked the completion of a project that broke ground last spring and provided major upgrades and a new look to the TMC gymnasium, which is where the college hosts chapel services, conferences, as well as athletic events.
Dr. John MacArthur
Among the upgrades are a new outer courtyard with a fountain and a walkway along Placerita Canyon Road, a remodeled foyer with separate concession and conference room facilities, new bathrooms and heating and air conditioning to the entire building.
Another significant feature is the building’s new name. The MacArthur Center was named in honor of Dr. John MacArthur, who has served as the college’s President since 1985.
“We are celebrating the imprint of John MacArthur on the college,” former TMC Provost Dr. Mark Tatlock said in his dedication address. “There isn’t a state you can travel to that doesn’t have a TMC graduate that has made an impact.”
Tatlock framed the significance of the event in the light of Dr. MacArthur’s nearly 30 years of leadership.
“Your name on this building means a lot to us,” he said. “It reminds us of what you stand for.”
Dr. Tatlock was followed By TMC Chairman of the Board, Jim Rickard, who presented Dr. MacArthur with the dedication plaque that will adorn the new facility.
Following a vocal performance by tenor Phillip Webb, Dr. MacArthur delivered the chapel message. He taught from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 and focused on how to have an enduring ministry. It revolved around three components: a recognition of the supremacy of the New Covenant, an understanding that ministry is a mercy and a commitment to a pure life and pure doctrine.
“Ministry is a mercy,” Dr. MacArthur said. “It is God giving me something I don’t deserve. I don’t deserve this.”
By “this,” Dr. MacArthur was referring to the ministry of the college, which has produced more than 6,000 graduates since he became President. Its ministry—the ministry of teaching young Christian men and women and preparing them for a life and a career that honors the Lord—has been the school’s mission since it began as Los Angeles Baptist College & Seminary in 1927.
Its commitment to the inerrancy and sufficiency of God’s Word reflects the heart and ministry of its President.
“The glory of the gospel is enough to sustain me to the grave,” Dr. MacArthur said. “There is nothing like it.”
Dr. MacArthur thanked the TMC Board, the faculty and staff and donors. He also had something to say to the current crop of TMC students.
“You are the reason we all do this, not only for what you are now, but because of what we think you will be in the future … we’re looking forward to adding you to that great force of alumni that’s out there,” he said. “I can’t think of anything more important than to give your life to than building leadership for the Kingdom of God and that’s what we’re all about.”
The dedication officially concluded as TMC Music Department Chair, Dr. Paul Plew, invited everyone to sing a hymn. Voices filled the MacArthur Center with the familiar refrain … Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
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2 Comments
Man, a nursing program would have really done more for the kingdom, instead of glorifying John. SO unfortunate how this college and Grace have really lost their way. It is amazing what happens when sin and pride creep in, disguised as honor.
Christians are called to deny themselves and to pick up their crosses. John Macarthur has instead built a museum to glorify himself. Speaks volumes about who this man really is.