Manna Bible Institute History

The Early Years General History

 Manna Bible Institute was founded as an Evening School in 1944 with twelve students and six faculty members.

The Institute was housed in the Y.W.C.A. building at 16th and Catherine Streets, Philadelphia and Dr. E. Schuyler English served as the first president with Dr. Philip Austin the first Dean.

In October 1945, the school moved to the Galilee Mission in Philadelphia, and with this move, a number of personnel changes occurred.

Dr. English had to give full attention to the publication of The Pilgrim Bible, and Mr. A.J. Stewart then President of the Sunday, Breakfast Association, became President of Manna Bible Institute.

 Dr. James O. Palmer of Chester succeeded Dr. Austin as the Dean of the school. Miss Emily D. Smith of The Sunday-School Times staff was added to the Faculty in 1946, and during her service to the school, the curriculum was changed from a two-year program to a full four-year curriculum comparable to that of other Bible schools throughout the nation.

The first graduation class exercise was held in the New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Philadelphia, June I 10,1948.  By this time the enrollment had increased to about 64 students.

 Manna Bible Institute had always worked out of rented quarters, but in 1951, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Moore of the Board of Directors, gave their home at 611 N. 53rd Street, and in December 1951, the Institute conducted its first classes in its I own building with an enrollment of 85 students.

 Mr. A.J. Stewart resigned in 1952 as President and Dr. James O. Palmer succeeded him, serving-in the dual roles of President and Dean. When Dr. Palmer became the Executive Director of the American Scripture Gift Mission in May 1959, Rev. R. Clyde Smith of the faculty was elected Dean of Manna. He became Vice-President and Dean in November 1962, and continued to serve until his sudden death in May 1967.

 Mr. Vaughn-Smith succeeded Dr. Palmer as President in 1958 and the school both grew in numbers and extended its lines of influence and usefulness throughout the Christian community. In 1964 when Mr. Smith retired, The Rev. Williams l. Banks became Manna^s fifth President and served for two years until church duties, made it necessary for him to resign from this office.

In June of 1967 Dr. Harvey P. Davis was elected President of Manna Bible Institute. Under his able leadership the curriculum was updated and expanded. After years of steady growth, it was evident that Manna Bible Institute needed larger quarters as the student body now numbered nearly 200. Many months of prayer resulted in the purchase of an adequate building at 2637 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia. This was a giant step of faith, but it was taken in obedience to the leading of the lord, and Manna Bible Institute continued to trust God for the supply of all its needs through the gifts of His people.

From 1944 to 1973 the Institute continued its faithful ministry as an Evening School. The Board of Directors, after much prayer for God^s guidance, decided to start a Day School program at the college level for those who had high school diploma or its equivalent.

In 1973 the Day School was opened with Dr. Gerald L. Stover as Academic Dean. By 1975 attendance at the Evening School had reached more then two hundred and the new Day School now numbered at 38. Deterioration of the general area where the Institute was located gave concern for much prayer. No one desired to move out of the area until the Lord directed such a step.

Then came a new opportunity and after much prayer for God^s guidance, the Board of Directors negotiated the purchase of a lovely campus in the historic Germantown selection of Philadelphia, located at 700 E. Church lane, a five building occupied campus, which was being used as an academy for girls.

 Possession took place in July 1975 and the academic year 1975-76 opened on the new campus. In May 1977 the first two graduates of the Day School received their diplomas. In July 1977 Dr. Gera1d L. Stover resigned and upon his resignation Mr. Paul J. Pathickal was appointed Academic Dean of the Day School.

 Although the Day School closed, Manna continued its Bible program or an evening school.