Preserving Tradition – Expanding our Mission

Rev. Joseph Crandall, as a pioneering Baptist, was a man of passionate faith who helped to found a university that was open to students of every denomination. He recognized the importance of combining faith and education.

Why change our name?

The primary reason for doing so is to expand the mission of ABU by overcoming perceptual barriers that result from a denominationally specific name. Some think only Baptist students can attend ABU. Others assume that ABU is a seminary rather than a liberal arts university offering degree programs in Arts, Science, Business and Education.

In a future where ABU will be a premiere evangelical liberal arts Christian university with strong international connections, a name that affirms its mission of “quality university education firmly rooted in the Christian faith” without creating feelings of geographical or denominational limitation for students will more accurately reflect the University that is already emerging.

It’s important to state that a change in name will not alter the University’s mission or its relationship to the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. The University desires to reach more students with its purpose driven mission while remaining fully accountable to the Convention that founded the University and continues to nurture it.

Why now?

A unique convergence of events is currently upon us which makes this the right time for ABU to move forward with a new name which embraces our proud tradition and helps us advance our mission.  Along with an ambitious expansion plan supported by the Future Foundations capital campaign (currently underway), ABU’s Board of Governors has recently approved a new five year strategic plan, as well as the installation of a new university chancellor, Jack Stultz.

2009 is also ABU’s 60th anniversary and exciting homecoming festivities are planned for the fall semester. What a great time to celebrate the accomplishments and events of ABU’s past.

Why Crandall?

The name Crandall University is seen as a prestigious sounding name which maintains strong ties to our Baptist heritage while at the same time removing denominational indicators that may act as a barrier to some. 

Brian D. MacArthur, D.Min.
President,

Atlantic Baptist University

A brief biography of Rev. Joseph Crandall (1771-1858)

• Born 1771 in Tiverton, Rhode Island
• Moved with his parents to Nova Scotia in 1773
• Converted in 1795 in Chester, Nova Scotia under the preaching of Harris Harding and was later baptized by Joseph Dimock
• Became an itinerant preacher in 1796
• Settled in Salisbury, New Brunswick and married Miss Rebecca Sherman
• Ordained October 1799 in Sackville, New Brunswick
• Helped to establish churches in southeastern New Brunswick and also held revival services in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
• Elected to the New Brunswick Legislature in 1819 and served until 1822
• Involved in the erection of the first house of worship in Moncton and preached at the dedication of the Free Meeting House on September 7, 1821
• Elected as the first President of the New Brunswick Baptist Education Society in 1836, and continued as such until his death
• Recognized as one of the Founders of Acadia University which formed in 1838