In Retrospect: Providence’s Centennial
It’s not often that an organization marks one hundred years of existence – and for Providence, while the centennial itself occurred on January 4th, a century of history is challenging to fit into a single day of celebration. To this end, Providence set aside three days over the first weekend in September to more fully commemorate this historic occasion, which included a Distinguished Servant Award Reception and Gala, a Community Festival and Concert, and a closing Chapel Service.
Distinguished Servant Award Reception & Gala
RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg
Friday, September 5, 2025
Providence Community Festival
Providence Campus, Otterburne
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Centennial Concert
Southeast Event Centre, Steinbach
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Closing Chapel Service
Providence Campus, Otterburne
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Centennial Videos & Stories
In addition to the weekend, it was also a great opportunity throughout the entire year to tell some stories related to the origins of various key programs at Providence with the founders themselves. Check out the following videos and articles that highlight some important people, places and events in our history. You can also read all the articles in our special Centennial Edition of Providence’s Eye Witness magazine HERE.
Centennial Campaign
Now that our centennial year is almost behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the next century. Imagine and realize with us where Providence will be in the decades to come by supporting the upcoming initiatives of our Centennial Campaign.
Our History
ORIGINS // 1925
Since its foundation in 1925, the school has focused on providing quality, faith-centred education to those in and around Manitoba. The school has always been interdenominational, and both women and men were active participants as faculty, staff and students.
It is a school on the Prairies, taught and administered by those who know the spiritual need and conditions on the Prairies, for the young men and women of the Prairies.
EVERGREEN // 1947
The school has had many temporary homes in Winnipeg over the years – including Evergreen Place where it remained for 20 years – and has ever been staffed by gifted instructors who have sacrificed much in service to their students and for the sake of the institution.
The soul of an educational institution is its teachers. It is not fine buildings that make a school, not elaborate courses of study, not even a large student body, but the character and calibre of those who teach.
EVERGREEN // 1947
The school has had many temporary homes in Winnipeg over the years – including Evergreen Place where it remained for 20 years – and has ever been staffed by gifted instructors who have sacrificed much in service to their students and for the sake of the institution.
The soul of an educational institution is its teachers. It is not fine buildings that make a school, not elaborate courses of study, not even a large student body, but the character and calibre of those who teach.
PROVISION // 1970
Following the sale of its property in Winnipeg, the school moved south to a new campus at the former St. Joseph’s College in Otterburne, where it has been situated for over 50 years. It remained Winnipeg Bible College until 1991 when it was rebranded as “Providence College.”
The quest of many young people today is for meaning and purpose in life. It is no longer sufficient to merely ‘make a living.’ One must know how to live. That is one of the functions of a Bible College. Each person is an individual loved by God and gifted for service…so we enter to learn, and go forth to teach.
PROVISION // 1970
Following the sale of its property in Winnipeg, the school moved south to a new campus at the former St. Joseph’s College in Otterburne, where it has been situated for over 50 years. It remained Winnipeg Bible College until 1991 when it was rebranded as “Providence College.”
The quest of many young people today is for meaning and purpose in life. It is no longer sufficient to merely ‘make a living.’ One must know how to live. That is one of the functions of a Bible College. Each person is an individual loved by God and gifted for service…so we enter to learn, and go forth to teach.
PROVIDENCE // 2024
Almost 100 years later, the school remains committed to its early motto – i.e. “holding fast to the faithful Word” (Titus 1:9) – while looking ahead to the future. This has involved expanding program options in Otterburne, as well as returning to Winnipeg with Prov Downtown.
Providence teaches people to grow in knowledge and character for leadership and service, as defined by its institutional values of being Christ First, encouraging Diversity of Thought, supporting one another in Community, facilitating Exploration, and pursuing Academic Excellence.
PROVIDENCE // 2024
Almost 100 years later, the school remains committed to its early motto – i.e. “holding fast to the faithful Word” (Titus 1:9) – while looking ahead to the future. This has involved expanding program options in Otterburne, as well as returning to Winnipeg with Prov Downtown.
Providence teaches people to grow in knowledge and character for leadership and service, as defined by its institutional values of being Christ First, encouraging Diversity of Thought, supporting one another in Community, facilitating Exploration, and pursuing Academic Excellence.
