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Maranatha Baptist Bible College

 

SACRED HEART CAMPUS SITE

NOW MARANATHA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE

1968

   Watertown Daily Times, 02 03 2001

 

Sacred Heart and now Maranatha Baptist Bible College have a long history and a close relationship with Watertown.

 

It was in the fall of 1871 that the authorities of the Congregation of Holy Cross at Notre Dame purchased the 65-acre site from Col. Henry Bertram who had purchased it from Patrick Rogen. In addition to the land, the property consisted of a large two-story residence of white brick and other smaller buildings. That was the original school, and it later became a guest house.

 

One year later, on Sept. 9, 1872, the facility opened as the University of Our Lady of Sacred Cross. The first enrollment consisted of 27 students. The first president of the school was the Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., one of the original founders.

 

The institution grew rapidly, and before the end of the first semester there were 66 students, five of whom were living on campus. To accommodate the increasing numbers the Provincial Council a year later approved construction of the central section of the main building.

 

Father Corby was a pretty busy man that year. At the same time he was leading this construction project, he was also pastor of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, and the huge structure now at the corner of Church and Main streets was being constructed.

 

On May 25, 1874, the university was chartered by the state of Wisconsin, making the college a fully recognized institution with the privilege of conferring degrees in science arts and commerce.

 

Back at that time the board of trustees of the university consisted of the Rev. William Corby, president; the Rev. Patrick J. Colovin, vice president; the Rev. John O'Connell, secretary; Bernard Smith, chancellor; and John Crowley, treasurer.

 

Sacred Heart College continued until 1886 when it was closed as a university by a decree of the General Chapter of the Congregation of Holy Cross. At that time it was converted to a normal school for the brothers as well as a preparatory school for young men who aspired to become brothers.

 

This new concept was short-lived, and in 1888 it was abandoned with 30 men planning to become brothers transferred to the newly created St. Joseph Novitiate in Notre Dame, Ind. At that point the school returned to being a university.

 

During the next five years there was an ambitious building program. The entire east wing was constructed in 1889. The northwest addition, which included the refectory and chapel, was completed in 1891, and the southwest wing, which housed the gymnasium and two bowling lanes, was constructed in 1894.

 

From 1888 to 1912 the school operated as a university, but it was closed that year and once again it returned to the status of a normal school for young men who planned to become brothers.

 

From 1928 to 1955 the school also operated a regular high school course of study which was recognized by the University of Notre Dame. The graduates of that normal school could then easily be accepted to Notre Dame to complete their training as brothers.

 

The school was operated just as the name indicates - as a military academy. The young boys were taught strict discipline in addition to their academic and religious studies. We can remember them dressed in military uniforms performing various close order drills. They always looked pretty sharp as they went through their drills on the campus.

 

These young men came from all over the country and even some foreign countries. When they completed their education here, they were well educated through the eighth grade, well disciplined and well versed on the Bible.

 

Sacred Heart continued with this mission until 1955 when it opened as a military academy. It continued in that mission until 1968 when the Notre Dame officials decided to move the school to Indiana and the buildings were put up for sale.

 

The final class to graduate from Sacred Heart Military Academy consisted of 35 eighth-grade men. It was the 13th graduating class. The graduation took place on Sunday afternoon, May 26, 1968, with over 700 well-wishers looking on. There was a Mass at 10:45 a.m., a dinner for all of the guests at 11:30 a.m. and a military review at 1:30 p.m.

 

That review consisted of the honor drill platoon, drum corps and a competition drill among the four platoons of the company. Declamation winners gave their presentations, academic and citizenship awards were presented and diplomas were issued to the 35 eighth-graders.

 

And by the end of the day, the 17-member faculty, including the school's priest, had completed their work, and the planned move to Indiana became the main order of business.

 

It didn't take long before Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm visited the site with a vision of turning it into a Baptist Bible college, and by later that year the deal had been consummated and Maranatha Baptist Bible College was born. Maranatha has a rich history since that time. The list of improvements and new facilities on the campus has been staggering since that time, and there is much more to come.

 

It's kind of ironic that the brothers decided back in 1967 that the campus simply needed too much money to make the facilities acceptable for the purpose intended, but the Maranatha team a year later saw great opportunities when they purchased the facility for what surely appeared as a bargain price of $150,000.

 

Since that time Maranatha has expanded academically and is now an accredited college offering bachelor's and master's degrees in a number of disciplines.  It also operates a child care and preschool and has plans for further expansions on the site and on some recently acquired property just north of Main Street.  Maranatha also offers a full high school curriculum on the campus and has enjoyed rising enrollments at both the high school and college levels. In addition, the college has a close affiliation with Calvary Baptist Church which operates a Christian elementary school.  As a result, children can be educated in the Baptist philosophy from preschool all the way through a master's degree.

 

1968

07 30       MARANATHA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE OPENS

The new Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, a co-educational college, will begin its first semester of operation as a four-year college, granting the bachelor of arts degree, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, according to its president, the Rev. Dr. Blaine Myron Cedarholm.  The board of trustees of the college, nationally known pastors, evangelists, church leaders and educators from across the nation, have purchased the beautiful 62.5 acre campus formerly occupied by the Sacred Heart Military Academy.  Local numbers of the board of trustees are Pastor Charles R. Sanders, Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown; Pastor Gale Schafer, Calvary Baptist Church, Jefferson; and John McLario, attorney, Menomonee Falls.  WDT

 

08 28       WELCOME LUNCHEON

The new Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, a co-educational college, will begin its first semester of operation as a four year college, granting the bachelor of arts degree, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, according to its president, the Rev. Dr. Blaine Myron Cedarholm.  The board of trustees of the college, nationally known pastors, evangelists, church leaders and educators from across the nation, have purchased the beautiful 62.5 acre campus formerly occupied by the Sacred Heart Military Academy.  Local numbers of the board of trustees are Pastor Charles R. Sanders, Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown; Pastor Gale Schafer, Calvary Baptist Church, Jefferson; and John McLario, attorney, Menomonee Falls.  WDT

 

09 13       MARANATHA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE DEDICATED

Maranatha Baptist Bible College was dedicated on Saturday afternoon, with a large number of persons from the local area, from Wisconsin and many other states in attendance.  Over 1,200 were present, including 150 pastors.  The dedication program was held on the grounds in front of the main building. Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm, president of the college, said the property consists of 62 1/2 acres, and was acquired for $160,500. He said he and the trustees are most grateful for the opportunity to acquire the property for the establishment of the college.  WDT

 

1969

06 11       SIX DUPLEX HOMES TO BE CONSTRUCTED

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1970

10 05       MARANATHA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE FALL FESTIVAL

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The many festivities at the third annual fall festival of Maranatha Baptist Bible College were five presentations of the program "Whatever He Wants for Me."

 

Jack Trieber, Fremont, Calif.; Herbert Pedigo, speech department; Dennis Karrow, Sterling, Ill., student council president; Richard Burke, speech department; Mrs. B. Myron Cedarholm, music department; Mrs. Herbert Pedigo, speech department; and Mrs. Richard Burke (standing), speech department.  A cast of 35 presented the play.

 

1982

01 30       A new educational radio station run by Maranatha Baptist Bible College may soon be operating in Watertown, if the college can secure a construction permit from the Federal Communications Commission.  If the permit is granted soon, Dr. Edward Caughill said, construction of a studio and transmitter on the campus will begin as soon as the weather allows.  The station, said Caughill, Maranatha business manager, will serve both to provide a laboratory for training of students and as an outlet for the college.  Types of programming will probably range from chapel services at Maranatha to national religious programs, along with classical and religious music.    WDT

 

1983

05 15       Dr. Arno Q. Weniger Jr. named president, succeeded Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm     WDT

 

08 14       College opens its 16th year with Dr. Arno Q. Weniger Jr. as new president    WDT

 

08 16       Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm, outgoing president, founder and new chancellor, honored   WDT

 

10 17       Doug Dupre, school sophomore, received reward   WDT

 

1987

04 05       FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION

Maranatha Baptist Bible College will be celebrating its Founder’s Day on Friday.  MBBC was founded by Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm on July 1, 1968.  He proceeded to build and guide the college through 15 years of service as its president.  Dr. Cedarholm desired to direct students into full-time Christian service.  Dr. Cedarholm started Maranatha’s Graduate School of Theology back in 1970, and three years later he founded the Maranatha Baptist Academy.  In the fall of 1983, Dr. Cedarholm turned over the presidency to present leader, Dr. Arno Q. Weniger Jr., who left his 19-year pastorate of Calvary Baptist Church in Normal, Ill.  Dr. Cedarholm now serves as chancellor of the college.

 

1993

02 27       ACCREDITATION RECEIVED

Maranatha Baptist Bible College officials learned Thursday afternoon their school has received accreditation — a status which will open many doors, the vice president for academic affairs said.  The college, in its 25th year, began seeking accreditation two years ago.  In an unusually short period of time, the school has gained approval from the North Central Association, one of the main accrediting bodies in the United States, said Dr. John Brock.  Staff and students broke into applause when told of the accreditation this morning.

 

1994

09 06       RECORD ENROLLMENT

A record number of students have enrolled at Maranatha Baptist Bible College for the fall semester. More than 605 students are enrolled in the college and 83 are enrolled in the academy, which is for students in grades nine through 12. According to the college, this fall’s enrollment is the largest recorded in the past 12 years under the leadership of Dr. Arno Q. Weniger Jr., Maranatha president. Two of the college’s new students are from Moldova, formerly part of the Soviet Union.

 

1995

08 24       GROWTH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES

Growth at Maranatha Baptist Bible College could provide more opportunities for the Watertown business community.  The college invited Watertown business leaders to an informal breakfast meeting at the campus to discuss Maranatha’s plans and how they could affect local businesses.  President Dr. Amo Q. Weniger said the college is expecting tremendous growth in enrollments.  One year ago, enrollments at Maranatha increased by 21 percent to 625 students.  When students arrive for the start of classes this week, school officials expect the school’s total enrollment to increase to about 725, based upon the number of applications from new students.

 

1996

08 30       New $2.4 million new library dedicated   WDT

 

1998

08 16       Dr. Arno Q. Weniger Jr., college president, resigned after 15 years    WDT

 

12 15       Dr. David Jaspers appointed new college president   WDT

 

1999

05 05       Dr. David Jaspers inaugurated third college president    WDT

 

10 16       Students clean up downtown area    WDT

 

2000

03 29       Proposal to build preschool and day-care center    WDT

 

05 05       To build a preschool and day-care center   WDT

 

05 25       Proposal to build 73-bed men's dormitory    WDT

 

2001

01 14       Maranatha is looking to the past to prepare its students for the future.  Seventy-two rare first and early-edition books from as early as the 15th century are being used as learning tools to educate students about liberty and the principles on which this country was founded.  As a hands-on history lesson, Maranatha has contracted with The Remnant Trust Inc. to display books on loan from a collection called The Wisdom of the Ages Athenaeum.  The exhibit will be on display starting today through May 4 on campus in the Heritage Room of the Cedarholm Memorial Library and Resource Center.   WDT

 

08 19       Maranatha has been approved to participate in the Academic Quality Improvement Project of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Moving beyond the boundaries of traditional accreditation, the quality improvement project model is designed to align accreditation with Maranatha’s program of continuous quality improvement in order to meet the rapidly shifting needs of educational institutions in the 21st century.  By joining this program, Maranatha is demonstrating a willingness to identify concrete targets for continuous improvement and to hold itself accountable for re-engineering its processes and operations to improve the results and activities for itself and for its students.   WDT

 

2002

08 17       More than 40 community leaders attended the annual Breakfast for the Business Community this morning at Maranatha Baptist Bible College.  Approximately 800 students are enrolled at the college for this fall, compared to 791 last year.  The college’s enrollment has increased each year for the past three years, Dr. David Jaspers, president of Maranatha, said.  He shared the challenges the college faces in the near future.  Plans are being discussed to construct a new $3.1 million dining hall on the north side of campus.  Modular classrooms would be taken down to make room for the building.  The present dining facility was expanded in 1988 when enrollment was 465.  The current dining area would be made remodeled into classrooms.    WDT

 

2003

08 15       As enrollment figures continue to reach record numbers, Maranatha Baptist Bible College plans to expand to meet the demands. Dr. Dave Jaspers, president of the college, told several business representatives this morning about plans to break ground for a new science building next spring.  The new facility would be located north of the gymnasium.  It will be necessary to raze the current modular homes located on the site for construction of the new building.  Jaspers said plans are to begin taking down the old structures in April with groundbreaking for the new building in early spring.  The college is still aggressively raising funds for a $3.1 million dining hall for the students, Jaspers said.

 

2004

03 14       Watertown officials got a glimpse at the future of the city’s west side on Monday.  Representatives from Maranatha Baptist Bible College went before the site plan review committee with a preliminary overview of the college’s long-term plans for campus development.  Maranatha expects enrollment to climb over 1,000 within the next decade, prompting a need for more parking and additional facilities.  Over the next 10 years, the college plans to add or move about 950 parking stalls and will construct or renovate six buildings.  The first phase of the project will begin this summer, when two temporary structures are removed to make way for a new 6,600-square-foot science building.  Work is expected to begin on a new 40,000-square-foot dining commons in autumn.  The structure will also house 10 classrooms.

 

08 12       Maranatha Baptist Bible College broke ground Thursday afternoon for a new, $4.7 million dining commons that will total 43,000 square feet over two floors.  The two-story building will replace a 182-seat dining room with one that seats almost 400 people and will include eight new state-of the art classrooms and two computer labs.  The dining commons is scheduled for completion by next July and will be ready for use in fall of 2005.

 

08 14       Maranatha Baptist Bible College will be offering a nursing program with the start of the 2005 school year, college officials announced at today’s business community breakfast.  The nursing program is just one of the many changes being made at the campus in Watertown.  Two years ago the board of trustees approved the nursing program, Brock said.  Beginning with the 2005 term, the college will offer a Bachelor of Arts program in nursing, along with a Bachelor of Science degree program.

 

2005

05 27       PLAN FOR NEW COFFEE SHOP

The Watertown Site Plan Review Committee has approved a concept plan for a new coffee shop near Maranatha Baptist Bible College after the panel made a few revisions.  The cafe, Sweet Bitter Brew, would be located at 838 W. Main St.  Owner Paul Phelps is proposing to raze the existing building on the property and to build a new structure with an outside patio area.  To approve the concept plan, the committee recommended to Phelps the driveway used to enter should be narrowed to one lane with some additional landscaping.  They noted the exit drive should also be one lane wide.  Parking on the street was discouraged by the panel because of visibility problems.  The parking lot will hold close to 10 cars.

 

08 05       NEW DINING COMMONS FACILITY

Maranatha Baptist Bible College held a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the new dining commons facility that was completed the beginning of August.  Maranatha’s annual community business breakfast preceded the ceremony.  “We’re thrilled to have the enhanced facility that is worthy of the wonderful food program we’ve had for the past few years,” Dr. Dave Jaspers, president, said.  The 42,000-square-foot building cost about $5.6 million, seats about 400 for dining and has 10 classrooms in the lower level.  The arch-like architecture and outside brick match the other campus buildings and a number of windows overlook the campus football field.

 

12 21       CHRISTMAS CAROLING: String Preparatory Program students

Thirty Maranatha String Preparatory Program students went Christmas caroling with violins, violas and cellos for those at the Watertown Hospital, local nursing homes and other locations. The traditional sounds of “Carol of the Bells,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” and other favorite Christmas songs echoed through the high-ceilinged lobby as the group of children, ranging from the age of 5 to 15, performed for hospital patients in wheelchairs, visitors and employees. The group then divided into smaller groups and traveled with parents and string instructors to various destinations, including Highland Village, Highland Terrace, Beverly Terrace, Marquardt Village, and seven area homes. Anna, a resident at Beverly Terrace, showed her appreciation by singing along as the string group played “Silent Night.”

 

2006

08 08       MARANATHA CAREER SERVICES

Maranatha Career Services is offering a new online program to connect students at the college and academy with Watertown businesses.  The new program was announced at this morning’s annual business community breakfast held on the campus.  About 50 Watertown businesses were represented as John Davis, director of alumni affairs, discussed the new placement service.  “We are thankful for the partnership we have with the business community,” Davis said.

 

08 09       DAY HALL DEDICATED

Maranatha Baptist Bible College will dedicate its newest women’s dorm, Day Hall, Friday at 1:30 p.m.  This ceremony, which includes light refreshments, is open to the public and will honor Priscilla Day, a 1973 alumna of Maranatha.  In addition to attending Maranatha, Day worked for nine years as the personal nurse and caregiver to Marilyn Hilsen Weniger, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1968 and was the wife of Maranatha’s second president, Dr. Arno Q. Weniger.

 

2007

05 01       Dr. CHUCK PHELPS

The Board of Trustees of Maranatha Baptist Bible College has selected Dr. Chuck Phelps as the fourth president of Maranatha.  Phelps comes to Maranatha from Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, N.H., where he has served as the senior pastor since 1989.  Under his leadership, the church has grown remarkably and has been instrumental in assisting in the opening of new churches in New England.  Interim president Dr. Larry Oats said he is looking forward to having Dr. Phelps’ leadership in training students and shaping lives.

 

Cross Reference:  Dr. Chuck Phelps selected as the fourth president of Maranatha.   WDTimes story

 

08 09       Dr. CHUCK PHELPS

Maranatha Baptist Bible College’s new president, Dr. Chuck Phelps, of New Hampshire, greeted local business owners this morning at the college’s annual business community breakfast.  “We have a bumper crop enrollment this year and the credit goes to the stability of this institution and the work of the staff and faculty to fulfill the founder’s vision,” Phelps said.  “There’s something in Watertown that draws students here from over 40 states.  This college is a conservative, traditional, Bible-based, gospel preaching school that people need.”  Phelps and his wife, Linda, come to Maranatha from Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, N.H., where he has served as the senior pastor since 1989.  Under his leadership, the church has grown and has helped in opening new churches in New England.

 

09 29       ROTC

Maranatha Baptist Bible College has an independent senior ROTC detachment.  Last year the Maranatha Cadets trained with the Whitewater detachment.  Maranatha College is an ROTC partnership school with University of Wisconsin-Madison.  The detachment is designated as Charlie (C) Company of the Badger Battalion.  The detachment consists of 14 cadets.  The group conducts physical training around the campus area on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

 

2009

08 22       NEW MARANATHA BAPTIST SEMINARY

During its annual business community breakfast this morning, leaders of Maranatha Baptist Bible College announced the new Baptist seminary that will be offered on the Watertown campus.  The Maranatha Baptist Seminary will provide seminary theological training with an emphasis on academic and practical guidance from instructors experienced in ministry.

 

The Master of Divinity program at Maranatha will include biblical languages, church history, pastoral theology, biblical studies and theological studies.  A student may select an emphasis in biblical counseling, biblical languages, cross-cultural studies, New Testament, Old Testament, pastoral theology or theology.  The accredited seminary degree can prepare a student for preaching ministry as a pastor, missionary, military chaplain, evangelist or Bible teacher.

 

09 25       FIFTH PRESIDENT NAMED

Dr. S. Martin “Marty” Marriott, currently senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church of Warren, Mich., has been named the fifth president of Maranatha Baptist Bible College.  He will take office during the 2010 spring semester. Marriott will replace Dr. Charles Phelps, who announced in May he would not be returning to the position for the fall semester.  Phelps served as president since 2007.

 

2010

03 18       Dr. MARTY MARRIOTT, FIFTH PRESIDENT OF MARANATHA

Dr. Marty Marriott installed as the fifth president of Maranatha Baptist Bible College and Seminary during ceremonies on March 18. 

The longtime board of trustees member and former senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church of Warren, Mich., began his new ministry in early January.  He replaced Dr. Charles Phelps who had served as president since 2007.

 

Marriott, 56, received a doctor of divinity degree from Maranatha in 2007.  He previously earned a bachelor of arts degree from Maranatha in Bible and pastoral studies in 1976 and a master of arts in biblical studies and languages in 1977.  He also earned a master of divinity from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979 and a bachelor of science degree in business management from Liberty University in 1990. 

 

His pastoral experience dates back to 1979, when a Bible study he started in Oak Ridge, Tenn., led to the founding of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church.  Marriott was pastor of that church until 1988, and also from 1993 to 1997.  He was also pastor of First Baptist Church of Lock Haven, Pa., from 1988 to 1993 and Faith Baptist of Warren from 1997 to the present.

 

Marriott has served as a Maranatha board member since 1998.  He also serves on the boards of Baptist World Mission, the Independent Fundamental Baptist Association of Michigan and the Michigan Association of Christian Schools.

 

Marriott and his wife, Miriam, met at Maranatha in 1974. They have been married for 33 years and have three grown children.  All three children are in full-time Christian ministry.      WDT

 

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MARANATHA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE

BECOMES

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

2013

12 13       MARANATHA PRESS RELEASE 

A three-year strategic initiative to “make the message plain” has culminated in the official name change of Maranatha Baptist Bible College to Maranatha Baptist University.

 

Maranatha Baptist University offers 31 majors, 34 minors, 4 associate programs, and a Master of Education degree through the College of Arts and Sciences (which includes the Departments of Applied Science, Humanities, and Music), the College of Bible and Church Ministries, the School of Business, the School of Nursing and the School of Education.

 

2014       MBU STUDENTS KAYAK entire Rock River.    WDTimes article.

 

2015

07 30       MBU LANDSCAPING PROJECT fronting Old Main         Image Portfolio 

Built in four stages over 21 years beginning in 1873, the four-story Old Main building dominates the campus.

 

2019

10 28       17th BEST COLLEGE IN THE STATE

SR Education Group, a leading education research publisher founded in 2004, has just released their 2020 rankings for the best online colleges and reported Maranatha Baptist University of Watertown the 17th best college in the state.  Maranatha’s annual tuition is $13,760 with a median salary of $45,000.  The college offers six online associate degrees, four online bachelor’s degrees, and 19 online master’s degrees.

 

2022

01 24       MONTY AND FRANCES LOUISE BUDAHL

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Cross References:

                Sacred Heart [University of Our Lady of Sacred Cross]

 

 

 

Table of Contents 

History of Watertown, Wisconsin

Index