HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Chicago Baptist Institute was organized in 1934, under the united sponsorship of the Chicago Baptist Association, the American Baptist Publication Society, the American Baptist Home Mission, and Black Baptist Pastors and Churches of Chicago.
The Institute began its work in one room on the second floor of the Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company building, located at Thirty-Fifth Street and South Parkway, now Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive. The student body numbered fewer than forty persons. The Director of the Institute was Reverend H. M. Smith. Officers of the Board of Trustees were: Chairman, Reverend William S. Bradden; Vice-Chairman, Reverend I. A. Thomas; Secretary, Reverend J. C. Austin, Sr.; and Treasurer, Reverend A. M. McDonald.
From this humble beginning, the Institute, under the academic leadership of Dean Leroy R. Mitchell, grew from less than forty students to approximately four hundred. The work was arranged in three departments: the Leadership Training Department, the Missionary Training Department, and the Seminary. Later, a fourth department was added which offered courses of study for the benefit of students with educational deficiencies.
Dean Leroy Mitchell served faithfully and effectively until his death in 1952. Assistant Dean, Dr. William A. Johnson, served as Interim Dean until the appointment of Reverend Robert C. Wallace in 1954. In 1957, the Institute purchased and moved to its own facility, located at 5120 South Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive.
After nineteen years of progressive service, Dean Wallace retired. He was succeeded by Reverend Walter B. Hoard. Under Dean Hoard’s administration, the Institute’s three major divisions became: Academy, Institute, and College, covering a wider educational spectrum and meeting the Illinois State Department of Education’s guidelines. In 1977, a feeder system was established, feeding academically disadvantaged adult students into a program that would eventually lead to High School equivalency, two-year Diploma, four-year College Degree, and into Graduate study.
Dr. William L Bransford, Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church of Evanston, succeeded Dean Hoard as Academic Dean in 1980. Dr. J. Clifford Alford was appointed Dean of Students. Dean Alford served faithfully for over twenty years. He was succeeded in 2002 by Dr. Nathan L. Schaffer, Jr.
Dean Bransford passed away in 1989. He was succeeded by Dr. C. V. Johnson Jr., Pastor of the El Bethel Baptist Church. After seventeen years of faithful service, Dr. C. V. Johnson was succeeded by Dr. Lillie M. White Shaffer, who served as Interim Academic Dean from July 3, 2006 to March 16, 2007, at which time she was elected Academic Dean.
Dr. Lillie M. White Shaffer, under the presidency of Dr. Clifford Tyler, revised and updated the programs of study. The three departments were re-arranged into four divisions: Biblical and Theological Studies; Pastoral Studies; Missions, Evangelism, and General Studies; and Christian Education and Developmental Studies. A Non-Degree Program, consisting of two areas (Remedial and Certificate), was added. Also, the scheduling was changed from a quarter system to a semester system. Accreditation was attained with Accreditation Commission International (ACI); however, this accreditation did not meet government approval. Therefore, under the presidency of Dr. Tyler and the direction of Academic Dean Shaffer, the Institute pursued accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Applicant Status was granted in February, 2008. Consequently, the grouping of the courses of instruction was realigned to agree with that of most of the ABHE member institutions. The new grouping is: Division of Biblical-Theological Studies, Division of Professional Studies, and Division of General Studies. Dr. Shaffer has a resolve to continue the pursuit to full accreditation.
The Reverend J. W. Donahue, Pastor of Brotherly Love Baptist Church, became the first President of the Institute during the academic year 1980-1981. Following his death in 1981, Dr. William A. Johnson served as Interim President until the election of Dr. J. P. Tillman, Sr. as the second President. President Tillman was called to eternal rest in 1995. Reverend T. L. LaNier served as Interim President until the election of Dr. Arthur D. Griffin as the third President on June 28, 1995.
Dr. Griffin came from a strong ministry background. He assumed the office of President with a resolve to keep Chicago Baptist Institute on the leading edge of evangelization through the effective training of Christian leaders; thus, revitalizing the work of the church. In 2002, Dr. Clifford Tyler was appointed Vice-President for Promotions and Development. This greatly enhanced the ministry of the Institute.
Under the leadership of President Griffin, the Chicago Baptist Institute’s Nehemiah Project, coordinated by Rev. Andre LaNier, was completed in March, 2005 with the committed efforts of Chairman, Dr. Joseph B. Felker, President, Dr. Arthur D. Griffin, Vice-President, Dr. Clifford Tyler, Assistant Treasurer, Dr., Preston R. Winfrey, and Dr. Alvin J. Wesley (deceased). As a result of the Nehemiah Project, the Institute’s facility was completely renovated.
After ten years of dedicated and effective service, Dr. Griffin, due to failing health, resigned. He was succeeded on March 17, 2006 by Dr. Clifford Tyler, Pastor of First Timothy Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Preston R. Winfrey was appointed Vice President.
Under Dr. Tyler’s leadership, the Institute continues to develop and implement progressive policies designed to meet a changing society. The non-degree program is being enlarged and the number of general course offerings is being expanded.
HomeEstablish in 1934
Chicago Baptist Institute @ 5120 S. King Dr, Chicago, IL 60615 Phone: (773) 268-2250,Fax:(773)268-2252
CHICAGO BAPTIST INSTITUTE
5120 South Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60615
