Names of the Institution Since Its Beginning


January 1941-1944: Baptist Bible Institute of Grand Rapids, Michigan*
(modeled after the Baptist Bible Institute of Toledo, Ohio) (*located in educational wing of Wealthy Street Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

1944-1948: Baptist Bible Institute and School of Theology of Grand Rapids, Michigan

1948-1963: Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary and Bible Institute
(first seminary graduating class of 2 students, Spring 1949 -- one of whom was Victor M. Matthews, who immediately began teaching at the school)

1963-1972: Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College and Seminary
(Fall 1964, first students arrive at new campus/Leonard& East Beltline NE)

1972-1994: Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary
January 1977, the new Leon J. Wood Seminary Building opened
February 1977, the Leon J. Wood Seminary Building dedicated
1993 - merged with Grand Rapids School of the Bible & Music

1994-1999: Cornerstone College and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (3-28-94)
(legally renamed as Cornerstone Baptist Educational Ministries -- C.B.E.M.)

1999-present: Cornerstone University (4-8-99)