Our history

200 Pine Street

ESSA's history begins in 1975 when delegates at the first of three Consultations on Advanced Bible Training expressed their conviction of the need for a tertiary level, English medium, Evangelical seminary to serve Southern Africa. These consultations led to the appointment of a Provisional Senate in 1977. The Seminary's first Principal, Dr Philip Capp was appointed in 1978 and on 13 February 1980, ESSA opened its doors to its first students.

The founding principal and his wife, Carmena, were a remarkable couple who were multi-skilled and incredibly hard working. The clear Christian and educational values they set down still undergird all that we do today.

Having decided to locate the Seminary in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, a search for premises finally yielded fruit in 1979, when Dr Capp made an offer to purchase 200 Pine Street (shown in the photo). The sale details having been settled, he promptly asked for a loan from the seller for the full amount of the deposit. And was given it! This building today houses Cluster Publications and several teaching venues.

From one building, the Seminary had expanded by 1993 to own a city block of seven properties, including a chapel and a block of flats. Today ESSA owns fourteen properties, having expanded onto the other side of Pine Street. Some of these houses are high character Victorian buildings of 1880 vintage. ESSA's presence in the city has arrested urban decay through our restoration work and earned the commendation of the City Planner.

In the early years, attempts were made to find accommodation for students in the neighbouring townships of Edendale and Imbali, but this became logistically impossible and it was not long before students were living on campus in defiance of Apartheid laws. Providentially, this was allowed to continue for many years without any government interference. Today most of our full time students live in campus residences.

In the early days the Seminary relied heavily on the kindness of visiting lecturers who freely gave of their time. Today there is a stable teaching team drawn largely from Southern Africa who blend years of ministry experience with academic excellence.

ESSA is a dynamic place. Our current strategic plan leads us onward in serving God through 2012. Many of the goals in that plan which seemed like impossible dreams a few short years ago, are now well within our reach.