A timeline of religious milestones through Linfield’s history
Bible study was an integral part of Linfield’s education in the 19th and 20th centuries. There were significant shifts in religious education, echoing the cultural shifts in the country, beginning in the late 1960s.
Here’s a look at some of those pivotal points in Linfield’s history as described in the religious statements and curriculum outlines of college catalogs housed in the Linfield Archives and Special Collections.
1872-73 The first catalog on record in the archives reads: “public duties of each day are opened with religious exercises, at which all students are required to be present.”
1880-81 A religious statement shows that “college exercises are opened every morning by reading the Bible, singing and prayer.” This was required of all students as was attending Sabbath services.
1887-88 The English Bible becomes an official textbook. The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) is established.
1896-97 Courses in Old Testament History, Biblical Literature and New Testament Greek required for all students.
1900-01 The Department of Biblical and Theological Instruction was created.
1906-07 One mandatory full period each week is dedicated to Bible study. One statement says that “students hail with delight the opportunity of becoming better acquainted with the Bible.”
1921-22 McMinnville College renamed Linfield College in January 1922, in honor of Rev. George Fisher Linfield, to further support a Christian education. A degree in religious education is established.
1930-31 A degree in philosophy and religion is established.
1933-34 Chapel services are held every school day except Wednesday, which is designated a day of service.
The YMCA, YWCA and the Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions unite as the Student Christian Movement (SCM).
Christian influences statement notes that “only Christian men and women are employed as teachers of the college.”
1936-37 The SCM changes its name to the Christian Student Union. It is listed under religious organizations in student handbooks until 1970-71.
1944-45 Christian service is established as a pre-professional program.
1967-68 Curriculum shifts to include the examination of faith in addition to secular disciplines. Excerpt from the curriculum statement reads: “The college increasingly treats its ‘mother’ traditions in a world-wide context … While Linfield remains true to her own founding traditions, she is open to the world.”
1968-69 Optional worship services are held each Thursday. Six hours of religious courses are still required.
1970-71 Relationship with the Baptist church shifts. The general information statement notes the historical tie and goes on to say: “The student body, faculty and trustees are drawn from many religious traditions, and no creedal requirements or practices are imposed on any member of the college.”
1971-72 A chaplain’s office is listed as a resource under student services in the student handbook.
1975 Bill Apel joins Linfield as chaplain and professor of religious studies.
1977-78 Apel develops Linfield’s Campus Ministries, a program with an interdenominational Christian theme. Over the years, it consisted of several groups including Campus Crusade for Christ, Catholic Students Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Habitat for Humanity, Kyrios Musical Fellowship, Young Life and the student chaplain team.
Early 1980s The Emmaus House is acquired. It becomes the chaplain’s office as ministry efforts continue to grow among the community.
1991-92 General education requirement changed to focus on helping students “be conversant with several philosophical and religious conceptions of humanity.”
1992-93 The chaplain becomes a part-time role separate from the part-time faculty position in religious studies. Apel continues working in the faculty position until he retires in 2001.
1997-98 Linfield’s general education requirements become the Linfield Curriculum (LC). Religious studies courses meet the requirements in the LC areas known as Vital Past, Ultimate Questions and Global Diversity.
2001 Rev. David Massey ’78 was hired on a full-time basis as chaplain and religious studies professor. He held this position until 2021 when he retired from his chaplaincy role. He still teaches two religious studies courses today.
2006 Part-time rabbi position is added to the chaplaincy office, and a Jewish Student Association is created.
Linfield today
The LC framework is still utilized and includes Vital Past, Ultimate Questions, Diversity Studies and Creative Studies, where students may choose from courses offered through the Department of Religious Studies.
Members of the Office of the Chaplain and Service Leadership include a reverend, rabbi, an imam and up to ten student chaplains of any faith tradition.
The Emmaus House which has historically served as the office and residence for Linfield’s chaplain, will re-open in the fall of 2023 after a year-long renovation. In addition to religious events and gatherings, the house will be used for community events and as a gathering space for one and all.
A meditation room can be found on the second floor of Riley Hall. It can used by anyone needing a space for quiet thought and reflection.
