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The Opening Convocation of Bangor Theological Seminary was held on September 7 in the David Nelson Beach Chapel.

Led by President William Imes, participants in the service included current students, staff, faculty, and adjunct faculty. The chapel was filled to capacity as nearly 100 guests experienced the final worship service on the Union Street campus.

After a meal in Wellman Commons, members of the BTS community (and several from the Husson College community) set off on a walking journey from Union Street to the Seminary's new home at College Circle. Carrying hymnals, candles, and other items from the chapel, the group began the journey across town.

The walkers headed across Ohio Street and up Valley Avenue, pausing for a moment to rest by the Kenduskeag Stream. Within an hour of setting out, they reached the entrance to College Circle.

Welcomed by cheering supporters and accompanied by the music of bagpipes, the crowd reassembled in front of the new BTS home in Bell Hall.

In a brief ceremony, President Imes presented Husson President Beardsley with the gift of a two thousand year old oil lamp from Jerusalem. Several Husson faculty led blessings from their respective faith traditions, and Husson Chaplain Rev. Robert Carlson presented a gift from Husson College to the Seminary community. This gift takes the form of a stone bench, placed at the front entrance to Bell Hall.

Founded in 1814, Bangor Theological Seminary is the only accredited graduate school of religion in northern New England. Since 1991 BTS has been a school in two places, with fully accredited campuses in both Bangor and Portland, Maine.

Read the article in the Bangor Daily News
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