As I respond, I remind people that the future is promising because the College's past was so strong. And as I discuss this with Messiah alums, we often conclude that periods of the College's past reflect the early stages of the human life span. Infancy and early childhood are precious moments in life. Babies are loved and coddled by everyone, in part because of their inability to care for themselves. As infants grow into toddlers and beyond, they are increasingly self-aware, yet they remain dependent on the care, nurture, and direction of parents.
Adolescence offers new challenges and opportunities.
This time of life brings rapid and pervasive physical growth and development, accompanied by increasing independence. In this period personal independence is achieved, as the individual simultaneously reaches back to one's heritage while focusing forward to one's future. The rapid physical growth of adolescence is replaced by a new effort toward achieving maturity. Messiah College's infancy began in 1909. Founded and cared for by the Brethren in Christ Church, its orientation to Christian service is reflected in its first name - Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home.