By Beverly Bizeki

All has been set for the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe run Murray Theological College (MTC) 100 year celebrations to be held on Saturday November 15 at Morgenster Mission.

The institution stands as a testament to a century of nurturing spiritual leadership and theological education under the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe.

RCZ General Secretary Reverend Lovemore Mashamba said all was set and invited all to attend the great event.

“All has been set, we are inviting people from all walks of life to come and help us celebrate the historic milestone,” said Rev Mashamba.

The November 15 celebrations at Morgenster Mission will honour one hundred years of shaping clergy and serving communities across the nation, with over 2,500 guests expected from Zimbabwe and abroad.

The college Principal Reverend Dr Simbarashe Munamati said the historic occasion will run under the theme ‘Celebrating a Century of Equipping Bearers of the Lamp and the Light to the World’.

“We are expecting more than 2,500 people from Zimbabwe and abroad, including partner churches from the Netherlands and South Africa. Rev William Henry Atok will serve as guest preacher, while Rev Dr Daniel Dewitt leads the Dutch Reformed Church South Africa delegation as guest of honour,” said Rev Dr Munamati.

The day’s proceedings will commence with a symbolic march from Morgenster Teachers College to the theological campus, led by RCZ Moderator Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi and other dignitaries, who will unveil a centenary plaque.

“In the morning, the moderator of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe and the Reformed Church International, Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Baloyi, with the VVIPs, are going to march from the Teachers College to Mare Theological College campus in Morgenstern Mission, where they are going to open the plaque for the centenary celebrations,” said Rev Munamati.

Founded in 1925 by Dutch missionaries led by Rev Andrew Adrian Law, the college initially trained evangelists before launching its ministerial program in 1936. The institution’s first graduating class of 1938 produced just two ministers – Shadreck and Ezra Shumba.

“Since beginning ministerial training, the college has produced over 250 ministers, including 219 male and 31 female clergy, Rev Ndakarwirwa Mubandarikwa made history as the first female graduate in 2006,’ he said.

Rev Dr Munamati said the college had significantly modernized its facilities, showcasing new infrastructure including a state-of-the-art ablution facility, solar power systems, internet connectivity, and a 60-meter borehole. A new Toyota GD6 vehicle has also been acquired for seminary operations.

Academic advancements feature prominently in the centenary achievements. While maintaining its traditional six-pillar theological curriculum covering Old Testament, New Testament, practical theology, missiology, church history and systematic theology, the college has expanded its offerings through a partnership with Reformed Church University.

“We now offer Bachelor of Arts Honours and Master of Arts degrees in Theology, with our first degree cohort of nine students completing studies this year. The enhanced curriculum incorporates IT, communication and disability modules to better equip graduates for contemporary ministry,” Said Rev Dr Munamati.

The celebrations will include the launch of “Until the Morning Star Arises”, a historical volume documenting the seminary’s journey, community engagement projects, and leadership challenges over the past century.

Entertainment will feature performances by renowned gospel artists including Rev Emma Mutisi, Tobias Majaya, Samuel Mhungu, and the Woodlands worship team among others.

Looking ahead, the college plans substantial expansion from 2026-2030, including new student accommodation, an administration block, a 100-seater lecture theatre, and computer facilities.

Throughout its century of operation, Murray Theological College has been guided by thirteen principals, eight from the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and five Zimbabwean leaders with each contributing to an enduring legacy of faith education and community service.