Celebrating 125 on 1/25

By Paul Nyquist, President Moody Bible Institute 

The celebration started this Tuesday with a special President’s Chapel for Moody’s employees and students. For those of you who weren’t with us, here is a glimpse into how we kicked-off this milestone year.

Every Tuesday is a President’s Chapel at Moody, but we told everyone that this one would be different. We picked this day not only because it gave us a chance to start the celebration with our own employees and students before going public, but also because it fit numerically—Jan. 25 is 1/25, or a subtle hint to our 125^th anniversary.

Paul Nyquist speaking at the Kick-off Chapel

Torrey-Gray Auditorium (on our Chicago campus for those not familiar with our buildings) was packed, and we had a live video feed to our outlying locations so all employees and students, no matter location, could be included. Festive balloons graced the stage and banners displaying our new 125^th anniversary logo marked the corners of the room.

A student band led us in worship followed by four long-time employees from various areas of the Institute who gave short, heart-felt testimonies of what Moody has meant to them over the years. We also premiered the first of five installments of a documentary video series we have produced specially for the anniversary. The first one was a glimpse at our founder, Dwight L. Moody. I then gave a brief look at what we plan to do this year to not only celebrate our bold legacy but also ensure a dynamic future. To end the Chapel session, Dr. H.E. Singley cranked up the big pipe organ and we appropriately sang the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. God has been so faithful to Moody!

When the Chapel concluded, we served anniversary cake to everyone. We even made sure to have cake ready for our campuses in Spokane, Wash. and Plymouth, Mich. The students were a little late to their classes, but I don’t think anyone cared.

The momentum for this important year has already been launched and it will gain more speed next week at Founder’s Week. I hope you keep in touch as we march through this memorable year together.