General Information

The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Hall, now designated the Reformed Theological College, was established in 1854 for the training of candidates for the ministry of the Church. In the previous century students were trained at the Theological Hall of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland at Paisley.

Six students attended the first Session and all students were required to attend four Sessions. In 1859, a plan for the Education of Theological Students was approved by Synod. This plan required ‘a literary degree, either B.A. or M.A., to be gained by students before entering the study of Theology, or prior to the completion of the theological course.’ The plan was revised in 1869 and advised students on their choice of subjects for matriculation and for their undergraduate course in Arts.

For 15 years the classes were held during the summer months. From 1869 a winter session lasting four months was approved. In 1931 the course was lengthened to six months. In addition to formal lectures there is a summer reading course and students undertake a programme of practical training in a congregational setting,

From 1854 to 1896 there were two Chairs – Systematic Theology; and Exegetical and Pastoral Theology with Church History and Hebrew. The latter was divided in 1896 and two new Chairs were Church History and Pastoral Theology and Hebrew and Biblical Criticism. In 1945 the Chair of Hebrew and Biblical Criticism was divided and two lectureships appointed in Old Testament Language and Literature and New Testament Language and Literature. In 1967 these lectureships were elevated by Synod to the status of Chairs. From 1954 to 1972 the College was accommodated at the premises of Grosvenor Road Church. Since 1972 the classroom and library have been located at Cameron House, Lisburn Road, Belfast.

The College has proved a great blessing to the Church. The fact that the members of the teaching staff have pastoral responsibilities has proved an advantage in an educational programme designed to train men for the pastorate. The standard of education in the College is high and compares favourably with courses offered in other theological seminaries.