The Boston Baptist College Class of 2018 marched in regalia from City Hall Plaza in Boston to the Old South Meeting House for Commencement ceremonies Wednesday, May 23rd. Graduates from ten states, Texas to Maine, Ohio to North Carolina, and two international graduates received their degrees in the stately hall, where in 1763, the Boston Tea Party began. The historic venue was packed to celebrate the college’s forty-second commencement.
Pastor Archie Emerson, longtime college trustee and Pastor Emeritus of Ocean State Baptist Church in Smithfield, Rhode Island, was honored with the Boston Distinguished Service Award, and delivered the commencement address. He urged the graduates to be men and women of biblical wisdom. Other reward recipients included long-time college librarian, Fred Tatro, who not only received the Distinguished Service Award, but had the college library named in his honor. Retiring Professor, Michael Patterson, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his 29 years of service in the Boston classroom.
James Willison from Grace Baptist Church in Winchester, Kentucky was the Class Valedictorian and Co-Salutatorians were Esther Farrar and Angela Reece. The Harry R. Boyle Achievement Award, named in honor of the 2nd President of Boston, was presented to David Jordon, from Bay State Baptist Church in Billerica, Massachusetts.
President David Melton charged the candidates to remember the legacy of Bostonians past, who in the very same hall, decided that “the way things are is NOT ok!” Eighteenth century action called for political change. The twenty-first century demands that the Gospel be proclaimed so that there is change of heart.
