For over one hundred years, the Belgrave Heights Convention (BHC), which began as the Upwey Convention just two years prior to the founding of Melbourne Bible Institute, has been one of our most treasured partnerships.
At the time, a leading Melbourne tea merchant had been making his beautiful country estate in Upwey available for Bible studies, which were run by MBI’s first principal, CH Nash. The motto of those meetings, “All One in Christ Jesus,” based on Galatians 3:28, was also used by the Keswick Convention.
“Its motto ‘All One in Christ Jesus.’ finds its origin in Galatians 3:28.”
Those early founders could see the value and potential of the Upwey area for such a convention, being quiet and restful but close enough to Melbourne. Not surprisingly, CH Nash was involved with the birth of the Belgrave Heights Convention, and sat on its Council for many years. Indeed, as former Chair of BHC, Rev Dr David Price, who was himself for many years also Principal of the Bible College of Victoria, writes “Nash was often the preacher at the Convention, and his Biblical expositions had a tremendous impact upon thousands of men and women.”
So close was the relationship between MBI and the Convention, that one of the days of the convention was specifically called “MBI Day,” which became an annual highlight. Testimonies of students would be shared, and the ministry of MBI featured, leading to many new students enrolling to study at the College over the years.
Sally Minett, a recent graduate of MST, compiled a Centenary book of BHC, “A River Glorious – the Story of
Belgrave Heights Convention.” Sally writes:
“In 1950, 22 acres (nine hectares) was purchased in Belgrave Heights (formerly a golf course) where ‘those attending may enjoy the twofold blessings of Christian fellowship and exquisite scenery. And in an incredibly short time the auditorium was dismantled and reassembled, with some interior improvements, just in time for the 1950/51 Convention. As building materials and builders were still in very short supply (it was only six years since World War II had ended), God’s provision and undertaking were evident over and over again.”
“God’s provision and undertaking were evident over and over again.”
Another standout at the annual Convention was the Global Mission meeting, in which people were challenged by stories of God’s work from around the world. These precious times at BHC led to a wave of enrolments at MBI, as students prepared for mission service both in Australia and overseas.
Recently, an elderly, former MBI student who, when asked what it was like to study at MBI, replied: “It’s just wonderful. Like being at Belgrave Heights Convention every day!”
Present BHC Chairman and former MST lecturer Richard Coombs stated, “Over the years, the Convention has been a key source of students for MST, For many former students, the Convention remains an annual meeting place that helps them stay in-touch with one another.”
Today, BHC continues to welcome another generation of MST students, as they become involved with the mission stands, children’s work and more.
So close was the relationship between MBI and the Convention, that one of the days of the convention was specifically called “MBI Day,” which became an annual highlight. Testimonies of students would be shared, and the ministry of MBI featured, leading to many new students enrolling to study at the College over the years.
Sally Minett, a recent graduate of MST, compiled a Centenary book of BHC, “A River Glorious – the Story of
Belgrave Heights Convention.” Sally writes:
“In 1950, 22 acres (nine hectares) was purchased in Belgrave Heights (formerly a golf course) where ‘those attending may enjoy the twofold blessings of Christian fellowship and exquisite scenery. And in an incredibly short time the auditorium was dismantled and reassembled, with some interior improvements, just in time for the 1950/51 Convention. As building materials and builders were still in very short supply (it was only six years since World War II had ended), God’s provision and undertaking were evident over and over again.”