--- title: "From Cabin to Campus: The Rich History of Great Lakes Christian College" description: Great Lakes Christian College is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year! Discover our history and why students keeping choosing to learn here. image: https://blog.glcc.edu/hubfs/70%20years.jpg --- (800) YES-GLCC | [glcc@glcc.edu](mailto:glcc@glcc.edu) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/glcccrusaders) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/greatlakeschristiancollege) [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/glcccrusaders/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/glcccrusaders/?hl=en) [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/GLCCCrusaders/videos) [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/company/1075996?trk=tyah) [![](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20Header%20-%20White%20on%20Blue.png?width=1200&height=300&name=Logo%20Header%20-%20White%20on%20Blue.png)](https://www.glcc.edu/) - Online - [Online Degrees](https://www.glcc.edu/online-christian-college-courses/) - [Bible Theology](https://www.glcc.edu/bible-theology-online-associate-of-arts/) - [Business Logistics](https://www.glcc.edu/bachelor-of-science-in-business-logistics/) - [Christian Leadership & Communication](https://www.glcc.edu/christian-leadership-communication-online-bachelors-of-science/) - [Church Planting](https://www.glcc.edu/bachelor-of-science-in-christian-leadership-and-church-planting/) - [Dual Enrollment](https://www.glcc.edu/dual-enrollment-online/) - [Youth Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/christian-leadership-youth-ministry-online-bachelor-of-science/) - [Online Cost at a Glance](https://www.glcc.edu/online-college-costs-glance/) - [Apply](https://web.glcc.edu/online-degree-application) - [Admissions](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/) - On-Campus Degrees - [Request More Information](https://web.glcc.edu/inquire) - [Apply to GLCC](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/) - [Schedule a Tour](https://web.glcc.edu/personal-tour) - [Open Houses](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/upcoming-open-houses/) - [Student Community Covenant](https://www.glcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Student-Community-Covenant.pdf) - [College Costs at a Glance](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/college-costs-at-a-glance/) - [Enrollment Requirements](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/enrollment-requirements/) - [Admissions Staff](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Admissions-Department/) - [Dual Enrollment](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/dually-enrolled/) - [Registrar’s Office](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/registrars-office/) - Financial Aid - [Financial Aid and Scholarships](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/) - [Emerging Scholars Program](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/student-success/emerging-scholars-program/) - [Financial Aid](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/) - [Federal Loans](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/federal-loans/) - [Federal District Plus Loan](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/federal-direct-plus-loan/) - [Federal District Loan Instructions](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/federal-direct-loan-instructions/) - [Scholarships](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/) - [Brandon Stout Memorial Scholarship](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/brandon-stout-memorial-scholarship/) - [Academics](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/) - On-Campus Degrees - [Christian College Majors](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/) - [Advanced Biblical Studies](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/advanced-biblical-studies/) - [Bible Theology](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/bible-theology/) - [Business Management Major](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/business/) - [Business Management-Nonprofit](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/business-management-nonprofit/) - [Christian Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/christian-education/) - [Christian Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/christian-ministries/) - [Cross-Cultural Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/cross-cultural-ministries/) - On-Campus Degrees - [Early Childhood Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/early-childhood-education/) - [Elementary Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/elementary-education/) - [Family Life Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/family-life-education/) - [History](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/history/) - [Interpersonal and Organizational Communication](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/communications/) - [Music](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/music-major/) - [Psychology / Counseling](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/psychology-counseling/) - [Youth Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/youth-ministry/) - Student Resources - [Calendar](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/academic-calendar/) - [Catalogs](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/academic-catalogs/) - [Co-Op Programs](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/cooperative-programs/) - [Library](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/library/) - [Student Success](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/student-success/) - [Book Store](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/bookstore/) - [Technology](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/technology/) - [Student Support](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/) - [Technology Support](https://www.glcc.edu/technology-support/) - [Maintenance Request](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/maintenance-request/) - [Student Proposals](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/student-proposals/) - [Counseling Services](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/counseling-services/) - [Email](http://mail.google.com/a/glcc.edu) - [Registrar’s Office](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/registrars-office/) - [Athletics](http://www.glccathletics.com/landing/index) - [Men’s Basketball](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/mbkb/index) - [Women’s Basketball](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/wbkb/index) - [Men’s Soccer](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/msoc/index) - [Women’s Soccer](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/wsoc/index) - [Women’s Volleyball](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/wvball/index) - [Cross Country](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/xc/index) - News / Events - [News & Updates](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.glcc.edu/events/) - [Advancement](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/) - [Alumni](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/alumni/) - [Knowles Learning Center](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/knowles-learning-center/) - [Give to GLCC](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/give-glcc/) - [Church Resources](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/church-resources/) - [The Key](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/key/) - [Advancement Staff](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Department-of-Finance-and-Operations/Department-of-Institutional-Advancement/) - [Restoration Appreciation Week in Review](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/restoration-appreciation-week/) - [GLCC History](https://www.glcc.edu/great-lakes-christian-college-history/) - [About](https://www.glcc.edu/about/) - [Why Choose Great Lakes Christian College?](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/why-glcc/) - [Accreditation](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/accreditation/) - [Job Opportunities](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/job-opportunities/) - [Federal Compliance Statistics](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/regulatory-disclosure-statements/) - [Contact](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/) - [Staff & Faculty Directory](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/) - [President’s Office](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Presidents-Office/) - [Academics Department](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/academics-department/) - [Department of Finance and Operations](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Department-of-Finance-and-Operations/) - [Department of Institutional Advancement](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Department-of-Finance-and-Operations/Department-of-Institutional-Advancement/) - [Admissions Department](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Admissions-Department/) - [Athletic Department](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/athletic-department/) - [Faculty](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Faculty/) - [Adjunct Faculty](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Adjunct-Faculty/) - [Map & Directions](https://www.glcc.edu/map-directions/) Search for: # From Cabin to Campus: The Rich History of Great Lakes Christian College by Zachary Erdman, Great Lakes Christian College student *I would like to preface this article with a special thanks to Great Lake Christian College’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Phil Beavers, for supplying me with a great deal of information concerning Great Lake's history. This article would not have been possible without Mr. Beavers’ help. Thank you!* ## Great Lakes Christian College is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year! To celebrate the college entering its eighth decade of dedication to the scriptures, community, and academic excellence, we’ve decided to highlight the rich seventy-year history of Great Lakes Christian College. Great Lakes Christian College (originally “Great Lakes Bible College”) had its humble ![Log-Cabin-1024x682](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Log-Cabin-1024x682.jpg?width=300&name=Log-Cabin-1024x682.jpg)beginnings in a small cabin in a small community near Vestaburg known as Rock Lake, the site of a popular camp for those involved in the Restoration Movement (that is, the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ). The community, resolute in its Restoration roots, proved to be an excellent place for the first two years of GLCC’s existence; with a beautiful view of creation and strong followers of the faith surrounding it, the tiny Christian college was off to a good start. Though the student body was small (only twelve students enrolled in the first year, no bigger than Christ’s Apostles), the dedication of those involved would prove to be a strong driving force of progress for the school in the years to come.   Though the location was beautiful, the humble cabin where Great Lakes Bible College started wouldn’t be able to hold the faculty and students forever. Two years after its opening in Rock Lake, the college managed to purchase the Dodge Mansion in Lansing, a much larger abode where more students and materials could be housed for an improved education. Still, a single building alone couldn’t contain all of the hopes and dreams of the college! As the college’s reputation for biblical excellency continued to grow, so did the need for a bigger location that would last.   The college purchased a much larger chunk of land near West Lansing in 1972 and promptly began construction of the Ralph R. Woodard Administration Building, where classes were to be held. The extra space of the school grounds allowed for later construction of buildings as well, including student housing, the Doty Center (the college’s gymnasium, named after Dr. Brant Lee Doty) in 2007 and the Knowles Learning Center (a part of the school dedicated to academic excellence, named after Dr. Lloyd Knowles) in 2011. It was also during this era of the school’s history that a decision was made to rename the college “Great Lakes Christian College,” reinforcing its grounding in the Restoration traditions by swapping out the word “Bible” for “Christian.” ![doty](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/doty.jpg?width=700&name=doty.jpg) This current epoch of GLCC’s history has seen more than just architectural development; the educational side of GLCC also took several incredible strides during this time period! The school was granted accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission in 2003, which gave Great Lakes the recognition of its educational prowess that it deserved, and it has successfully maintained that accreditation ever since. The college was also green lighted to begin offering online degrees last year, a huge step in the technologically evolving world of education, and now offers a handful of degrees. More degrees are meant to be made available as GLCC continues to develop its online presence.   Seventy years is a huge milestone that any institution should be proud to reach, and Great Lakes Christian College is no exception. With so many wonderful and Christ-centered achievements over its seventy-year life so far, and with so many more to come, Great Lakes' story is only beginning. Come join the community of Great Lakes Christian College as we celebrate these wonderful past seventy years of community, academic achievement, and an overwhelming love for Christ! ## We can't wait to hear from you!  To learn more about our accredited on-campus or online classes please [mailto:jjakubowski@glcc.edu](mailto:jjakubowski@glcc.edu) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/27a026e2-3473-42cf-9505-9035e5b30f71.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/27a026e2-3473-42cf-9505-9035e5b30f71) By [Great Lakes Christian College](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/author/great-lakes-christian-college) | September 25th, 2019 | #### Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) Twitter [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) [Reddit](https://www.stumbleupon.com/badge/?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) Google+ [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college;description=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) [Vk](http://vkontakte.ru/share.php?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) [Email](mailto:?body=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/from-cabin-to-campus-the-rich-history-of-great-lakes-christian-college) ### Subscribe to the GLCC Blog! ### News & Updates - [Academics (26)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/academics) - [The President's Pen (22)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/the-presidents-pen) - [GLCC Updates (18)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/glcc-updates) - [online degrees (16)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/online-degrees) - [higher education (15)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/higher-education) - [Student Development (14)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/student-development) - [Online Courses (13)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/online-courses) - [Private Christian colleges (13)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/private-christian-colleges) - [Advancement (12)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/advancement) - [Christian Colleges in Michigan (12)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-colleges-in-michigan) - [Athletics (10)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/athletics) - [spiritual development (9)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/spiritual-development) - [College Life (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-life) - [My GLCC Story (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/my-glcc-story) - [Uncategorized (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/uncategorized) - [student success (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/student-success) - [Admissions (7)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/admissions) - [learning online (7)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/learning-online) - [online classes (7)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/online-classes) - [Advancement – Discover GLCC (6)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/advancement-discover-glcc) - [Christian College Degrees (6)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-college-degrees) - [spiritual growth (6)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/spiritual-growth) - [Choosing a college (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/choosing-a-college) - [Christian Education (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-education) - [Christian college (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-college) - [Events (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/events) - [Bible College in Michigan (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/bible-college-in-michigan) - [Small College Classes (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/small-college-classes) - [adult education (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/adult-education) - [eLearning (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/elearning) - [graduation (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/graduation) - [Basketball (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/basketball) - [Life questions (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/life-questions) - [Values (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/values) - [Who Am I (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/who-am-i) - [home schooled (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/home-schooled) - [servant leader (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/servant-leader) - [Alumni (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/alumni) - [Christian Ministry (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-ministry) - [College Fairs (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-fairs) - [College professors (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-professors) - [Dream (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/dream) - [Mental Health (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/mental-health) - [accreditation (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/accreditation) - [adult learning (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/adult-learning) - [bible study (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/bible-study) - [church planting (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/church-planting) - [college burn out (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-burn-out) - [dual enrollment (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/dual-enrollment) - [networking (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/networking) - [news (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/news) - [purpose (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/purpose) - [summer (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/summer) See all [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/9d2928f4-41e2-4b06-bd1b-58ef613bf871.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/9d2928f4-41e2-4b06-bd1b-58ef613bf871) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/6a69f20f-0533-430b-a0c0-aff055a3b834.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/6a69f20f-0533-430b-a0c0-aff055a3b834) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/def18e13-53e3-46ca-847e-8cfd73e12a76.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/def18e13-53e3-46ca-847e-8cfd73e12a76) #### APPLY TODAY Save time and complete your application online! [APPLY NOW](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/) #### ECFA ACCREDITED [![ECFA](https://blog.glcc.edu/hubfs/Glcc_July2018%20Theme/image/ECFA.png)](http://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=8483) #### NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Stay in the loop with  all of the latest GLCC news and updates. [SUBSCRIBE NOW](https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1353639/1352832/?v=a) All Content © 2018 by Great Lakes Christian College | [Terms of Use](https://www.glcc.edu/terms-use/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.glcc.edu/privacy/) [Michigan WordPress Development](http://www.akeaweb.com/) by AKEA Web Solutions, LLC [Twitter](https://twitter.com/glcccrusaders) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/greatlakeschristiancollege) [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/glcccrusaders/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/glcccrusaders/?hl=en) [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/GLCCCrusaders/videos) [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/company/1075996?trk=tyah)