College History

The Reformed Theological College was founded in 1954 at the instigation of the Synod of the Reformed Churches of Australia in Ulverstone, Tasmania. It was felt that Australia and New Zealand needed a College that would adhere unequivocally to the authority of the Bible as the Word of God and present the systematic exposition of biblical truth which is known as the Reformed faith.

The founding Principal was Professor Alexander Barkley, a godly Irishman who was pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Geelong. The College began in the schoolroom at his church, and moved through a series of small buildings before the RTC Board purchased the only remaining wing of the original Geelong Grammar School in 1954. This historic bluestone building, built in 1857, served the College well for almost 40 years.

Professor Barkley was succeeded as Principal by Professor Ray Zorn in 1978, Professor Keith Warren in 1990, Professor Henk DeWaard in 1997 and Dr Murray Capill in 2008. In 1992 the College began its affiliation with the Australian College of Theology, offering accredited diplomas and degrees.

In 1999 the College purchased part of the Geelong Grammar Highton (Junior Campus). This new facility on the outskirts of Geelong has provided for the expansion and development of the College.