BC History
At daybreak, Saturday March 10th, 1988 a group of 400 volunteers assembled for three consecutive days to build A block – the beginning of Bethlehem College, planted on a 46-hectare rural property near Tauranga.
The weather was atrocious, but the “quick build” continued with persistence and commitment.
BC Archive
The links below will take you to the BC archive where you may browse the photos, news clippings and other documents that have been collected over the years documenting our history and the achievements of students.
When you select a year below, a new browser window will open and load the index of that year of the archive.
The achievements of that weekend represented the fulfillment of a vision. Back in 1970, Graham Preston, future founding Principal of Bethlehem College, had developed a concept of establishing an independent school founded on Christian principles. 16 years later, the Christian Education Trust was formed to acquire a suitable site and to build the school.
Initially, Bethlehem College was an independent private school, but in 1999 it became a State Integrated School. Up until that time it was a pioneering school, continually growing as students matured through the primary and intermediate years. Rapid growth occurred post integration as the Secondary School became established.
In 1995 Bethlehem College arrived at year 13 graduating 25 students for the first time. By 2000 the roll was 800 with a waiting list of over 350. Today the Roll is 1680 with 80 International students.
We look back and thank God for His provision and faithfulness, and we look ahead with faith and a determination to be obedient, whatever God is calling us to do.
The Lord’s kindness never fails. Deep in our hearts we say, “The Lord is all I need, I can depend on Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24