Dr. Vincent William Griffis has gone home to be with the LORD

 

 

Dr. Vincent William Griffis went home to his Savior on Saturday, September 27, 2014. 

Vince was the second son of Dr. Paul and Dorothy Griffis.  Paul Griffis had attended PBTS from 1929 until 1932 where he graduated as Salutatorian of his class.  Paul joined the faculty of Practical in 1952 and became the dean of academics in 1963. 

 

(L-R) Vincent Griffis, Paul Griffis, Dorothy Griffis, Darry Griffis (1964 Theologue)

Vince became of a student of Practical Bible Training School in the fall of 1964.  He became roommates with Walt Schlundt and friends with Jerry Traister and Dino Pedrone.  The four of them would become life-long friends.  Vince's freshman year was also the senior year for Woodrow Kroll and Gilbert Parker. 

Vince graduated from Practical Bible Training School in 1967 along with Walt, Jerry, and Dino. 

During his studies at PBTS, Vince met Suzanne Sisson.  The two would marry on January 24, 1969 after Vince received his Bachelor degree from Calvary Bible College. 

 

Vince's Senior Picture (1967 Theologue)

 

 

Vince and Sue moved to New England soon after being married where Vince taught at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf.  He was called onto becoming the headmaster for the Christian of Greater Fall River.  He served there for fourteen years.  In those years all four of their children were born: Aron, Andrew, Abigail, and Adam. 

 

The LORD still had a work for the Griffis family.  In 1988 Vince and Sue joined Wycliffe Bible Translators.  After training they were sent to Cameroon.  Vince started the Rain Forest International School for the Missionary Kids (MKs) and nationals.  They returned to the States in 2007. 

 

Vince and Sue

Vince and Sue with Dr. Dino Pedrone (2008)

 

 

On Saturday, May 10, 2009 Vince was given the first honorary doctorate from Davis College at the commencement.  He also delivered the main address to the graduating class. 

 

 

Vince Speaking to the graduating class of 2009

 

(L-R) Sue Griffis, Vince Griffis, Walt Schlundt, Jerry Traister, Dino Pedrone, Janice Chandler

 

Vince had been fighting cancer for many years, but was still able to come to Homecoming at his Alma Mater including his 45th class reunion in 2012. 

 

Class of 1967 (45th reunion)

 

Vince had been fighting cancer for sixteen years when the LORD called His faithful servant home to glory.  At his memorial service on Saturday, October 4, 2014 in Swansea, MA friends and family remembered his love for family and friends and his mischief.  He was able to say goodbye to all of his kids before his homegoing. 

 

You will be missed Vince.  Thank you for serving our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ with your whole heart. 

 

To read his obituary click here. 

 

Donations can be made to the college.  A fund has been setup in his name:

 

Vincent Griffis Memorial Fund at Davis College, 400 Riverside Dr., Johnson City, NY 13790

Freshmen History Presentation on Monday

Presentation 2 years ago (Monday, September 15, 2008)

This coming Monday (August 30, 2010) I will be presenting the History of the College to the Freshmen in College Life. This marks the 5th Freshmen class that I have done the History Presentation with. The first class the heard the presentation was the class that just graduated in May, back when they were Freshmen in September 2006. I presented it a second time on Monday, September 10, 2007, and a third time on Monday, September 15, 2008. Last year I presented it on Monday, September 14, 2009. Every time I present the history to a new class I have a great experience of sharing just a little piece of rich heritage they have come to.

See you all Monday

Merry CHRISTmas: A different look at Christmas

"When they heard the king [Herod], they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

~ Matthew 2.9-11

I want to look at a different view of Christmas, and that has to do with a godly legacy that lasts much longer than us. The Magi from the East prepared and journeyed to find the Messiah for close to two years. Some believe that the reason that the Magi went to search for the Messiah was because of the prophet Daniel.

While we do not know this for a fact there is a good possibility. Now Daniel lived a good 500 years before Christ came to earth, but he himself became a Magi in the land of Babylon. As you remember Daniel was to be killed in Daniel 2 when no one was able to tell King Nebuchadnezzar the dream and then the interpretation. He continued to serve God into his later years where he was thrown into the den of lions after the Medo-Persians took over Babylon. After Daniel was in the den of lions he was honored by Darius. As Daniel 6.28 states, "So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian."

The legacy of Daniel appears to have made an impact through the centuries down to the Magi that saw the star in the East and came to find the new King. Daniel had access to at least some of the scrolls of the Torah and the Prophets. Some believe the Magi had read Numbers 24.17 where it says that, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come out of Jacob; A scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult."

Daniel made an impact on the wise men in the land of Babylon that they recognized the signs of the Messiah more so than the people Jesus came to minister to (John 1.11). His legacy and dedication to God made an impact for centuries.

This Christmas I want to thank those who from Davis made an impact on me. There are four Alumni of College that stand out in my mind that lead me to Practical Bible College in 2003 and many, many more that I met since going to Davis.

The first Alumnus I met of PBTS I met was Pastor Keith Knauss (class 1950) who is now in glory. Pastor Knauss was the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Auburn, NY. He and his wife Nellie (class 1949) were so great to my family. My grandparents, now both in glory also, would have them over several times.

The second Alumnus was the pastor that came in after Pastor Knauss and Nellie went to serve with JAM (Jewish Awareness Ministries), that was Pastor Ron Park (Class 1984). Pastor Park baptized me on Sunday, February 26, 1995.

After my family moved farther from Auburn, NY we attended Scipio Baptist in Union Springs, NY. The third Alumnus was the pastor of Scipio Baptist Church, Pastor John Terry (class 1986). Pastor Terry was the first to introduce me to Practical Bible College. In February of 2001 he, and another prospective student, and I headed to down Practical. It was a great experience and I knew at that time that God wanted me to go to Practical.

About a year later I met an Alumna of PBTS while at the missions conference at Scipio, Grace (Jones) Fabian (Class 1959). Grace's testimony really challenged me about Papua New Guinea and the need of Bible Translation. In the summer of 2005 I went to the island nation to work with Bible Translators.

So I want to say thank you to all Alumni both in the past, in the present, and in future that have, are, and will challenge me to be what God wants me to be.

Let me challenge you this Christmas: What legacy are you leaving to the younger generations? I am very grateful to how Davis has helped me through the years (both knowingly and unknowingly). If you are an Alumni of the college I would encourage you to challenge the young people in your life. As Daniel left a legacy that brought the Magi to Bethlehem, maybe your legacy will challenge young people to enter ministry. I am thankful for the legacy of my family and the Alumni of Practical that encouraged me in ministry.

ALL PRAISE and GLORY to GOD!

Merry CHRISTmas

3rd Annual Andrew's Good News Christmas Party (2nd at Davis)

The front of Chatlos-Davis

Student Ben Tinsch on the guitar and student Evan Hickernell on the sax

Dr. Dino Pedrone about to share the Gospel in Robb Gymnasium

The Robb Gymnasium with people enjoying themselves

Dr. Pedrone giving the Gospel message in the Robb Gymnasium

Dr. Walter Schlundt serving as one of the Counselors

The story of Jesus from birth to resurrection

Student Ben Baker sharing the Gospel in Robb Gymnasium

A group of students and volunteers singing Christmas carols outside as visitors come on campus

A Church Choir singing in Robb

Kids had a lot of activities in Lowe Hall which included shows with Puppets and Clowns

Student Nate Benner sharing the Gospel in the Broadway Cafe

Families having their pictures taken in the Klee Dining Room in Chatlos-Davis

Dr. Pedrone sharing the Gospel in the Cafe using John 3.16

A musical group singing in the cafe.

Jared Ingraham and Evan Hickernell preforming in the cafe.

My girlfriend and I in Chatlos-Davis

Yesterday (Saturday, December 12, 2009) was the 3rd annual Andrew's Good News Christmas party. This was the 2nd year it was held at Davis College and it was a wonderful event. This year the event was divided into two separate parties to help with the congestion that was an issue last year. There were still a lot of people that attended and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. The kids were entertained in Lowe Hall by Clowns and Puppets, while Adults could enjoy a cup of coffee in the Broadway cafe. Games and Family pictures were taken in the Klee Dining room in the basement of Chatlos-Davis and food was served in the Robb Gymnasium. Several students, Alumni, local groups, and local churches provided a wide range of music in the Gym and Cafe. Most importantly and the reason for the whole event the Gospel message was shared. It was shared by Dr. Dino Pedrone and several students. Several people got saved last night and several seeds were planted, which makes it worth it all. It was a great event. If you were not able to make it this year we encourage you to come next year.

Andrew's Good New Christmas party at Davis this Saturday

My favorite picture from last year's Andrew's Good New Christmas Party

This Saturday (December 12, 2009) marks the third annual Andrew's Good News Christmas Party. This will also be the second annual Christmas party at Davis. Last year we had over 4000 people attend. This year there will be two separate parties to help with congestion.

The first one will be from: 3 PM - 5:30 PM
The second one will from: 6 PM-8:30 PM

Feel free to Register here or learn more about it from the Andrew's Good New Christmas Party website.

Andrew's Good News Ministries as created in 2007 for the Franklin Graham Festival. The name comes from John 1.40-41: "One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ)." Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Christ, and that is what Andrew's Good News Ministries is trying to do, bring others to Christ through different events.

Come Join us on Saturday and Celebrate the true
Reason for the Season...the birth of Christ

Merry CHRISTmas

Thank you to all the Alumni (and current students) of PBTS/PBC/Davis who are also Veterans

A Big Thank You to all Alumni and current students of the College that have not only served their LORD and Savior, but also have served the United States.

THANK YOU VETERANS

83 years later an extension site is finally in Florida

Taken from the Binghamton Press Evening Edition
Tuesday, July 27, 1926

The Binghamton Practical Bible Training School management has received definite offers for the removal of the Riverside Drive institution to three points competing for its location, and these, offers are under discussion looking toward decision before the close of the present summer Bible conference now in session at [the] Bible school next Sunday night.

The city of St. Petersburg, Fla., offers $250,000 for the school and a competing offer has been received from a place which is described as “the greatest Bible center of America." The officials of the school are guarding the name of this place jealously, but it is said to be in the Middle West.

The city of' Jacksonville, Fla., definitely asks that a branch of the school be opened in a new Sunday school building in that city. The management must decide whether to remain in Binghamton or accept one of the offers by next Sunday, it was said today.

I found this article in April of this year and I have been using it in my History presentations since May. I found it fascinating that only 26 years after the school was created it had made such an impact on the country, that two sites wanted the school to move from Binghamton to Florida or somewhere in the Mid-West (referred to as Middle West in the article). But the thing that interested me the most was Jacksonville, Florida. They didn't want the school to move to Florida, but rather they wanted a branch opened there. Now days we would call them extension sites.

Started in January of 2009 we now DO have an extension site in Florida. Not in Jacksonville, but in Miami. It was not God's will at the time that we move or open an extension site, but 83 years later a branch was opened in Florida.

Autumn on the campus of Davis

The leaves have been changing on the campus of Davis College and tumbling to the ground. It was great to see the colors on campus the other day. It is so amazing, that the same God that we serve and worship is the God that has a wonderful imagination to create trees that change color.

What memories do you have of autumn on the campus of PBTS/PBC/Davis?

Dr. Pedrone officially announces moving back to New York

Dr. Dino Pedrone and Bobbi at Homecoming

Today (Monday, October 26, 2009) in chapel during the opening of International Week, Dr. Dino Pedrone announced that he is moving back to New York. He resigned from New Testament Baptist Church yesterday saying that he "was heading back home." Keep him and Bobbi in your prayers as they move back to New York.

Homecoming 2009: Part 2 (September 25, 2009)

Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967) addressing the Alumni and Students

Roger and Mary Knapton being honored by BCNY and Davis

1959 Class Reunion (50 years)

Class 1959 (Grace Fabian is in the green)

Dr. Dale Linebaugh (1949 and 7th president), Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967 and 9th president), Corey J. Adams (2007- college historian)

Class 1949 (60th class reunion)

Rick Cramer (class 2002 Chief Operating Officer), Corey Adams (class 2007 College Historian), Dr. Woodrow Kroll (1965- 6th president) and Daniel Rathmell (class 1973 Church and Alumni Relations)

The second day of Homecoming was good also. Many Alumni were on campus including Grace (Jones) Fabian. Grace is the one that got me interested in Bible Translation and Papua New Guinea. She and her class were celebrating their Golden Class Reunion (50 years). Is is almost done with her book that will be out a little before Christmas about her testimony in Papua New Guinea.

Also on campus as the previous post talked about is Dr. Dale Linebaugh who was celebrating his 60th class reunion with the class of 1949. Dr. Linebaugh has just published another book called Campfire Reflections. He is currently pastoring two churches in Wisconsin. One is a Cowboy church. Great to hear of his ministry.

In the morning Dr. Pedrone addressed the Alumni and Students in Lowe Hall. Several board members were present and some students shared testimonies. After the address two wonderful Alumni from 1950, Roger and Mary Knapton, were honored for all their years of hard work. Now in their 80s, Pastor Roger Knapton is pastoring a church in Clyde, New York. Great testimony of God's faithfulness.

Dr. Paige Patterson spoke after this in his last session for the BCNY's convention that was going on at the same time as our Homecoming and talked about being genuine for people. Since people are lost and only Jesus can save them, we need to reach them. Be a witness for Christ.

Lunch and Class Reunions followed as Alumni caught up with one another. Great time of Fellowship as I got to know them.

At 2 PM I present my History of Davis College to about 20 Alumni in Lowe Hall. It was great to get interaction and they all enjoyed hearing about our rich history.

In the evening a few people went up to hear our 6th president, Dr. Woodrow Kroll, of Back to the Bible at Believer's Chapel in Cicero, NY. He was part of the Mars Hill Network's 40th anniversary. He spoke from Psalm 89. He talked about God's Faithfulness.

Psalm 89.1-2 read:
¹ I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
² For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever;
Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

He talked how God's faithfulness is not limited by time or space. It was a great message. Dr. Kroll will be coming to Davis College's Homecoming next year (LORD willing)starting on September 30, 2010.

It was a great Homecoming. Hope to see more next year.

Homecoming 2009: Part 1 (September 24, 2009)

Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967)

Several Contributors honored at dinner

Dr. Dale Linebaugh (class 1949) and Opal Linebaugh

Dr. Dale Linebaugh, Opal Linebaugh, Bobbie Pedrone and Dr. Dino Pedrone

Mary and Roger Knapton (Class of 1950)

Dr. Dale Linebaugh (class 1949 and 7th president of Davis), Dr. Walter Schlundt (Class 1967), and Robert Linebaugh (head of technology services at Davis)

Today, was the first day of Homecoming 2009 at Davis College. Several pastors and Alumni are on campus. Dr. Paige Patterson, the current president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke during the sessions in the Robb Activity Center. Dr. Dale Linebaugh and his wife Opal are here to celebrate the Class of 1949's 60th class reunion. Grace (Jones) Fabian is here for the class of 1959's 60th class reunion. The Class Agents (of whom I am the one for the class of 2007) met to in Lowe Hall this afternoon to discuss the college. It was a great meeting of Alumni. Several Alumni and Friends of the College were honored tonight for the gifts they gave to the college over the years. Today, was a great day and I look forward to tomorrow and sharing in the celebration of several Alumni. At 2 PM Lowe Hall I will present the History of the College to anyone that would like to attend.

Davis College History presentation for College Life Class

Today (Monday, September 14, 2009) I did my History presentation for the Freshman Class. This is the fourth time I have been able to share about the history to the Freshman Class. It went well and it appeared like many of them enjoyed it. Next week on Friday, September 25, 2009, during Homecoming, at 2 PM I will again do a History presentation for the Alumni or anything else that would like to come.

Thanks you to JoAnne Casterlin and Rick Cramer for inviting me.

2009-2010 School begins this morning

This morning begins the 2009-2010 school year at Davis College. Keep the students in your prayers as they begin the new school year. Pray that they will keep God in the front of their minds. Pray that the LORD will use the classes to further His kingdom for His honor and glory!