Asbury College Incorporated (Anda)

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  JC (guest)

  Asbury College is a United Methodist Church - related institution established in 1947 in the then remote island of Anda, in the province of Pangasinan. The school was established to serve the youth and their families with the hope that by offering quality education in a Christian environment, progress in the island will also be realized. During the years following World War II, it was impossible for many young people to go to the mainland to further their studies. Besides, there were no high schools or a college in the island then. Moreover, most families were financially crippled, and thus, education was at a standstill after elementary school. Then Asbury was born...bringing new hope and vision to the little island. Asbury was the fruit of the missionary work of the Methodist Church, as well as of local leaders and the Rev. LeRoy Klaus, a Methodist missionary from Minnesota, USA, and an acting District Superintendent of the present Pangasinan West District of the United Methodist Church (UMC). The school commenced as a two year high school and then four year secondary school, hence it was named \"Asbury High School.\" After successfully operating as a high school and meeting higher academic standards, the school was granted by the Department of Education to operate as both high school and college in the ealry 1970\'s. Thus, the name was changed to \"Asbury College.\" The school was named after one of the very first two Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church (USA), now The United Methodist Church, Francis Asbury, who in 1771, after appointed by John Wesley (the founder of Methodism) as a traveling preacher in England, volunteered to travel to America (USA). Bishop Asbury was well-known for his miles of travels riding on a horse. Thus, he became to be popularly known as the \"The prophet of the long road.\" At present there are several high schools located in different \"barangays\" (villages) but Asbury remains the only college in the island. Today, Asbury continues to stand as a beacon of light and knowledge to the island and neighboring towns offering not only quality and affordable education but one that is taught and learned in a Christian environment. In spite of the financial struggles and needs Asbury has faced through the years, she is able to maintain her highest academic standards and remains very competitive with the other schools in the island as well as in the mainland. Indeed, Asbury remains a stalwart tower of education that continues to offer the best quality education to those who cannot afford to seek such education elsewhere. Asbury offers her students and faculty a place where they can exercise and develop their faith in a supportive and caring community. The dream chapel in the middle of the campus is still very much a living vision for the future, which one day will be realized. Meanwhile, weekly convocations are held and led by both students and facutly/staff in the school social hall. For more than 67 years of service, Asbury has produced hundreds of alumni who carry with them the spirit of Asbury\'s commitment to serve God and others. Asbury alumni live and serve in many different professional capacities not only in their own community (Anda) and country (Philippines) but also in other parts of the world. Some have taken leadership roles in government and politics. Some have become successful professionals in the fields of education, engineering, medicine, architecture and business to name a few. Through the school\'s excellent Christian Education program, Asbury has produced a good number of pastors and deaconesses whose young lives were first molded by Asbury\'s commitment in teaching Christian values, faith and service. Many of these church workers have retired and still many are serving churches in the island and beyond. Let us continue to support our beloved Asbury through our continued prayers and financial support, and hope that she will live longer and will continue to mold young lives and offer them a living hope for a brighter and meaningful future. As a leading educational center and provider of pre-school, elementary, high school and college education, Asbury College takes pride in offering the best quality and affordable education in a Christian environment. Asbury is dedicated to serving the needs of the youth of Anda and beyond, especially the poor, indigent and underserved. For more than 67 years of service, Asbury has produced hundreds of alumni who carry with them the spirit of Asbury\'s commitment to serve God and others. Asbury alumni live and serve in many different professional capacities not only in their own community (Anda) and country (Philippines) but also in other parts of the world. Some have taken leadership roles in government and politics. Some have become successful professionals in the fields of education, engineering, medicine, architecture and business to name a few. Through the school\'s excellent Christian Education program, Asbury has produced a good number of pastors and deaconesses whose young lives were first molded by Asbury\'s commitment in teaching Christian values, faith and service. Many of these church workers have retired and still many are serving churches in the island and beyond. Asbury College is a member of The Association of Philippines Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) and The Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) The Asbury Hymn As to a young child a loving mother is, So are you to us Alma Mater dearest, Beckoning guidance from thee we trust, Unlimited wisdom we seek to the last. Resplendent and undoubted our mights we cast, Yearning to succeed we give our minds and hearts! How wonderful, how magnificent are thy riches, Implanted here within thy holy virtuous wishes, Gorgeous glory, wonders of speeches, Health morality, wisdom and knowledge. Seekers for truth we are thirsty in spirit, Changing tides of afflictions daily we must meet, However with thy care we shall know no defeat, On to glory we shall march ne\'er to retreat! Over and o\'er this prayer to thee we raise! Lord, bless the Asbury College our own and best! (Written in 1947 by Ms. Maxima Reyna Cabrera, a pioneer teacher)

  8 years ago | reply | hide comment