Enriching the Mind, Inspiring the Heart

Arlington Baptist College was the seed planted in 1925 with a concept of a Bible institute in Dallas. Although this institute did not materialize, it led Dr. J. Frank Norris, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Fort Worth to begin in 1927, the Fundamental Baptist Institute.

The institute offered a plan of systematic Bible study via radio and correspondence. In 1931, Dr. Norris announced the formation of the Pre-Millennial Bible School which would conduct two-week sessions a year. The first session was held in November of that year. Dr. Louis Entzminger was named superintendent. These Bible conferences were developed to provide concentrated pastoral training, encouragement, challenge and teaching in the truth of God's Word.

Out of these early Bible training efforts, the Fundamental Baptist Bible Institute was founded by Dr. Norris and Dr. Entzminger in 1939. The institute was organized to train ministers and missionaries who would teach the literal inerrancy of the Bible - an objective that has remained central to the institution to the present. Classes were held in the upper room in the facilities of First Baptist Church which was located at the corner of Fourth and Throckmorton in downtown Fort Worth.

Hundreds of students came from all over the nation. Those who served in the Armed Forces during WWII were allotted money for a college education. The institution that they attended had to meet certain criteria. In 1945 the Fundamental Baptist Bible Institute became the Bible Baptist Seminary. It did not necessitate a change in faculty, nor in facilities, nor in those who accepted as students, but the name needed to be changed so that the recognition would be effective.

Soon after the death of Dr. Norris in 1952, the seminary began holding classes in the former Brantley Draughon College located at 411 Main Street in Fort Worth. A short time later, the seminary lost its lease and a search began for a more permanent home.

The Elmo White property located on Highway 80 in Arlington, Texas was purchased in 1954. Plans were being made to construct the buildings on this site to meet the needs of the students when the neighboring property became available, the former site of Top O' Hill Terrace.

This 46 acre property was a blessing from God. The large horse barn was converted into classrooms. The building that housed the casino was used for office space, cafeteria and classrooms. The beautiful tea garden was enjoyed by both the faculty and students.

The Arlington Baptist Junior College was established in 1965. Many high school graduates who did not want to attend a secular or liberal arts college, soon began to enroll.

Arlington Baptist College has been on this site for the last 52 years.