Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-All roads lead to Morgenster Mission in Masvingo this Saturday the 15th of November 2025 as Murray Theological College (MThC) marks a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years of churning out faith leaders and advancing theological education under the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ).
The historic institution, established in 1925 following a 1924 Morgenster Mission Church Council resolution led by Rev. Adriaan Andrew Louw, was founded to train evangelists to serve in the Reformed Church. Over the years, the seminary has broadened its scope to include the training of ministers of the Word and Sacraments, lay preachers, youth workers, women spiritual leaders and chaplains serving in the army, police and prison services.
As the college marks a century of existence, the MThC board chairperson is expected to deliver a commemorative speech highlighting the institution’s remarkable journey of faith, growth and academic achievement.
To date, Murray Theological College has produced more than 250 ministers who have gone on to serve in the RCZ, the uniformed forces and other sister churches across Zimbabwe and beyond.
The seminary has been under the stewardship of 13 principals since its inception. The founding principal, Rev. Andries Adriaan Louw (1925–1936) laid the foundation by training the first generation of evangelists who played a pivotal role in spreading the gospel throughout Zimbabwe. Successive principals such as Rev. Henry William Murray, Rev. Dr. Willem Jacobs Van der Merwe, Rev. Elias Christian Esterhuyse and Rev. Dr. A.R. Mutumburanzou continued to build on this legacy, each contributing significantly to the college’s spiritual and academic growth.
The current principal, Rev. Dr. Simbarashe Munamati who assumed office in January 2021 is expected to showcase the college’s major achievements during the celebrations.
Under his leadership, MThC has entered a new era of modernization and development.
Among the notable milestones recorded under Dr. Munamati’s tenure are;
The graduation and licensing of 30 new RCZ ministers since 2021.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Reformed Church University, allowing MThC to offer accredited undergraduate degrees.
The construction of a modern ablution block, tiling and cladding of the administration block and lecture rooms and provision of 24-hour solar-powered internet connectivity.
The drilling of a 60-metre borehole, upgrading of the college library, and installation of solar systems for both the hostels and main campus.
The beautification of the college grounds, which has transformed the institution’s appearance and learning environment.
As part of the centenary celebrations, MThC will present a special commemorative book titled “Until the Morning Star Arises” to the RCZ Synod, capturing the seminary’s historical journey and enduring legacy in ministerial formation.
Looking ahead, the college plans to build new student hostels to accommodate an additional ten students and construct a modern administration block featuring offices and a 100-seater lecture theatre within the next five years.
The centenary celebrations are expected to attract church leaders, alumni, theologians, government representatives and friends of MThC from across the country.
The event will not only celebrate the institution’s 100-year milestone but also reaffirm its mission to nurture generations of faithful servants dedicated to spreading the Gospel and serving communities across Zimbabwe.
