OUR 70TH ANNIVERSARY
1956 – 2026
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS
1956 – 2026
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS!
As we celebrate our 70th year, we celebrate the faith of our founding families and the countless others who have been called to contribute to BFA and its mission over the years.
Over the course of this year, we will be celebrating in several ways. First, we are creating a gallery of memories to commemorate this milestone of God’s faithfulness at BFA. We are also creating a book of “70 Stories for 70 Years”. If you would like to submit a story or memory follow the link below. And lastly, we are opening our new dormitory next year, and we invite you to participate by voting for the name of our seventh and newest dorm here at BFA.
But above all of this, we remember what Jesus has done in and through the lives of BFA students, staff, alumni, parents, and friends since the early days in that kitchen in Basel.
A WEEK OF CELEBRATION
70th Anniversary Celebration Schedule
April 29 – May 3, 2026
Please RSVP for 70th Anniversary Celebration Week via the button below.
| Date | Time | Title | Description | Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 29, 2026 | Evening | Generations of Impact: Alumni Wisdom for the Next Chapter | Current students connect with invited alumni for inspirational sessions, sharing stories of BFA’s influence, and life after graduation. |
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| April 30, 2026 | 7:30am | Anniversary Kick-off Breakfast | Let’s gather for a celebratory pancake breakfast for the entire community! A perfect chance to connect before the main ceremony. |
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| April 30, 2026 | 8:40am | Celebration Ceremony | Join us for the official program honoring seven decades of BFA’s mission, impact, and commitment to Christian education |
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| April 30, 2026 | 12:30pm | Gathering the Global Family: Alumni Luncheon | Alumni from across the decades gather for a special midday meal, reconnecting and celebrating the bonds of the BFA global family |
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| April 30, 2026 | 2:00pm | Tracing Our Roots: A Historical Campus Journey | A special commemorative tour to visit the significant buildings and locations in Switzerland, France, and Germany that trace the incredible history of BFA since 1956. |
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| April 30, 2026 | 7:00pm | Out-of-Town Guest Dinner | Attention out-of-town guests: Let BFA treat you to dinner as an appreciation for your attendance. |
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| May 1, 2026 | 2:00pm | A New Home for Generations: Dorm Dedication Ceremony | Celebrate the official dedication and ribbon-cutting of BFA’s three newest boarding homes, ensuring a nurturing, family-style environment for years to come. EisCafe treats will be served! |
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| May 1, 2026 | 7:00pm | The BFA Story: A Theatrical Journey Through 70 Years | Enjoy an original historical play, written by Jerry Averill, that brings the inspiring, challenging, and miraculous story of BFA’s seven decades to life on stage. |
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| May 2, 2026 | 6:00pm | Celebrating Partnership: A Dinner of Gratitude for Kandern | A special evening hosted by BFA to thank the local German community of Kandern for their decades of partnership, hospitality, and support. Limited seating available for out-of-town guests. |
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| May 3, 2026 | 10:00am | BFCF Worship Service | We will conclude the celebrations with a special worship service at Black Forest Christian Fellowship. A potluck lunch will follow the service. |
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The 70th Anniversary Gallery
It’s time to look back on 70 incredible years of BFA! You may not be able to join us in Kandern for the 70th Anniversary Celebration Week, but you can reminisce with the BFA community nonetheless.
If you would like to contribute to this gallery you can submit memories and photos below!
Front of School in 2000
Class of '82 memories! (Elaine W.)
1992 Basketball Team
1971 Rempel Dorm
HBR in 1980
1977 Band Workshop in Castle Ortenburg
Class of '82 memories! (Elaine W.)
1985 Marzell Gym
1981 - First Day of School in New Building
Christmas Caroling in 1978
“My small group from Freshmen through Senior year of high school.” Shannon Coen
2004 HBR
“During our work on the new Biology room (or was it Physics?), unfortunately I don’t remember the name of the teacher in the photos.” Armin Böhler, Elektro Schlegel — Während unserer Arbeit am neuen Biologie-Raum (oder war es Physik?), leider weiß ich nicht mehr, wie der Lehrer auf den Fotos hieß.” Armin Böhler, Elektro Schlegel
1964 - Students with Tina Isaak
Fall 2001
1980 Band Camp - Adelboden
2001 Fall Party
“Posing after our annual water balloon fight that Storch wins every year.” Annie Walter-Class of ’25
The Chronicle - 2001
Class of '82 memories! (Elaine W.)
1998 Science Class - Tim Shuman
1983 Senior Trip
1998 Handbell Choir
Kandern in 1991
