A Legacy of Caribbean Baptist Education
Bluewater Bible College & Institute takes its name from the blue waters of the Caribbean Ocean, stunningly visible from its mountainside campus on St. Thomas. For over 55 years, BBC trained faithful pastors and church leaders who strengthened congregations across the islands.
The Founding (1962)
In January 1962, a group of pastors and missionaries in the West Indies met to discuss a critical need: the Caribbean Baptist churches needed trained, local pastors who understood the culture, language, and unique challenges of island ministry. Rather than relying solely on missionaries from the mainland, they envisioned an institution that would raise up Caribbean leaders for Caribbean churches.
By September 1962, Bluewater Bible Institute was founded and held its first classes in the Sunday School classrooms of Calvary Baptist Church on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Rev. Bill Slaymaker served as the first president.
Camp Fortuna and Growth (1964-1966)
In 1964, the 5-acre property of Camp Fortuna in the Fortuna area on the west end of St. Thomas was leased to the school, and all classes moved to this new campus. Dr. Ray Thompson became the second president, serving from 1964 to 1979.
In January 1966, the Board of Trustees voted to upgrade the academic level from an institute to a college, officially renaming the institution Bluewater Bible College & Institute. The training program expanded from two years to four years, and an undergraduate degree in Religious Education was added.
Campus and Facilities
Over the decades, the Camp Fortuna campus grew to include four named buildings, each honoring key figures in BBC’s history:
- C.W.E. Hall — Classrooms, school office, faculty lounge, and dining hall
- Bellew Hall — Named for Dr. Dennis Bellew (3rd President, 1979–2000); housed the computer lab, chapel, and a 10,000-volume library
- Thompson Hall — Named for Dr. Ray Thompson (2nd President, 1964–1979); ladies’ dormitory, additional classrooms, and faculty apartments
- Woodland Hall — Men’s dormitory, recreation room, and faculty apartment
The campus also included three additional residences for faculty families, a basketball/volleyball court, and a cafeteria-styled dining hall.
Presidential Succession
Four presidents led BBC through its 55-year history:
| President | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| Rev. Bill Slaymaker | 1962–1964 (Founding President) |
| Dr. Ray Thompson | 1964–1979 |
| Dr. Dennis Bellew | 1979–2000 |
| Rev. Heath Francis Charles, D.Min. | 2000–2017 |
Regional Impact (1960s-2010s)
As word of the school spread across the Caribbean, students enrolled from throughout the West Indies. BBC became affiliated with the Evangelical Training Association (ETA) of Wheaton, Illinois, offering recognized teacher certification. The school was approved for support by Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI), authorized by the Virgin Islands Department of Education to grant undergraduate degrees, and authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students from across the Caribbean.
The college was formally incorporated in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1989. Generations of students passed through its classrooms, chapel services, and ministry practicums. BBC graduates went on to plant churches, lead congregations, and serve in Christian education across St. Thomas, St. Croix, Tortola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, St. Maarten, and other Caribbean islands.
The college produced 55 volumes of yearbooks documenting student life, academic achievements, and the vibrant community that characterized BBC. Several graduates returned as faculty members, creating a self-sustaining educational pipeline that demonstrated the institution’s effectiveness.
Student Life
Life at BBC was shaped by spiritual formation and community. Chapel services were held three times per week, with each semester including a full Day of Prayer. All students attended approved Baptist churches, maintained field experience logs, and participated in summer ministries across the Caribbean islands.
The Student Body Council organized fellowship events, including three annual banquets: the Freshmen’s Banquet, the International Day Dinner (celebrating BBC’s diverse Caribbean student body), and the Graduation Banquet. Faculty served as counselors and mentors, with a Dean of Men and Dean of Women overseeing dormitory life.
The Hurricane Years (2017)
In September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the U.S. Virgin Islands in rapid succession, causing catastrophic damage across the territory. BBC’s campus sustained significant damage, and the college was forced to suspend operations. The storms that devastated the islands also interrupted a 55-year legacy of theological education.
Restoration (2024-Present)
In 2024, restoration efforts began in earnest. The Florida Baptist Convention, under the leadership of Dr. Jeffery Singletary, partnered with the Lake County Baptist Association to support BBC’s revival. A comprehensive rebuilding effort is underway, encompassing campus restoration, academic program development, and modern digital infrastructure.
Under the leadership of President Pastor Andrew George and Provost Dr. Felix Durand — himself a BBC graduate (Th.G.) who served as faculty member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees — BBC is being positioned to resume its vital mission of equipping Caribbean ministry leaders for the 21st century.
The BBC archives are being digitized and preserved. Visit our Digital Archives to explore historical photographs, campus history documents, and academic records from BBC’s 55-year history.