Since 1949, Bogenhofen has been a vital center for theological education, shaping generations of students, staff, and pastors. Yet, for many years, the theology department lacked a fitting home: classes were often relegated to a side room of the parish hall, and later, for decades, to the basement of the boys' dormitory. The prospect of a new, dedicated building seemed distant, bordering on unrealistic.
From Basement to Breakthrough
The catalyst for change came from an unexpected source: Lorant Soós, an operations technician, simply asked, "Why not move the administration offices and set up the theology classrooms in their place?"This simple, yet powerful, idea shifted the focus from impossible new construction to the imaginative redesign of existing space within the cafeteria and administration building.
The proposal garnered immediate and overwhelming support. Architects, the school board, and the Ferdinand Pieringer Association gave their swift approval. School Principal René Gehring commented, "I have never seen a project go through all the committees so quickly and be received so positively." The dream of a proper seminary had suddenly become a concrete plan.
Passion Drives the Project
Construction began in April 2025. This internal transformation, however, proved to be far from simple. Installing a new ceiling in the foyer revealed complexities; parts were missing, the Adventist Book Center required relocation, and overtime hours mounted. However, the Bogenhofen community met these challenges with extraordinary commitment.
Many employees went the extra mile, working during vacations, after hours, and stepping outside their usual responsibilities. The operating technicians bore the brunt of the critical phase. Managing Director Max Wieser recounted, "Once, Lori [Soós] started at 3:30 a.m. and didn't finish until 10:30 p.m." This passionate dedication was the crucial element that allowed the project to be completed on time.
A New Chapter Begins
The official opening saw the new foyer filled with guests, friends, and supporters. Cheers and palpable emotion celebrated the reality of a long-held dream. "I witnessed every day of the renovation and still can't believe that we are here today for the inauguration," shared Max Wieser. Zsolt Halmi, President of the Ferdinand Pieringer Association, highlighted the significance of the theology department and the shared vision that was realized through the combined impact of individual donations.
The new rooms themselves are designed to inspire mission and reflection:
· The Martin Luther Room urges a "return to the sources," recalling the Reformation, the Bible, and history.
· The J. N. Andrews Room reminds students of the expectation of the Second Coming, underscoring that theology is a living mission, not a museum piece.
Dean Martin Pröbstle summarized the department’s ethos: "Learning leads to life. Passion for theology leads to mission."
A new lounge now sits between the seminary and the relocated administration, fostering community and meeting. The site of the old classrooms has also been transformed: the former music room is now the Adventist Book Center, and the old computer room serves as the new secretariat.
In the end, it is not the beautiful rooms that define Bogenhofen, but the people they send out into the world—people who think, love, and serve. This has always been, and remains, the mission of Bogenhofen.
