On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Dr. Mark J. Boda, Professor of Old Testament, was installed as the Margaret and Stanley Ford Chair of Old Testament in a special ceremony held during McMaster Divinity College’s weekly Chapel service. The service brought together faculty, students, trustees, and guests to mark this significant moment in the life of the College and to formally recognize Dr. Boda’s longstanding service and scholarly leadership in Old Testament studies.
The Margaret and Stanley Ford Chair of Old Testament is the newest endowed chair to be established at McMaster Divinity College. The chair was made possible through a trust established by the late Dr. Murray Ford (1923–1995), former professor of Christian ministry at MDC and longtime Director of Field Education, in honour of his parents, Margaret and Stanley Ford. Dr. Ford’s generous gift reflects a deep commitment to theological education and to the central place of the Old Testament in the life of the church and the academy. McMaster Divinity College is grateful for this enduring legacy, which ensures continued excellence in Old Testament teaching and research.
Although Dr. Boda is the first to hold the Margaret and Stanley Ford Chair, this installation highlights the long and distinguished history of Old Testament instruction at MDC. The teaching of Old Testament has been integral to the curriculum since the institution’s earliest days, beginning in the 1881–1882 academic year of Toronto Baptist College. Over the decades, this work has been carried forward by a wide range of scholars whose teaching, research, and service have shaped generations of students and contributed to the wider church and scholarly community.
Dr. Boda stands within this historic lineage, having joined the MDC faculty in 2003. Over more than two decades, he has distinguished himself through inspiring teaching, extensive publication, and dedicated mentorship of students preparing for ministry and advanced scholarship. His installation into the Margaret and Stanley Ford Chair of Old Testament affirms both his individual contributions and McMaster Divinity College’s enduring commitment to the study of Scripture for the service of Christ and the church.
The entire ceremony, including Dr. Boda’s address, “Between a Rock and Hard Place: Jeremiah as Prophetic Mediator,” can be found on MDC’s 2025–26 Chapel playlist on YouTube.
Below are some photos from the service and following reception.
