History
Baring Union Christian College traces its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries through successive educational initiatives in Batala, Punjab. In April 1878, Reverend Francis Henry Baring, a missionary of the Church Mission Society, established the Baring Boys boarding school. A separate Baring High School opened in the 1930s, and Baring Union Christian College was formally established in June 1944.
The roots of the college extend to a simple school founded around 1886 by Miss Sarah Maria Tucker, who taught children Bible stories and was locally known as “A Lady Of England” (A.L.O.E.) for her broader interest in the welfare of Batala’s residents. Tucker partnered with Francis Henry Baring to establish a boys’ high school focused on Christian leadership.
In 1942, the Church Mission Society appointed Terence Khushal‑Singh (M.A., B.A., LL.B, Allahabad University; Diploma in Education, Bristol, England) as principal. While in Batala, Khushal‑Singh identified the now vacant Anarkali Palace, formerly owned by Maharajah Sher Singh, as a potential site for a college campus. With support from his wife, Jessica (M.A., Cambridge University), and approval from the CMS and the Bishop of Lahore, the transformation of the palace into an educational institution began. In 1944, **Baring Christian College** was officially founded.
The period surrounding Indian independence and Partition in 1947–48 brought uncertainty. Batala and the college were initially allocated to Pakistan along with many Christian institutions but were later restored to India. During this turbulent time, regular education was disrupted. Khushal‑Singh, risking his life, managed a refugee camp on the college grounds. At the request of Lady Edwina Mountbatten, he also established a handicraft section for refugee women.
By March 1948, Khushal‑Singh had reopened the college. By 1949, it had expanded from an intermediate college to a full degree‑awarding institution. However, that same year the Church Mission Society decided to withdraw from Batala. Baring Christian College was transferred to the administration of an American Presbyterian Church. Ranjit M. Chetsingh succeeded Khushal‑Singh as principal, and Khushal‑Singh was reassigned by the CMS to serve as principal of St. Mary’s Teacher Training College in Pune.
To emphasize cooperation rather than division between Christian missions in the region, the institution’s name was changed to **Baring Union Christian College**. Under this title, the college continued its educational mission.
Principal Ranjit M. Chetsingh led the college until 1954, when he left to serve with the Friends World Committee for Consultation in London. Subsequent principals included Dr. Loughlin, Dr. McLeod, and Dr. Webster—who was noted for his interest in Sikhism. Mr. Clarence McMullin served briefly as principal before becoming Director of the Christian Institute for Sikh Studies, a position he held for 30 years.
Baring Union Christian College continues to operate in Batala, with **Dr. Edward Masih** serving as principal.
