Born in 1911, Henry Hildebrand immigrated to Canada with his parents Peter and Anna, and the rest of their family in 1925 from southern Russia (Ukraine)[1] for political reasons.
In 1929 Hildebrand enrolled in Winnipeg Bible Institute (now known as Providence University College and Theological Seminary), where he earned an undergraduate degree and completed a year of post-graduate studies.
A Norwegian by descent, Inger had come to Canada with a cousin to visit her aunt, but her return to Norway was cancelled when the Depression struck.
[2] The Bible institute grew to become one of Canada's largest Christian post-secondary schools (now known as Briercrest College and Seminary).
On October 24, 1979, Hildebrand was invested by Governor-General Edward Schreyer with membership in the nation's highest civil honour, the Order of Canada, for his leadership in Christian education through Briercrest and the impact of his life upon Canadian youth and society.