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1969-1970
Enrollment: High School--98; Junior College--15
On June 21, at the annual meeting of the members of the society of
Western Christian College, amendments to the by-laws of the society
were proposed and later adopted by vote of the society to enlarge
the directorship to include four ex officio directors and nine
elected directors. The four ex officio directors will be the
president of the college, the business manager of the college, the
president of the alumni association, and the president of Western
Christian Foundation, located at Wichita Falls, Texas.
In July, James W. Kennedy of Seminole, Texas, was laid to rest. He
was a good friend of Western Christian College. Much of his time
and energy during his last 10 or 12 years was devoted to helping
Western Christian College as president of Western Christian
Foundation. We honour and respect our good friend.
In August, Mrs. Ellen Massey, the first full time college
librarian, died of cancer. Although she spent only one school year
here, her contribution to the college during her brief stay is
invaluable. She came from Ohio Valley College to establish the
library for the new junior college program which began last year in
September. The library is in good condition to continue the program
that she inaugurated.
Prior her death, Mrs. Massey's book of poetry, _Quiet Moments_, was
published. The publishing rights for the book have been given to
Western Christian College and all proceeds from the sale of her
book are to be used to further Christian education.
After acting as principal for five years, Roger Peterson resigned
in June to return to school at Abilene for a Master's degree in
counselling. Thus when classes began in September, the high school
had a new principal, David Lidbury. He had been made dean of the
junior college when its classes began in the fall of 1968. David is
an alumnus of the college and has already served on the college
faculty for nine years.
For the first time in the history of the Women's Service Club
(established in 1958), the Fall Fair was introduced as a money-
making scheme. Ellen Massey had suggested the project at the annual
meeting in 1968. The Fall Fair of baking and knitting, crocheting,
quilts and hobby craft articles was a great success. The Fall Fair
became an annual event. In 1969, the Women's Service Club president
was Shirley Straker and the secretary was Linda Laycock. The annual
Fall Fair continues to be a big money-making project for the club.
The largest sum realized at the fair was in 1980, with proceeds
reaching $3,382.87.
February 7, 1970, was a red letter day for me. During homecoming at
the Saturday evening program, Alumni President Walter Straker
presented me with a $2,000 cheque to defray expenses for a trip to
Europe and the Holy Land. I was too astonished to appear excited.
I could not believe it was true when he made the announcement. I
just stood on the stage staring at Walter with my mouth open. I
shall never forget the day nor the kindness of the alumni and other
friends who contributed toward the generous gift.
During Easter holidays under the direction of James Willett, the
college chorus presented several concerts in the three prairie
provinces. At Edmonton the chorus sang for the Lieutenant Governor
of Alberta, the Honourable Grant McEwan (a noted prairie author).
His Excellency presented the chorus with one of his wood carvings.
It is proudly kept in a display case at the college.
This spring saw the beginning of a new school tradition: the annual
school project for raising money for the college. First it was a
walk-a-thon, next a skate-a-thon and then came the work-a-thons.
The students have raised many thousands of dollars with this annual
project. In five years they had raised more than $50,000.
This year the majority of students, faculty, staff, and several
alumni participated in the 30 mile walk-a-thon. The walkers were
led by President E. D. Wieb and Mayor Tom Hart of Weyburn. Not all
participants completed the entire 30 mile limit (Lillian M.
Torkelson walked only 11 miles). Don Kemp of Nanaimo, B. C., won
the award for finishing the course first.
Friends and relatives of the participants sponsored them for a
definite sum for each mile walked. Starlet Sinclair of Wichita
Falls, Texas, won the award for bringing in the most money. She
walked the entire 30 miles but the last two or three miles were
rather unforgettable experiences. Many lame and tired young people
limped around campus that Saturday night. Next morning, everyone
was full of energy again. Such is youth! The proceeds from the
walk-a-thon were used to pay the teachers' salaries. This had been
a year when there was no way of predicting when the monthly pay
cheque would arrive.
In May, 28 high school students and 10 junior college students were
presented diplomas by President E. D. Wieb. Sherrie Noyes was
valedictorian and Lane Brehaut was salutatorian. The president's
medal winner was David Krogsgaard and the dean's award was given to
Debbie Sinclair of the junior college.
Associate of Arts degrees were presented to Bob Andreas, Debbie
Bailey, Mike Brazle, Bonnie Davies, Sam Hawkins, Ron May, Charles
Muller and Debbie Sinclair.
The first second-year Bible graduates of the college were
Christopher Bathini of India and Dale Elford of Regina. Christopher
returned to India where he operated an orphan's home until his
death in the early 1980's. Dale Elford has preached at Regina,
Vernon, B.C., and now (1989) for many years at nearby Estevan.
During the summer holidays (1970), I took my trip to Europe and the
Holy Land. Because so many people connected with Western Christian
College made that trip possible, I shall include my article printed
in the fall _Messenger_ describing that trip:
...On July 9, Mrs. G. Weeks, our home economics teacher,
and I left by jet from Regina on our journey that took us
through fourteen countries during the following forty-six
days. During that time, we visited friends in Roeselare
and Klagenfurt, met missionaries in London, Heidelberg,
Vienna, and Athens, toured historical sites at Ypres,
Rome and Paris and viewed art treasures in Ghent,
Amsterdam and the Vatican. We enjoyed a Shakespearean
production in Stratford, a medieval banquet at Bunratty
Castle, a symphony concert in the Royal Albert Hall and
an opera at the Baths of Caracalla.
We travelled by train through England, France and Italy,
by bus in a guided tour of eight countries that included
Switzerland and Germany, by boat down the beautiful blue
Danube and across the English Channel, by car in Belgium
and Israel, by horse at Killarney and by jet over large
bodies of water, stopping at ten different airports.
The highlight of countless rich experiences was our visit
to Israel. How does a rather conservative northerner
express one's gratitude for having the opportunity to
stand on the Mount of Olives, to climb the Tower of
David, to see the tomb of the patriarchs at Hebron or the
Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem or the wilderness of
Judea or the hills of Nazareth or the Sea of Galilee?
After four years of faithful service, Walter and Glenda McAlister
left for teaching positions in Carruthersville, Missouri. Glenda
McAlister will be remembered especially for organizing one of the
best intramural programs the college has ever had.
Mrs. Amy Bissell (1967-70) left to teach in Pueblo, Colorado. It
has been nice to have a pleasant and cheerful young lady on the
faculty.
Mrs. Gertrude Weeks (1966-70) has been our librarian and capable
home economics teacher. She was my good companion on my trip to
Europe and the Holy Land. She decided to retire from teaching and
returned to her home in Guymon, Oklahoma.
1970-1971
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Enrollment: High School--103; Junior College--17
E. D. Wieb resigned as president of the college after serving 10
years in that capacity and has become a full-time teacher. He is
teaching Bible, French, composition and literature classes. At the
annual pre-session institute for the staff and faculty, Mr. Wieb
gave his final address as president. Afterwards some faculty
members commiserated with him for his "stepping down" as president
to teacher. I congratulated him for his promotion to the position
of "teacher!" I consider that that profession, with the exception
of parenting, is the most rewarding profession with the greatest
opportunities for service.
As no president has been chosen to take his place, the board of
directors appointed three men to serve as a decision making
committee: Royal Stone of Calgary, Ivar Kristianson of Estevan, and
Henry Grasley of Regina.
The directors continued to look for a replacement. Because no one
suitable could be found, Mr. Wieb was re-instated as president. On
December 17, as the re-instatement was announced, staff and
students alike received the news with a standing ovation.
Another staff change has occurred in 1970. Ernest Andreas has left
the position of bursar to work for Western Christian Foundation.
Ernest has been actively connected with the college since its
beginning. Ernest was elected to the board of directors in 1949,
and became business manager of the college in March 1954, while he
was still the accountant at the Sodium Sulphate Co. Ltd. near
Gladmar. For three years he handled the two jobs, but when the
college moved to North Weyburn, he resigned his position at Gladmar
to become a full-time employee of Western.
While working as bursar, Ernest has been architect, plumber, fund-
raiser, publisher, planner, secretary to the board, school policy
maker and adviser.
During her years at Western, Louise Andreas has also been a very
versatile person. At various times she has been accountant,
assistant postmistress, clerk, bookstore operator, and in charge of
the mailing room. In the early years much of her work had been on
a volunteer basis. Louise not only served faithfully in these
various positions, but she will be always remembered for her
hospitality and her desire to assist those in need.
Both Ernest and Louise are alumni, as are their two children, Bob
and Leila. While working for Western Christian Foundation, Ernest
and Louise will be stationed at Nashville, Tennessee.
Because we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our college during
this school year (1970-71), we have decided to have three
homecomings during the year. The first special homecoming was held
during the fall lectureship. All students who have attended the
Bible department since the college began were invited to a special
appreciation dinner on October 9. Because Radville Christian
College was an outgrowth of the Radville, Ogema and Horse Creek
Bible Schools, former students from those schools were guests at
the appreciation dinner also. The Alumni Reporter states that the
dinner tickets cost $2.50. Guest speaker for this special
anniversary dinner was Don H. Morris, chancellor of Abilene
Christian College. He had previously visited R.C.C. during the
first year the high school department was in operation and had been
speaker at the lectureship at that time.
I always enjoy seeing alumni at a homecoming, but I was truly
delighted to see Magnar and Joan Knutson of New Market, Ontario, at
this special homecoming. In 1953-54, they had lived upstairs in the
two small rooms of my cold tamped-earth house at Radville so that
Magnar could attend Bible classes at R.C.C.
The upstairs rooms of my house were so low that the only place
Magnar could stand up straight was in the middle of the rooms. In
addition, there were so many airy cracks, that Magnar used several
pounds of crack filler to make the rooms more habitable. In spite
of these handicaps, Magnar and Joan were always cheerful and happy.
They afterwards became missionaries in Norway for a few years,
worked for many years for the churches in New Market and Regina and
are in 1989 retired but busy with volunteer work in London,
Ontario.
Now back to 1970. In the fall the board of directors initiated a
new fund-raising drive called "Can Do," with J. C. Murray as head
of the program. The purpose of this drive is to raise the money for
operating expenses among Canadian brethren so that the money
received from Western Christian Foundation will be free for other
needs. The Canadian brethren "Can Do" this, is the motto. J. C.
Murray is to raise $82,200 for the fiscal year (September 1, 1970-
August 31, 1971) and to visit everyone on the college's mailing
list in western Canada.
James Willett assumed the position of director of the college
chorus when he arrived on the campus in 1967. Anybody who wished to
sing could be a member of the chorus. No auditions were required.
Sometimes he would have as many as 115 students in the chorus. Such
a group was too unwieldy for distance travelling. Thus during the
1970-71 school year, for the first time a smaller, separate
travelling chorus has been selected from the full chorus. The full
chorus is used for at-home functions and the smaller chorus for
programs at a distance.
In October 1970, students of the junior college started Saturday
morning Bible classes (JOY School) for children living in the
vicinity of the former church of Christ building at 10th & Bison in
Weyburn. The school is the brain child of two college students,
Lorna Ashby and Marlene Pauls. There are nine regular staff members
and some substitutes, all young people, mostly from the college
class.
JOY stands for Jesus first, Others second and You third. The school
meets on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The children
ranged in age from three to 11 years and in number from 10 to 40.
According to records available, the JOY School operated for four
school sessions (1970 71, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1975-76) until the JOY
buses began in 1976. For the last session the student director was
Duncan Perry (son of alumni Lillian Ross and Sheldon Perry) who was
killed in a truck accident in 1982.
The second homecoming celebration during the 25th Anniversary Year
was held the first weekend of February (February 5, 6, 7, 1971). In
addition to the usual guests of honour (graduates five, 10, 20
years ago) at that second homecoming, the special guests were all
the high school students who had attended at Radville Christian
College during the first year that high school classes had been
taught there (1946-47).
Of the 11 high school students in attendance that year, five
returned for Homecoming 1971: Pauline Perry O'Neal, a widowed
nursing assistant living in Yorkton; Harold Orr, research engineer
from Saskatoon with two children at Western; Leo Seibel, Co-op
manager at Pangman; Kay Johnson Hotchkiss, wife of a gospel
preacher at North Battleford with one child at Western; Gordon
Taylor, farmer-postman from Carman, Manitoba with two children at
Western.
During the Saturday evening program of that homecoming, Glen
McMillan from Saskatoon presented a model of a cow, "Saskachimo" to
President E. D. Wieb. In its efforts to help Western financially,
the Saskatoon alumni chapter had purchased a purebred hereford.
Wilfred Rogers, alumnus of Western and a farmer-rancher agreed to
keep Saskachimo at no cost. Each year, Saskachimo's calf will be
sold with the sale price going to Western. The Saskatoon chapter is
the second one to buy live stock. In the fall of 1970, the alumni
chapter at Manson, Manitoba, purchased a sow, which Lloyd Jacobs
agreed to keep. The Manson chapter acquired in 1971 another sow,
kept by Calvin Elford.
The alumni are very active in their support of the college.
That spring the student council sponsored a skate-a-thon.
Participants skated 20 miles on nearby Souris River. David
Krogsgaard of Regina completed the race in record time. Sharon
Reddick of Manor won the girls' trophy. Janet Bailey of Elrose
raised the most money. The student council used its income to
purchase a school bus and a small tractor. Wendell Bailey, student
council president, had the first ride on the tractor.
The third and final homecoming of this anniversary year was held in
April at the same time as the Saskatchewan Homecoming was
celebrated. Following a buffet supper and a concert by a folk group
directed by James Willett on Friday night April 9, Mr. Wieb
delivered a thought-provoking address, "A Look at Our Nation and
Its Future."
In his address, Mr. Wieb maintained that today's problems are not
much different from those that have confronted mankind throughout
the centuries, except that now the masses are involved because of
modern media. The solution to the problems is Jesus Christ. In the
application of this solution, the speaker emphasized that his
present audience must be among the seriously concerned and not
among the indifferent.
Saturday, April 10, was devoted to morning devotionals, attending
open house in the dormitories, viewing the remarkable displays of
the history of various activities of our college, seeing the slide
presentations and visiting with friends over a cup of coffee in the
afternoon at the library and followed by a banquet at the cafeteria
with J. C. Murray as master of ceremonies.
The highlight of the 26th Anniversary celebrations was certainly
"Radburn's Memoirs," a musical pageant written and produced by
President Wieb and presented in the gymnasium Saturday evening.
The readers in the pageant were David Lidbury and Jim Pennington.
Music was provided by the college special chorus directed by James
Willett. J. C. Murray and David Lidbury were the stage directors;
Brenda Oberkirsch (grade 12 student) and Janet Bailey (grade 11
student) were in charge of the "living pictures of memory." Some
of the text for this pageant was based upon excerpts of my book,
_Radburn's Memoirs_. The narration, singing, living pictures,
slides and lighting all combined to produce a spectacular history
of our college that will not soon be forgotten by the appreciative
audience.
On Sunday, April 11, the guest speaker was Cecil T. Bailey, former
teacher (1948-50) and principal (1956-60), who recently returned
from teaching at the Mount Zion Bible College in India. His text
was "Having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His, and let
every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from
unrighteousness."
It is estimated that there were 400 present for this special
homecoming weekend.
1971-1972
Enrollment: High School--104; College--11
Budget: $231,042
Gift Night: $6,200 ($7,000)
High School Annual Fee: $1,300
(While 74 students are from Saskatchewan, the following places are
also represented in the enrollment: British Columbia, Alberta,
Manitoba, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming,
California, Kansas, and Pakistan.)
As a result of study by Dean Lidbury and a brief presented to the
Department of Education, the college introduced the semester system
this fall in both the secondary and post secondary curricula. The
first semester in high school runs from September through January
with the second one going from February through June.
There are several advantages to the semester system. The students
take fewer classes at one time. In the non-semester system, the
students take an average of eight credit classes for a full 10-
month term, while now they will study four classes each semester.
This reduces the monotony of extending classes over a long period.
In addition, the semester system allows students to transfer to
other semestered schools at midterm without loss of credits.
In practice, I found that the system worked well in history and
English but not in mathematics or French. I think the material
"sinks in" more permanently over the longer period of time.
However, I do admit that the semester system reduces stress on
teachers and students alike.
Albert Kleppe, born and raised in Winnipeg, joined the Bible
faculty September 1. He is the associate minister of the Weyburn
church and holds a Master's degree from Harding Graduate School.
Albert is married to Donna Meneer, an alumna, and they have three
sons and two daughters.
After a two-year leave of absence to pursue his studies toward a
Master's degree in counselling at Abilene Christian College, Roger
Peterson has returned to the college campus this fall. Roger has
been a part of Western's family since 1951 and Helen since her
marriage in 1954. Roger will teach again, as well as be guidance
counsellor, while both he and Helen will be dorm parents in Hanes
Hall. Roger and Helen have six children with Wadell, the eldest,
attending the college.
The 1972 alumni project is called the "Western Christian College
Alumni Investment Fund." By this plan, alumni send money to the
college to be invested, and the interest will be used by the
college, while the invested money will be held for future use by
children of the investors, when they attend Western. This fund is
under the oversight of the board of directors but operated by
alumni.
At the annual meeting in June, Dale Elford, alumnus, reported three
involved in the deposit fund and 28 in the education fund. In 1973
at the annual meeting, Dale again reported that 50 students were
involved in the fund. This alumni project continued until the
College Endowment Fund began in 1979-80.
Two new school activities, that remained popular among students for
several years, were introduced this year (1971-72).
The first is the weekly Bible quiz directed by Albert Kleppe and
assisted by Jim Pennington. The quiz is patterned after
television's "Reach for the Top" and the students compete for a
trophy. The students have one week to prepare for questions on a
specifically stated section of the Bible. The final quiz covered
the entire Bible.
This year 16 teams entered the competition and after 15 rounds of
quizzes, Peter Brazle (grade 10) and Kirk Roberts (grade 11) were
declared the winners. In the final quiz, they were opposed by Jack
Hansen (grade 12) and Anna Venini (grade 12). The last four quizzes
were very close with the winners in each case, achieving the top by
only one question. There was a great deal of excitement and drama
in the chapel during that final quiz.
The second new school activity is intercollegiate debating.
Intercollegiate debating on the high school level in Saskatchewan
is a comparatively recent activity. Students from Western had
participated in local debates in 1971 without much success but in
1972 the college attended the Provincial Debate Tournament in
Regina. Here the four debaters, Marjorie Maw, Cathie Olson, Nancy
Orr and Jack Hansen, won seven of eight debates and Jack Hansen
(grade 12) from Kansas walked off with top honours. Jack then
represented Saskatchewan in the National Debating Seminar in Fort
Saskatchewan, Alberta. There he was also chosen as the top
Saskatchewan debater. According to the Saskatchewan coach, Gordon
Cochrane, Jack placed nationally in the top 10.
President E. D. Wieb was Western's team coach with college student,
Ruth Orr (later to become a lawyer) as his assistant. The subject
of the provincial debate was "Foreign Investment in Canada," while
the topic for the National Debating Seminar was "Free Enterprise
versus Socialism."
The following year David Mann of Victoria, B.C., was the top
debater and joined the provincial team at the national tournament
in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
In 1976, Western was host to the provincial tournament. Eddie
Willett came fourth in the province but was disqualified from the
provincial team because he had not debated in the required number
of tournaments during the year. Sarah Nixon won the bronze medal in
the novice class. The novice team of Lyle Asbill and Bernard Olson
came second in the province. President E. D. Wieb organized the
1976 Provincial Debate Tournament at the college.
Now after my flight into the future, I switch back into 1972 again.
This year the student council began its most successful of marathon
races, the work-a-thon. An annual work-a-thon has been staged at
the college since that time.
Under the direction of student council president, Lew Young, some
115 students contributed 10 hours each to the physical improvement
of the campus. Grounds were raked, windows washed, classrooms,
offices, laboratories cleaned, trees planted and walls painted. The
student body divided into teams and each team under the direction
of a staff member worked with a spirit of happy co-operation. As
the day closed, the campus had taken on a new look.
Once again students had contacted friends and relatives to sponsor
them for various amounts of money per hour they worked. The
students had agreed to raise the money to redecorate the interior
of the gymnasium and to paint the exterior of the administration
building.
Because the work-a-thons have been so successful in improving our
campus and in developing school spirit, I wish to list what they
have accomplished financially during the years:
1972 paint ($5,400.00)
1973 paved street
1974 band instruments, trophy case, track and field equipment
1975 debt reduction and small projects on campus
1976 new school bus
1977 pay on new school bus
1978 half to new school bus and rest to insulating and
sheeting the skating rink ($12,225.05)
1979 insulating and sheeting skating rink plus paint
($8,989.76)
1980 court yard and repairs to roof of education building
($11,193.50.)
1981 rink floor ($8,897.60)
1982 back stop, athletic field improvements and storage
building ($6,578.00)
1983 storage building and redecorated chapel ($12,229.73)
1984 room for new student life building ($11,825.82)
1985 ($8,771.54)
1986 no fund-raising, just a work bee
1987 purchased a used van ($7,482.68)
1988 continued to pay for the van
1989 no funds raised, just a work bee
Many of the previously mentioned projects were carried out under
the direction of J. C. Murray.
For the 1978 work-a-thon, staff and faculty participated by
requesting sponsors. They received donations from the premier of
Saskatchewan, a cabinet minister, a member of the House of Commons
and from the lieutenant governor of Tennessee. Probably those
donors agree with the educator, Wm. Lyon Phelps: "...I thoroughly
believe in a university education for both men and women; but I
believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is
more valuable than a college course without the Bible."
Salute to the work-a-thon--a fine college tradition.
Now once again, after a far flight into the future, I return to
1972. During this summer the exterior of two buildings on campus
were finally painted. From the very first, when I arrived on campus
in 1957, I was unpleasantly impressed by the drab ugliness of the
weather beaten, unpainted buildings. Then as the years went by they
became even more sad looking.
Throughout the years, several unsuccessful attempts had been
launched to paint the buildings. During the lectureship in October
1965, a "Paint the Buildings" campaign was initiated. For this
purpose almost $2,000 were donated on gift night. The interior of
Wilfred Orr Hall was painted but not the exterior of any building
because the two coats of fairly good paint on the south wall of the
gymnasium had faded within a year. Thus, we continued to live in
the dreary looking buildings.
In 1972, the idea of painting the buildings came into the minds of
the student council and J. C. Murray as they hunted for a project
for the work-a-thon money. They finally decided that the inside of
the gymnasium would be completely redecorated and paint would be
purchased for the exterior of the administration building and the
gymnasium.
Under the capable direction of J. C. Murray, the newly appointed
director of development, the students, alumni from as far east as
Winnipeg, as far west as Victoria, and as far north as Prince
Albert, together with other college friends, staged two "scrape-
the-old-paint days" (August 19 and 26 in 1972) to prepare the
surface of the administration building and gymnasium. Next over 400
gallons of paint were sprayed on the two buildings.
This painting of two buildings started the paint brushes rolling so
four years later all the main buildings had been painted. The
following timetable was used:
1972 administration building and gymnasium--cream and white
1973 Torkelson Hall and staff apartments--cream and white;
student centre--brown and white
1974 staff apartments (the Red Barn)--maroon and white
1975 Hanes Hall--caramel and white; Rogers' Chapel and music
room--white and orange
The Women's Service Club gave several donations toward the painting
project. J. C. Murray sprayed all the buildings and Wesley Mann '72
painted the trimmings for three summers.
Campus dwellers are grateful to the student council, the Women's
Service Club, J. C. Murray, Wes Mann, Palmer Pederson and many
others who laboured to create a more pleasant looking campus. Only
those who lived here "before" can truly appreciate the amazing
difference "after!"
1972-1973
Enrollment: High School--122; College--13
Budget for the School Year: $303,895
Gift Night: $5,200
High School Room, Board and Tuition: $1,350
This is going to be a planning year--an optimistic dip into the
future of the college on the North Weyburn campus. To facilitate
growth and development, the college decided to have a five-man
board of administration: President Wieb, Dean David Lidbury,
Business Manager Ed Ashby, and two newly-appointed members--Dean of
Students, James Willett, and Director of Development, J. C. Murray.
As the new dean of students, Mr. Willett is in charge of the
dormitories, both students and personnel, the student centre and
canteen, the behaviour of students, the work program and is
chairman of the admissions committee.
J. C. Murray is to spearhead the long range development program.
The board of directors had previously authorized the administration
to pursue the initiation of a 25 year program of campus
development.
An architectural firm was soon engaged to study the present
facilities and to recommend "a program of phasing out the current
buildings in a gradual replacement over the next quarter of a
century." J. C. Murray presented the plan to the board of directors
and it was approved in principle.
At the annual meeting of the shareholders in June 1973, the plans
were shown and discussed briefly. The development includes saving
of certain existing buildings, preparation of grounds and zoning
for future use. By June 1973, in preparation of the grounds, 7,000
trees have been planted. The program of painting existing buildings
will continue.
Actual construction of the new buildings will take place when
finances and school growth merit it. The plan suggests that the
first new building should be a student life complex consisting of
dormitories, dining hall and student centre.
We were certain that Western Christian College had started on the
road to a great future at the North Weyburn campus.
The 1972-73 year brought not only the 25 year development program
but also our first Oriental students.
We have had overseas students before, Janette Sookoo (1969) from
Trinidad and Christopher Bathini (1969) from India, but Nobu Suzuki
from Japan and Alan Hung from Kowloon, Hong Kong, were the first of
many fine Oriental students that came in the succeeding years.
The college has appreciated the ambitious Hong Kong students that
have attended (1972-89). In 1973, 10 Oriental students enrolled. In
my Christmas letter to friends and relatives that year, I wrote, "I
am teaching Canadian history to seven eager boys from Hong Kong.
Their interest and diligence inspires more activity on the part of
the entire class."
Readers may wonder why Hong Kong students come to Canada for high
school and how and why they chose Western Christian College.
Because the university in Hong Kong is not large enough to
accommodate all students who wish to attend, many ambitious Hong
Kong young people seek enrollment in foreign universities. Although
they have studied English in high school at Hong Kong when they
enroll in Canadian universities, our universities discover their
knowledge of English is inadequate. Consequently, the universities
have decided that they will accept only Hong Kong students who have
studied at least one high school year in Canada.
The Canadian authorities furthermore have suggested that the Hong
Kong students should attend residential high schools. Attendance
there will give the students more opportunity for a necessary
association with Canadian students and consequently more
conversation in English.
I once asked a student how she chose Western Christian College. She
replied that she had written to the Saskatchewan Department of
Education requesting a list of residential schools with
descriptions of each school. After reading the list carefully, she
chose Western! In later years many of the brothers and sisters of
former Oriental students applied for entrance.
Because most of the Oriental students have been deficient in
English, the college has instituted two very beneficial programs
for them. The required daily Bible class for all Hong Kong students
is taught by J. E. Pennington. In these classes he spends a great
deal of time discussing meanings of words, often words we take for
granted that everyone knows, such as the word, "saviour." In
addition there is a regular E.S.L. (English as a second language)
course, which is a compulsory subject for all foreign students
during the first semester and optional for the second semester.
Velda Coulter and Raymona Pennington have taught the E.S.L.
classes.
In recent years (1980's) the Hong Kong students have had a special
Wednesday night Bible class at the Weyburn Church of Christ. These
classes have been taught by Doug and Cheryl Cox and Dan and Vivian
Dunn.
During the years, the Penningtons, the Olsons and the Dunns have
faithfully provided our Oriental students with "a home away from
home."
At various times, the Oriental students have entertained the
faculty, staff, and students with spectacular "Oriental Nights"
giving us a taste of their culture through food, songs, skits and
fashion shows. These celebrations are another benefit to the
Canadian students from the presence of our Oriental students.
These foreign guests in our country have caused almost no
discipline problems. There may be three reasons for this good
behaviour. In the first place, they do not wish to disappoint their
parents. Secondly, there is danger that their student visas will be
revoked if they become serious discipline problems and thirdly,
because over 90 percent of the Orientals wish to enroll in a
Canadian university, they are serious students.
Our Oriental students usually shine in mathematics and science
subjects and often struggle with history and English. However, we
have had some excellent, all-around students. In 1974, Joseph Lee
was salutatorian of the graduating class; in 1982, Gail Li was
valedictorian of the class and again in 1987, Sarah Leung Fung Li
was salutatorian.
Although most of our overseas students have studied mainly in the
high school department, a number have been enrolled in the college
liberal arts and Bible programs. Christopher Bathini from India
graduated from the two-year Bible program in 1969; Barrett Udom
from Nigeria studied one semester in the liberal arts program after
graduation from high school in 1974; Willy Chidowe from Zimbabwe
spent a year (1976-77) in the Bible department. Others that have
enrolled in post secondary courses are Alan Hung, Simon Chow, Agnes
Chau, Eddie Chau and Billy Leung.
1973-1974
Enrollment: High School--105; College--19
Budget: $303,895
High School Fees: $1,500 (annually)
Junior College: Tuition: $25 (per semester hour)
Room: $125 (per semester)
Board: $200 (per semester)
Pay For A Day: $168
Pay For A Day had previously been $120 but because of increasing
costs it has risen to $168. This means that in addition to the
board, room and tuition paid by students, $168 a day must be raised
by donations to cover the cost of financing the college.
Because President E. D. Wieb has been suffering with some health
problems, his doctors have advised that a change of scene might
benefit his health. Accordingly the board granted him a sabbatical
beginning August 1. He plans to do some travelling in United States
and Mexico, and take education classes at Oklahoma Christian
College. During his absence, one of our other administrative
officers will be the committee in charge of the college.
After an absence of eight years, John S. (Jack) Close has returned
to the staff of Western Christian College. In 1963-65, Jack had
been both dean of boys and a teacher. He has recently completed his
Ph.D. degree in chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin.
Jack brings with him his wife Karen and his son Allen.
Michael and Sandra Ensley are new members of the staff. Michael has
a Master of Arts degree in teaching, from the Vanderbilt University
in Tennessee, and Sandra has a Bachelor of Science degree in music
education. Michael's major field of study is history, and he has
done post graduate work in the field of library science.
During the summer, an underground sprinkler system was installed by
John Wedler of Chilliwack, B.C. This work was financed by the Van
Valley Alumni Chapter and the Women's Service Club of Vancouver.
At Homecoming February 1974, the Regina Alumni Chapter announced
that it had purchased a registered black angus cow. The chapter had
a unique, laughter-provoking method of announcing the purchase. It
was later described this way: "This year's presentation of alumni
scholarships and gifts was enlivened by the unannounced entry of a
cow apparently from Regina whose function was to draw attention to
their chapter's donation. The children in the audience were
delighted and even the adults were impressed with this creature's
unusual method of lying down. There were a few anxious moments,
however, as the beast on her (?) way out of the gymnasium, charged
Miss Torkelson."
Since 1970, the herd of alumni cows has grown to number over 15.
These cows are being kept at no cost to Western, by various alumni
farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Five first-time events in the history of Western occurred this
school year (1973-74): the first junior college class to be
accepted for accreditation by the University of Regina; the first
time that Western had a band; the first art classes taught in high
school; the first accreditation of a grade 12 class and teacher;
the first youth rally, held on Victoria Day weekend.
In the fall of 1973, the _Western Christian Messenger_ made this
significant announcement: "We are pleased to announce that junior
college students at Western, will be able, for the first time, to
obtain some credits from the University of Saskatchewan (Regina
Campus) for classes taken here. The University Accreditation
Committee began by accepting our Calculus 100 to be taught by Dr.
John Harvey. Two other classes are also being considered for this
semester."
This welcome announcement has resulted from several years of
planning and negotiation, spearheaded by David Lidbury. In January
1972, Principal David Lidbury and Business Manager Ed Ashby met
with Dr. John Archer, principal of the Regina Campus to present him
with a brief requesting that the university recognize the post
secondary classes taught at Western Christian College. As early as
1970, Dr. Archer had suggested that such a formal presentation be
made. The brief was the work of David Lidbury with the assistance
of E. D. Wieb at the request of the board of directors.
Following the reception of the brief, Dr. Archer was sufficiently
impressed to appoint a three-man committee to visit the college to
study the matter of recognition in greater detail. It was decided
that accreditation would be by individual class and qualifications
of its teacher rather than by judging the standards of the entire
college program. As a result of further negotiations, Dr. John
Harvey's calculus is the first class to be accredited.
Henceforth, Western will submit annually the classes for
accreditation to a University of Regina committee under the
chairmanship of Dean R. R. Robinson. Following a review by the
department heads at the university, the courses are either accepted
or rejected.
In 1976, six courses were accepted for university credit: English
(E. D. Wieb), communications (J. E. Pennington), statistics (J.
Harvey), psychology (R. Peterson), music appreciation (J. Willett)
and chemistry (J. S. Close).
In 1977, art history (L. M. Torkelson) and in 1981, history (M.
Ensley) were added to the accredited list.
Therefore, Dr. Harvey's accreditation in calculus in 1973 was the
beginning of Western's growth as an accredited liberal arts
institution. Dr. Harvey is also the first teacher at Western with
a Ph.D. degree (received from Montana State University).
John Harvey and his wife Carol with their three children, Janna,
John J. and Jamie moved to North Weyburn during the summer of 1972
from Byron, Wyoming, where he had been employed as a teacher. In
addition to teaching mathematics at Western, John with the aid of
his wife was supervisor of Hanes Hall last year. He also assisted
in the business office during his first year at Western.
Sandra Whitehead Ensley a graduate of David Lipscomb College,
Nashville, organized Western's first band in the fall of 1973, with
17 students: Paul Brazle, Willy Chidowe, Brenda Goodwin, Roberta
Goud, Norman Hope, Miriam Husband, Shelley Jacobs, Sherry Kleppe,
Dick Lindell, Sarah Nixon, Marjorie Olson, Wilfred Olson, Walter
Orr, Ian Rich, Robin Shook, Eddie Willett, and Lyonell Young. The
first concert, on November 31, was at a home basketball game. The
selections included "O Canada" and "Men of Harlech."
The students with their walk-a-thon, together with the Women's
Service Club, raised almost $2,000 to match a Saskatchewan
government grant to purchase a tenor saxophone, the French horn,
euphonium, bass, timpani and bass drum. Chapters of alumni and
Women's Service Club also donated instruments.
The band gained credit status during its second year. It has
participated in the Weyburn Music Festival annually since 1976. The
band holds several concerts during the year, besides playing on
lectureship weekend, at homecoming and at youth rally. In the fall
of 1982, Sandra formed a smaller group called the Jazz Ensemble,
which is popular. Sandra has directed the band each year since
1973, except when she had a year's leave of absence to work on her
Master's degree in music education from the University of Brandon.
In September 1973, Roland Olson introduced art classes in high
school. He taught drawing, photography, pottery, calligraphy,
macrame and batik. Later, oil painting, water colour and art
history were added.
The art classes were well received by the students. When they were
added to Western's curriculum, I was delighted. The classes gave an
added interest for students who are neither sports-minded nor
music-minded.
One afternoon I asked Gail Li how she planned to spend a certain
half-day holiday, and she replied with a gay lilt in her voice,
"I'm going to spend all afternoon in the art room!"
The first art room was the very inadequate, dilapidated workshop
behind Morgan Cafeteria. There is good running water in this
superior fine arts building. Roland Olson is kept running to the
cafeteria for water! The Sinclair Vocational Arts building was a
very welcome change for both teacher and students when the art
classes moved there in 1980. One student said that the new art room
was larger and better equipped than the one in a Regina collegiate
where he had attended previously. In 1979, Roland Olson added short
courses in art history to each grade. The art history was relevant
to the world history that each grade studied:
Grade 10: Ancient Greek--Roman--Early Christian Byzantine--
Renaissance
Grade 11: Baroque through modern European art
Grade 12: Canadian art
My slides were used and in the first two years I taught the high
school art history, but since then Roland Olson has taught the
classes.
During the summer of 1973, I attended the Saskatchewan Teachers'
Federation Professional Exchange Seminar in Saskatoon. Afterwards
I was considered as fully accredited in grade 12 history. That
meant that I would compose the final examination for my students in
that subject as well as have the privilege of marking the
examinations myself!
In 1969, the department of education had changed the evaluation
system for grade 12. There was to be partial accreditation for all
teachers of all grade 12 subjects in which the department-prepared,
machine-scored examinations were given; teachers assigned 50
percent of the student's final mark and the department assigned 50
percent.
This type of examination (machine-scored) seemed to be suitable for
my mathematics classes, but my students in history did not fare so
well as they had when the examination had been partly essay type.
That is why I attended the Professional Exchange Seminar in 1973,
to gain full accreditation. The results benefitted the students,
but by 1977, I had become so tired of correcting grade 12 final
examinations that I quit teaching history! No faculty member has
since used his full accreditation status.
Another "first" for this school year (1973-74) is the Youth Rally
on May 24, 25, 26. Because it is the first Youth Rally at the
college, I shall describe it in considerable detail.
Under the direction of J. C. Murray, the student council organized
this rally to replace the Prospective Students' Day that had been
in existence for several years.
The song leader for the rally was Gary Mabry from Abilene, Texas.
He had recently written ~Blue Skies and Rainbows." The keynote
speaker was Doug Kostowski of Inglewood, California.
Friday night was devoted to registration, devotionals, singing
groups and discussion.
On Saturday there were three main talks, ("What I Believe," "Why I
Believe," "How to Share What I Believe"), a band concert,
introduction of faculty, and a singing group.
Then Saturday evening the musical "Oliver," directed by junior
college student, Paul Brazle was presented. The musical was
followed by a bonfire and devotional near The Rock.
After church service Sunday morning, the guests left for home.
The first youth rally was voted a decided success. Because a
successful event advertises itself, attendance at the youth rallies
increased throughout the years. Van loads of young people would
come from as far away as Vancouver. Many alumni attended so that
youth rally became almost a second homecoming. Joining lectureship,
homecoming, and graduation, the event became the fourth large
annual gathering held at Western.
"Oliver" was Western's first musical. Presenting the musical at
youth rally became an annual event. The musicals (The Sound of
Music, Brigadoon, Oklahoma, The King and I, etc.) have probably
been the big drawing card for adults to attend the youth rally.
They have been time-consuming projects but also excellent projects
for developing co-operation and leader ship skills. Marge Roberts
and J. C. Murray have been the chief staff members involved with
the musicals.
To present a school musical was the dream of students Paul Brazle,
Peter Brazle and Doug Ashby. When they first ventured to suggest
the project to administrative personnel, they were denied
permission. It is likely that the faculty concerned, considered
that they were already overburdened with work without adding
another task, and furthermore that the presentation of a full
length musical was too immense a project for a school of such
limited enrollment as Western. Finally, after persuasive arguments,
the boys were allowed to proceed if they could persuade a staff
member to assist them. After hearing their plans, J. C. Murray
agreed to help. J. C. says, "Actually the boys basically did the
first musical themselves."
You will note that the staff member at Western assisted the student
director rather than the student being the assistant as would have
been the case in most collegiates. In this way the musical
production at Western has been unique.
After 44 years of teaching, I officially retired from full-time
teaching at the end of June, 1974. For another eight years I
continued part-time teaching, Canadian history for three years and
art history until December, 1982. At that time, the art history
course was being changed drastically at the university and I was
not qualified to teach the new course.
It was a lucky stroke for me to get into the art history field in
the first place. Jim Pennington had been the college art
appreciation teacher. When he went to Abilene in 1971, to work on
his Master of Divinity degree, I asked to teach the subject. The
surprising answer was a simple, "Yes." I did not have a good
background for teaching a college-level art appreciation course. My
chief qualification was a deep, lifelong interest in the subject.
However, that year started 10 of the most interesting years of
teaching and study in my life. During those years, I enlarged
Western's art history and appreciation library and developed my own
library. I studied two art history university courses at Vancouver
and Regina and expanded my slide collection of art masterpieces to
number over 1,000. Former students travelling in Europe assisted me
greatly in that hobby.
Still, I did officially retire from full-time teaching in June
1974!
1974-1975
Enrollment: 134--1st semester, 140--2nd semester
Graduating Class: 55
Budget: $349,250
(There are 39 students attending Western this year who are sons and
daughters of alumni.)
At its March, 1974 meeting, the board of directors announced that
Glen Dods has been appointed president of the college. He is to
commence duties August 1. Glen Dods is the third president of the
college since its organization in 1945.
Glen Dods was born in Kincaid, Saskatchewan, in 1937. After high
school, he held several positions of sales and management in the
business world. In 1961, he entered Freed-Hardeman College,
Henderson, Tennessee, to study for the ministry. From 1963-68, the
Dods family worked with the church in Dauphin, Manitoba.
In July 1968, the Dods moved to Edmonton where Glen preached until
moving to Weyburn in August of this year. During his Edmonton
years, Glen took a 10 month leave of absence to attend Oklahoma
Christian College.
Glen and his wife Gwen have four children, Danny, Tim, Jacki and
Janet. Danny (grade 10) and Tim (grade 9) are students at Western
Christian College.
After living three years in Eastland, Texas, the Jim Pennington
family has returned to Canada. Besides completing his studies for
his Master of Divinity degree at Abilene Christian College, Mr.
Pennington preached at Eastland during his years of absence. At
Western he will be chairman of the Bible department.
After a year's absence, the Wieb family returned to Western where
Dan Wieb has become a full-time teacher.
Lectureship was unique this year as all the main speakers and
teachers were alumni. Here is a list in order of their appearance
on the program: Ray McMillan '58 of Kennedy, Saskatchewan; Walter
Straker '53 of Bozeman, Montana; John C. Bailey '53 of Hurst,
Texas; Elvin Meakes '68 of Memphis, Tennessee; Verner Ulrich '61 of
Garland, Texas; Lynn Anderson '55 of Abilene, Texas, and Betty
Roemer '40 returned missionary from Germany and Austria.
President Dods reorganized the administration this fall. David
Lidbury was appointed dean of the college. He will be responsible
for all operations that affect the lives and activities of the
students. In addition, he is responsible for the entire operation
of the college when President Dods is absent. Under Dean Lidbury's
direction, James Willett will serve as Chairman of Student Affairs
and Jim Pennington as Chairman of the Bible Department.
The board of directors has decided to restrict the number of
overseas students to approximately 10 percent of the total
enrollment. The board has also levied a per semester ($270)
surcharge upon overseas students. The main argument in favour of
such action is that operational expenses are paid partly by
donations from Canadians and Americans but there are no donations
from other foreign countries and the college is going into debt. I
think that it is unwise to have such a surcharge because it may be
construed as a form of racial discrimination when the overseas
students are all from one area, as at present.
A radical change in the supervision of the Bible department
occurred this fall. The Board of Directors of Western Christian
College asked the elders of the Weyburn church to oversee the Bible
teaching of the college. Since that time the elders have assumed
responsibility for staff, financing and curriculum of all Bible
classes.
While attending Memphis School of Preaching, Ernest Andreas visited
many congregations in Tennessee and persuaded them to assist
financially with the Bible teaching at Western. For a number of
years now (1989), Jim Pennington travelled each year through
Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Oklahoma or Texas to report to
congregations that assisted the Bible program financially.
In the college Bible department (in 1974) when the elders of the
Weyburn church assumed control, there was a two-year program
including speech, New Testament Greek and textual studies. High
school students have a daily Bible class. The high school students
take six Bible classes each year. A Bible quiz is given at the
beginning of the school year to determine which courses they should
take.
Western students have always been interested in sports. Because it
is a residential school, the students need organized activities to
keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. Thus, the
intercollegiate team sports of basketball, volleyball, and hockey
(inter town) have been played for many years.
However, there was one important sporting event in the spring of
1975 that was not connected with either intercollegiate or
intramural sports. It certainly was a unique event in the sporting
history of the college. It was the Leapfrogging Marathon.
Fourteen boys set a new world record (lost within a month) when
they leapfrogged for 110 miles from Weyburn to Regina and back to
Milestone. Their feat has been described in the daily papers of the
province and even on the national television news. The leapfroggers
were George Fowler, Glen Elford, David Jacobs, Brian Olson, Kerry
Roberts, Kim Straker, Nobu Suzuki, Allan Wieb, David Sigle, Danny
Goud, Willy Chidowe, David Pennington, Lyn Meter, Ken Heywood and
Duncan Perry (helper). Rick Davies was the driver of the van that
went with the leapfroggers. George Fowler and Brian 01son were the
head frogs, meaning that they organized the sporting activity.
The motto of the leapfroggers was "One small leap for man, one
giant hop for frog kind!!"
1975-1976
THE THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Enrollment: 161
Budget: $416,500
High School Fees: $1,680
College Fees:
Tuition: $25 (per semester hour)
Room: $135 (per semester)
Board: $255 (per semester)
The largest student body in the history of Western thus far
enrolled this fall. There are 21 students in junior college
classes. Four are enrolled in Bible courses and 13 are working
towards Associate in Arts degrees. The students come from the four
western provinces, and the North West Territories in Canada, six
states of United States, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Japan and Hong Kong.
On September 2, the official opening of the 30th Anniversary year
was held in Rogers' Chapel. In his address, President Dods used the
text, "For all the promises of God find their yes in him...." (II
Cor. 1:20). The president suggested that this text should be the
motto of the college during the 30th Anniversary year. It will be
the "Year of the Yes."
Several changes in the Bible program are occurring this fall. The
junior college program is restructured to offer three courses for
which diplomas and certificates will be awarded: a two-year
Biblical Studies course; a two-year Christian Education course and
a one-year Christian Service course. The Biblical Studies course
includes Greek. The Christian Education course provides training
for service in Bible teaching, camp work, VBS and youth work. A
high school diploma is not required to enroll in any of these Bible
courses.
High school and college students are encouraged to join one or more
of the three interest groups: the Christian Service Laboratory, the
Timothy Boys, and the Evangelism class.
The 1975-76 project for the Christian Service Laboratory is the JOY
School directed by Mark Brazle, youth minister of the Weyburn
church. Mark teaches a high school Bible class at Western to train
workers for the JOY School. There are 22 students in this class at
Western.
The Timothy Boys are under the direction of Clinton Brazle. Brother
Brazle has had this group every year since he came to Weyburn to be
minister of the local congregation in 1963. The Timothy Boys are
given training so that they can participate in public worship. The
Timothys not only meet weekly for training, but also frequently go
to nearby smaller congregations to help with various facets of the
worship service.
The Evangelism class also has both in-class training and out-of-
class activities. J. C. Murray leads this group in door-to-door
campaign work and group evangelism. This first year, the class is
assisting in various evangelistic activities at Radville, Wawota,
Sidney and Plentywood.
Later, in 1976, out of the larger evangelism class, J. C. Murray
organized a core group of 10 to 12 young people to visit and sing
in hospitals, senior citizens' apartment buildings, and nursing
homes. As the years went by, this group became known as the very
popular Sonshine singers. At first, the elders of the Weyburn
church sponsored Sonshine, but in 1980, it became one of the music
groups of Western Christian College.
Now back to 1975. On Mondays, Albert Kleppe motored to Regina to
teach a credit Bible class, an extension course of Western
Christian College. Some of the Regina class are working to complete
their Christian Service Certificate and Biblical Studies Diploma
for the 30th Anniversary graduation. Approximately 40 are attending
the class in Regina and about 20 are attending the night class on
the North Weyburn campus. Several adults are driving from Estevan
each week to attend the campus night credit class.
David McMillan was appointed Assistant to the President in January,
1976. David is the fourth son of Willie and Marie McMillan of
Kennedy, Saskatchewan. He graduated from Western in 1968. After
graduating from Oklahoma Christian College, he went to Shillong,
India, and taught at Alpha Bible College for about two years. Since
his return to Canada, he has been employed by the Saskatchewan
Department of Education as a field co-ordinator in adult education.
David is married to the former Heather Brown of Moose Jaw.
Because it is expensive for parents with modest incomes to send
their children to Western, I am sure that they welcomed President
Dods' article on the tax advantage in the _Messenger_ this year.
"All fees paid by/for a student pursuing a course of study in
religion may be treated as charitable donations and all fees paid
for a student by a person other than parents or guardian qualify as
charitable donations." This tax advantage has continued for many
years.
A worthy goal of the board of directors during this anniversary
year was to clear the college of all indebtedness. A mammoth fund-
raising drive was launched during lectureship. In addition to the
usual gift night, to visiting all members of the college society
and members of the church in western Canada and the northern United
States, and to encouraging alumni chapters, several new fund-
raising tactics are to be used this year: an auction sale, sale of
commemorative coins, and a phone-a-thon.
A giant auction sale was held in the skating rink at the college on
May 1. David McMillan organized the sale. He and Sam Hawkins,
alumni president, encouraged shareholders, alumni and friends to
donate articles for the sale. Bob Goud of Estevan was the
auctioneer.
After the auction, the alumni enjoyed supper together, followed by
softball games. It was certainly a successful social event, even if
not as much money had been realized from this venture as desired.
However, all funds received were welcome.
Colin Rich from Edmonton suggested to the president and the board
of directors that money could be raised by selling silver
commemorative coins.
The coins are one troy ounce of pure silver. On the face of the
coin is stamped an open Bible, a lighted torch, the name "Western
Christian College" and the date "1945-1975." On the back of the
coin is another open Bible on which is printed "Thy Word is Truth"
and the words "Bible Centered Education" together with the weight
and purity. Ten thousand of these coins were minted in the United
States. John Murray says the coins arrived in five-gallon pails and
that those pails were heavy!
Each coin sold for $20 and a paper weight containing an embedded
coin sold for $25. These coins soon became a popular money maker.
People bought them for souvenirs, for gifts and as an investment.
Some ladies attached one to a silver chain for use as a necklace.
The final 30th Anniversary year effort to become debt free was the
phone-a-thon beginning June 1. Alumni and friends of the college
were contacted by telephone to acquaint them with the 30th
Anniversary goal. About $70,000 were still needed. Although the
goal was not completely reached, both President Dods and David
McMillan were very pleased with the success of the phone-a-thon. By
the time the June issue of the _Messenger_ went to print, $25,198
had been raised or pledged by telephone and all the telephoning was
not yet completed.
David McMillan, who headed the phone-a-thon, believed that other
benefits from the effort were encouraging. The mailing list had
been updated more completely.
At the annual meeting, President Dods said that out of Western's
approximately 1,300 alumni, the college had lost contact with about
450 and nearly 100 of these lost alumni had been located through
the phone-a-thon. President Dods gave special thanks to Larry Good,
Lew Young and Sam Hawkins who assisted David McMillan and J. C.
Murray on the telephones.
At the time of the annual meeting on June 19, 1976, the long term
indebtedness with bank, individuals and bonds was $127,000, but the
board hoped to reduce this amount before the close of the fiscal
year (July 31, 1976).
In the September issue of the _Messenger_, it was stated that our
outstanding long-term indebtedness had been reduced to
approximately $41,600.
Obtaining sufficient money to operate a private Christian school is
always a struggle; however, the benefits to the young people, in
particular, and consequently to the church, in general, make the
struggle well worthwhile.
At the annual meeting, votes of appreciation were given to Glen and
Gwen Dods, Norman and Hazel Straker, Palmer and Sophie Pedersen and
J. C. Murray.
1976-1977
Enrollment: 202
Gift Night: $12,665
Budget: $498,700
(The 1956 budget was $31,000)
High School Student Fees: $1,800
(Six classes in the college receive University of Regina
credit--a first for Western!)
On September 30, the enrollment was divided as follows:
grade 9--24 grade 10--31
grade 11--56 grade 12--63
junior college--25
Three other students enrolled later. This enrollment shows an
increase of 25 percent over last year's attendance. There are 84
girls and 115 boys. Twenty students are from Hong Kong and one each
come from Zimbabwe, Belgium and Japan.
By the end of June (1977), 26 students had either withdrawn or been
expelled. There had been an unexpected influx of students, causing
overcrowding in the dorms and also an overworked staff. It is
difficult to assimilate a diverse group of 25 percent increase
without some problems. In spite of headaches and problems that
always go hand in hand with educating adolescents, the college
graduated 52 fine students and sent out nine missionary
apprentices.
General Proficiency Scholarships ($200) were awarded by the
provincial government to Ronda Kemp '76, Sarah Nixon '76, and Eddie
Willett '76. This year Eddie Willett was also a Governor-General
Medal winner. Only one other student, Melinda Brazle '66, had won
this award before Eddie.
After 16 years at Western Christian College, David Lidbury resigned
in June 1976, to accept the principalship of a school at
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
Sam Hawkins '69 resigned as teacher in June and rejoined the staff
in August as assistant to the president with responsibilities in
the areas of public relations, fund-raising, publications, and
alumni relations.
Joining the teaching faculty this fall are Dick and Sue
Kirkpatrick, Garth Parry, Raymona Pennington, and Marge Roberts.
Dick and Sue Kirkpatrick have arrived from Abilene, Texas, where he
has been attending university. Sue recently received her Master's
degree from Baylor University. Dick and Sue became interested in
coming to Canada through Sue's friendship with Jill Brazle, whose
husband Mark is youth minister for the Weyburn church.
Garth Parry of Ogema, Saskatchewan has become dorm director at
Hanes Hall and a part time teacher. Garth received his Bachelor of
Arts degree (1971) and his Bachelor of Education degree (1975) from
the University of Regina and he has three years of teaching
experience.
Raymona Pennington has been on campus since 1968, and she did teach
a few college classes during her first three years here. This year
she is teaching high school English.
Marge Roberts' job description changed this year. Since 1968, she
has been in charge of Torkelson Hall, and now she has become dean
of student life and a part-time teacher.
During the 30th Anniversary school year, the ladies of the Weyburn
chapter of the Women's Service Club, under the capable direction of
Hazel Straker, made an anniversary quilt in the school colours,
green and white. The quilt consisted of 30 blocks, hand embroidered
to show major events in the history of R.C.C. and Western. It was
sold at auction at the fall fair during lectureship for $1,000.
Lois Olson and I had planned to buy it together, but the price
passed our limit in about 15 seconds. I contend that the price
climbed to $1,000 in less time than it had taken to sell a jar of
apple jelly for 40 cents a few minutes earlier!
It was sold to Don Rude '52 from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I was
pleased that an alumnus had purchased it. Imagine my surprise when
the quilt was presented to me next day. It seems that a number of
Western's friends had decided to purchase the quilt for that
purpose and Don was the designated bidder. The quilt is a treasured
keepsake and some day it will go to Western's archives.
The Colin Rich family moved to the campus in the early winter of
1976, from Edmonton. Colin and Ellen had been born and educated in
Great Britain and had emigrated to Canada in the mid 1960's. They
were well acquainted with President Dods, who had been minister for
the Edmonton church before coming to Western. In 1975, Mr. Rich was
elected to the board of directors of the college for a three-year
term.
Colin Rich came to be business manager of the college. In that
position he is responsible for all fiscal arrangements, campus
management, and ancillary staff. The maintenance staff is
responsible to Mr. Rich. His wife Ellen is one of the cooks in
Morgan Cafeteria.
Their daughter Kim graduated from Western in 1975, and their sons,
Ian and Neil are in high school at the college now. Their younger
daughters, Fiona and Allison are attending school in Weyburn.
The board has decided that this will be the last year that grade 9
will be offered at the college. A few years ago the Saskatchewan
Department of Education adopted the division system and grade 9 is
the final year of division three. It is rather difficult to relate
the grade 9 program to division four (high school). In addition, it
is sometimes difficult for such young students to be living away
from home. Therefore, it has been decided that this group of 24
grade niners will be the last ones for the college.
The alumni are often thinking of unique ways of raising money for
their alma mater. This year Wilfred Rogers '57 and Calvin Elford
'60 chose to make the 160 mile trip from Manson to the campus for
homecoming by snowmobile (skidoo). When the other Manson alumni
heard of their plan, they used it as a fund-raising project.
Various alumni promised to donate specific amounts of money to
Western if Wilfred and Calvin were able to skidoo all the way. They
succeeded in their rather cool venture and at Homecoming 1977,
Saturday night, February 5, the Manson chapter presented their
cheque for over $1,000.
In 1977, Lyle Asbill became the third and final student from
Western to become part of Saskatchewan's team that went to the
National Debating Seminar. This year the debating seminar was held
at St. Catherines, Ontario.
Special training classes to prepare young people as missionary
apprentices began in January 1977 at the college under the
direction of the elders of the Weyburn church.
This idea of special training for missionary apprentices developed
from the success of the missionary apprentices sent to Belgium
since 1972. At the request of Roy Davison '58 at Roeselare,
Belgium, the church sent Mark Brazle (January 1972) and Wendell
Bailey (August 1972) to Belgium and one or more each year for many
of the following years.
The success of this venture inspired the Bible department of the
college and the elders of the church to organize the A.C.T.S.
program under the leadership of Clinton Brazle, J. C. Murray and J.
E. Pennington.
Each letter of the word A.C.T.S. has special meaning in terms of
the program: A is for action; C is for cultural training; T is for
training in actual working conditions; S is for service. The
program stresses action because it involves more than simply
classroom training. A two hour session is conducted each week and
the training continues for 14 weeks. Clinton Brazle is co-ordinator
of the program. In addition, the students are involved with the
church bus ministry and/or a singing group such as "Sonshine."
In May 1977, a dedication service was held and nine young
Christians were charged by the elders of the Weyburn church to the
task of ministry. John Smith will go to Belgium and the other eight
students form a team that will work two by two with the four
congregations of greater Vancouver: Doug Ashby, Peter Brazle, Hope
Coulter, Roberta Goud, Jim Mann, Twyla Mansell, Patti Wilson, and
Marylee Seifert.
These eight missionary apprentices will serve in Vancouver for one
year. As part of their year, they will take a class in "Canadian
Restoration History" (an extension class from Western) taught by
Jim Hawkins, who lives in Delta, B.C.
Besides Vancouver and Belgium, in later years apprentices have been
placed in Edmonton, Calgary, Vernon, Victoria, Nanaimo, Saskatoon,
Regina, Winnipeg, Weyburn, and Sidney (Montana) to make a total of
more than 50 students. Now, a return to 1977.
On June 18, an event occurred at the college that is connected with
the very roots of Western Christian College. This is the "Minton
Bible School Reunion." The Minton Summer Bible School in 1931 was
the forerunner of the Ogema-Radville Winter Bible Schools which
were the forerunners of Radville Christian College (1945-57) which
was the forerunner of Western Christian College (a rather
long-winded sentence but true in fact!).
At Minton in 1931, members of the church of Christ conducted a
three-week summer Bible school for young adults in the home of
Wilfred and Pearl Orr. This was the first summer Bible school
conducted by churches of Christ in Saskatchewan and possibly in all
of Canada. The principal was Wilfred Orr and other organizers and
teachers were Pearl Orr, Charles Petch and Lillian Torkelson.
On June 18, 1977, at the J. C. Bailey Resource Centre at Western,
38 guests gathered for this reunion of teachers, students, and
frequent visitors.
For the program, Cecil T. Bailey of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was master
of ceremonies. Presentations were made to Wilfred Orr, to Helen
Peterson on behalf of her deceased grandfather, Charles Petch, to
Mrs. Luella Graham and my mother, Mrs. Hulda Jacobson, who were the
bread bakers of the school, and to me. My plaque contained the
statement, "A dream that grew."
Pearl Orr read the Minton school prophecy. Souvenir Bible plaques,
made by Raymond Churchill of Weyburn, were given to all the guests.
Much of the evening was devoted to amusing and serious
reminiscences of the 1931 school.
In June, the board of directors made the surprise announcement that
President Glen O. Dods had resigned after three years of service.
The board expressed regret.
"We are truly sorry to see Mr. Dods leave at this time," stated
Chairman Harold Orr, "but at the same time we must be cognizant of
his accomplishments during his time with us. Our overall debt has
been reduced to a minimal amount, our budgets have been balanced
and our student body increased."
Mr. Dods stated that when he accepted the position of president, he
had not intended it to be his life work and he felt that now seemed
to be a good time to leave as the school has reached a point where
physical development and long range planning are necessary.
Staff members leaving at the end of this school year: Glen O. Dods,
Sam Hawkins, Norman and Hazel Straker, Palmer Pederson, Larry and
Gayle Good, and Alma Schiller.
1977-1978
Enrollment: 187
(Ten percent withdrawn or expelled by the end of the school
term. Largest enrollment thus far in liberal arts--Bible
department with 30 students)
Gift Night: $16,600
Budget: $606,400 (later revised to $566,000)
High School Fees: $1,910
(No grade 9 class for the first time in the history of the
College.)
Seven junior college classes are now accredited by the University
of Regina. There are 120 students enrolled in the large chorus and
64 in grade 12, the largest graduating class Western has ever had.
George and Virginia Westerman came to the college in the summer of
1977 from Edmond, Oklahoma, where George was employed by L and S
Bearings as plant manager. Their daughter Karen (Mrs. Jack Close)
is the girls' supervisor in College Hall; their daughter Deborah
'67 married Howard McMaster '67 and lives in North Battleford,
while their daughter Betsy will graduate at Western next June.
George Westerman is the new maintenance supervisor at the college.
Warren and Linda King came to the college from Hillsboro, North
Dakota, where Warren was working in the chemistry laboratory of a
potato factory. Linda will look after the student centre while
Warren will be employed in the maintenance area. Linda is the
daughter of Dan and Dorothy Wieb. After she graduated from Western
in 1967, she attended York College. There she met fellow student
Warren King.
Brian Olson of Ogema will be the dorm director of Orr Hall as he
continues his studies in the post secondary classes of the college.
In the office, Arbutus Tetreau and Marie Ulrich will work along
with bookkeeper, Linda Abraham.
Arbutus Tetreau had been employed in Regina before she came to
Western in 1970. She was employed here as a secretary until 1976.
Now she returns to become postmistress and clerk-manager of the
college bookstore.
Marie Ulrich of Weyburn, a 1974 graduate from Western, attended
Lubbock Christian College two years before her employment began at
Western.
Linda Abraham is another Edmonton lady persuaded by Glen Dods and
Colin Rich to fill a need in the office here.
There is no president this school term. The college functions have
been divided into three distinct departments which work in co-
operation with each other under the direction of the board
executive.
Dean E. D. Wieb heads the academic and student life department and
he is assisted by vice-principal, James Willett and dean of student
life, Marjorie Roberts.
Colin Rich heads the business and maintenance department and J. C.
Murray is in charge of public relations.
The executive of the board consists of chairman, Harold Orr, vice-
chairman, Jim Hawkins, and secretary, Ernest Andreas.
A highlight during gift night of the fall lectureship was the
presentation by 17 children from pre-school age through junior
high. These children, from North Weyburn and Weyburn families,
entered the auditorium singing Western's school song, "Ho My
Comrades" and waving flags indicating the year that each would
graduate from Western. The graduation years ranged from 1982 to
1990. It was a heart warming sight to see this optimistic vision of
the future.
Our students have travelled thousands of miles to games and choral
concerts and we have been very fortunate not to have had a serious
accident. However, in November 1977, there was one accident that
caused some injuries and we are so thankful that they were not more
serious.
This is the account of the accident written in the _Weyburn
Review_:
"Eleven students from Western Christian College were
injured Thursday evening, November 10, when their van
left highway 13 and rolled twice, two miles west of
Stoughton.
"Dan Wieb, W.C.C. principal, said the students were
returning from a volleyball tournament in Lampman about
7:00 p.m. when the van went out of control.
"Three students were thrown through windows as the van
rolled twice in the right hand side of the ditch. The
college bus driven by Garth Parry, was following the van
when the accident occurred.
"It was not involved in the accident, but drove into the
ditch to offer assistance.
"Driver of the van, Kent Wieb, suffered severe facial and
scalp lacerations and was released from Weyburn hospital
Friday.
"Ron Johnson, Edmonton, Alta; Ron Hickox, Gravelbourg;
Mike Oberg, Lumsden, and Jeff Straker, Yellowknife,
N.W.T. received sprains and bruises and were released
from hospital Saturday.
"Heather Peterson, Rick Farr, Hugh Manson and Dennis Lam
were examined and released late Thursday evening.
"Two students, Lester Meetoos, 18, Turtleford, and Paula
Carpenter, Sioux Falls, S.D. were also taken to the
Weyburn Hospital but were later transferred to the Regina
Plains Hospital. Mr. Meetoos suffered head and neck
injuries and facial lacerations while Miss Carpenter
suffered a broken forearm and bruises. Both are reported
in satisfactory condition.
"The cause of the accident is still unknown and R.C.M.P.
are investigating."
The Weyburn Young Fellows Club presented Morgan Cafeteria with 20
tables on January 26, 1978.
Elizabeth Lock '52 (Mrs. Ray) won "the longest distance" award at
homecoming in February. She had come 11,000 miles from Papua New
Guinea to attend homecoming.
Alumni chapters presented a total of $8,000 to the kitchen project
which was the chosen project of the alumni for 1977-78.
The worst blizzard of the winter came howling onto the campus
during Sunday of homecoming weekend. Roads were completely blocked.
There were 28 people staying at the Roland and Lois Olson home
until Thursday when the storm had worn out. Those visitors said
that their stay at Olson's made the 1978 homecoming an
unforgettable experience.
In March 1978, Scott Roberts, the student council president was
presented the keys to the new school bus purchased from Augey Bus
Co. Ltd. This bus was purchased by the Western Christian College
student body and mostly paid by funds raised in their work-a-thon.
At the annual meeting in June 1978, an amendment regarding the
board of directors was proposed and adopted. Henceforth, the board
shall have 10 elected members with two being elected each year for
five-year terms. The board shall have a maximum of three appointed
members for two-year terms at any one time. The president of the
college and the president of the alumni association shall be ex
officio members. The term of office of some board members will vary
during a period of transition.
Some readers may wonder who is qualified to vote for directors.
Western Christian College is owned and operated by members of a
corporation which has special qualifications for membership. When
the college was organized in 1946, a member had to be 18 years of
age, a member of the church of Christ in good standing and had to
pay a five dollar fee. This membership was for life unless he/she
had withdrawn from the church of Christ or had been withdrawn from
by his/her local congregation.
In 1964, it was decided to make membership annually renewable.
Original members could retain membership under the old rule but
many voluntarily changed to the annually renewable membership.
In 1978, the regulation is that an application for new or renewed
membership shall be accompanied or preceded by a $20 donation in
the calendar year.
Six students maintained an average over 90 percent throughout the
1977-78 year: Barbara Drader from Estevan, Bernard Olson from North
Weyburn, Hugh Manson from Brandon, Manitoba, Pamela Mann from
Victoria, B.C., Kenton Hoimyr from Weyburn, and James Pennington
from North Weyburn.
There will be some staff changes this fall. Virginia Westerman will
take charge of the student centre; Shelley Jacobs '77, daughter of
Floyd and Marion Jacobs, and Lorlie Johnson '77, granddaughter of
Norman and Hazel Straker will be assistant cooks.
1978-1979
Enrollment: 136
(This enrollment included 23 from Hong Kong, 8 native students and
21 in the liberal arts--Bible department)
Gift Night: $23,168.70
Budget: $656,598
Pay For A Day: $300
High School Fees: $2,230
On August 1, Max Mowrer from Beamsville, Ontario, assumed office as
the fourth president of the college.
Max and Mildred Mowrer are not newcomers to the campus as they had
been employed in 1965-67 as teacher and dormitory supervisor
respectively. They had left the college then to return to Japan
where Mr. Mowrer became the principal of the high school section
(900 students) of Ibaraki Christian College. There was a need there
and as Mr. Mowrer could speak Japanese, he believed his duty lay
there. After four years in Japan, because of new government
regulations and administrative changes at the college, Max Mowrer
no longer considered it necessary to stay. He and his wife returned
to Canada in 1971, and Mr. Mowrer became the principal of Great
Lakes Christian College. He remained in this position until coming
to Western as president.
When he accepted the position as president at Western, he spoke of
the tremendous need for prayer on behalf of the college by
individuals as well as by groups. "Unless the Lord build a house,
they labour in vain who build it," he said.
When the Mowrers arrived on campus, Mrs. Mowrer did not have a
specific job, but it was not long before she made herself very
useful in the print shop and in the administration office. She is
a good volunteer.
The new clerk-secretary in the business office is Evelee Bien
MacKinnon. Evelee Bien had been employed in the business office for
three years after she graduated from the business course at the
college in 1960. Later she became a farmer's wife (Mrs. Charles
MacKinnon) and lived at Yellow Grass. Charles and Evelee have two
children, Pamela and Grant.
For the first time in the history of the college, the skating rink
was used for the fall lectureship and one of the largest crowds of
the brotherhood in western Canada to assemble under one roof
occurred this Thanksgiving weekend. Over 1,000 were in attendance.
Not only did the annual lectureship move from the gymnasium but
also high school graduation banquet and exercises. Since 1982, the
skating rink has been used for these events and for farewell
entertainments. Audiences of 1,500 have been accommodated for
various functions.
In order to make the rink suitable for lectures, banquets and
farewells, extensive improvements had to be wrought throughout the
years.
Originally built and used as a drill hall for Commonwealth air men
during World War II, this building was used by the Saskatchewan
Hospital for a laundry for a few years. The college bought it in
1964, and until 1978, it had been used primarily as an ice surface
for hockey and pleasure skating.
Various organizations in Weyburn have been very helpful with
renovations. In 1973, the Weyburn Young Fellows Club presented
Roland Olson with a substantial cheque to help defray renovating
expenses (to provide new side boards). The donation was part of
their project in connection with Weyburn's Jubilee celebrations
that year. At that time the Weyburn Minor Hockey Association used
Western's rink for practice and games.
Major changes were completed in the fall of 1974 and early 1975.
During homecoming 1976, on Saturday, February 8, the renovated rink
was officially opened by Weyburn's Deputy Mayor, Sam Beggs. Under
the direction of J. C. Murray, the rink had received new dressing
room facilities, score clock and lighting. Funds for the project
were raised by donations largely from the Weyburn community with
work being done by staff and volunteers at the college. Brian
Cocks, formerly assistant manager of a local bank, co-ordinated the
project and was on hand for the ceremony. Weyburn M.L.A. Auburn
Pepper was present to address the nearly 200 persons present for
the opening.
Before the skating rink could be used for lectureship in 1978,
further extensive renovations were made. The _Weyburn Review_ makes
this comment in an October issue:
"Renovations totalling $52,000 during the past five years
have provided for new warming rooms, dressing rooms,
washrooms, boards, a score clock, new lights, insulation,
sheeting, painted walls, fire exits and infrared heating
in the Western Christian College skating rink."
When I asked J. C. Murray what city groups had helped, he named the
Young Fellows Club, the Weyburn Minor Hockey Club, the Community
College (it had sent its plumbing students for practical
experience), and the City of Weyburn. (The city had hooked up the
new water line.)
Work bees had been organized that involved the Weyburn community,
the local congregation of the church of Christ and even visitors to
the campus from afar. "Anyone standing around visiting for more
than five minutes was given a hammer," J. C. Murray added.
In spite of all the good work accomplished, nothing had yet been
done to the uneven rough cement on the floor. One lady sprained her
ankle on the floor at that first lectureship in the skating rink.
Since 1978, a smooth cement floor has been poured (1981) and the
ceiling has been partially sheeted (1986-87). The skating rink has
become a good multi-purpose building.
Our main speaker for the 1978 lectureship was Frank Worgan from
Corby, England. His wife Isobel was able to be with us too.
Brother Worgan's career has been that of a full-time preacher since
he was 19 years of age. He has spent seven years in the mission
field in Holland and has preached throughout Europe and
Scandinavia. In 1975-76, he served as visiting professor of
missions at Harding College. Presently, Brother Worgan is a regular
speaker on the only church of Christ radio program in Britain.
Two people were honoured at the 1978 lectureship: Brother D. W.
Dryden Sinclair, managing vice-president of Western Christian
Foundation of Wichita Falls, Texas, was presented a plaque on which
was inscribed these words: "To Western Christian Foundation in
recognition and appreciation for twenty years of service to Western
Christian College 1958-1978." The foundation has raised many
thousands of dollars in the United States for Western.
Betty Roemer, missionary to Germany and Austria for 26 years was
also honoured with a plaque in recognition of her long period of
foreign service. Betty had attended the Radville Bible Schools
circa 1940.
In the summer of 1978, Colin Rich purchased a multiplicity of
carpet yardage at a nominal price and this winter much of it has
been laid. The readers may wonder why I mention such a simple
occurrence as laying carpet when detailing events in the history of
the college. Most homes of even low income families have carpeting,
but carpeting at Western was still as scarce as hen's teeth (as I
mentioned once before!). This bright carpeting in the student
centre, in the common room of Torkelson Hall, in the staff
apartment of Hanes Hall, in College Hall and elsewhere not only
gave a more cheerful aspect to our surroundings but also reduced
maintenance costs somewhat and reduced noise remarkably.
President Mowrer began a new tradition in January, 1979. Instead of
the college having a Christmas concert, he had proposed a winter
banquet, catered by the Weyburn Inn, at the close of the first
semester. He had suggested that such a banquet would let everyone
get away from campus for an evening, and give a break from routine,
as well as give the students some relaxation in pleasant
surroundings after their semester examinations. The banquet was
held on January 30. An interesting program of songs, skits and the
presentation of both serious and humorous awards were given. The
evening closed with a devotional. This winter banquet became a
highlight of the school year. It was both enjoyable and
therapeutic. Anyone who has lived in Saskatchewan knows that it is
easy to develop cabin fever in cold, cold January.
After several personal conferences and phone calls, the college was
finally able to negotiate the purchase of the Saskatchewan Power
"H" building from SEDCO (Saskatchewan Economic Development
Corporation) for one dollar, on condition that the college leave
the site clean after the removal of the building before December
31, 1979. This building was situated about a block south of the
Rita Foster-Stocking Education building. It had been used for a
number of years as a dormitory and classroom building by the
Saskatchewan Power Corporation School.
The demolition of the building was delayed but finally completed in
1983, when a crew hired as a part of a Job Creation Program were
busy on the job for six months. The lumber from this building and
from the power canteen found many good uses at the college, such as
framing for the president's house, framing for the storage building
(14 rooms), for a smaller storage building on the sports field, for
bathrooms in the link between gymnasium and cafeteria, additional
dressing rooms in the rink, the drop ceiling in the rink, and the
rink foyer. Some lumber was sold and some lumber traded. The
college saved a great deal of money buying the H building (and
later the former power canteen) for one dollar because the
demolition did not cost the college even that much. The canteen was
demolished by the students during their work-a-thon in the spring
of 1982.
After our glimpse into the past and the future, we must now return
to the present (1979).
Sometimes there is a great deal of hidden meaning in a simple
statement describing an event in a publication. For example in the
_Messenger_ I read this statement, "Chorus tour 1979 was not
without incident. The tour was to have begun on April 13 but a
spring blizzard forced a 24 hour postponement which resulted in a
slight change of schedule." Then the writer proceeds to mention
that the chorus made a 3,000 mile, 10 day tour to the west coast,
performed eight times and sang in shopping malls and senior citizen
homes.
Note the "not without incident" statement expanded in another
publication: "Then we had problems with the trailer which delayed
us about four hours. The second day we punctured one of the bus
tires and had to buy a new one, and we lost the trailer hitch which
meant another delay. Then the troubles ceased until the last day,
when the trailer tongue broke just west of Moose Jaw and the
trailer went rolling down the highway end over end."
Another simple statement can gloss over much heartache when we are
describing the behaviour of students: "On the whole we had a
marvelous group of young people this year." Many students were
active in the church bus program, in the evangelism class, in the
core group, in Sonshine, work-a-thon, in community service et
cetera but the words, "on the whole" indicates that there were some
discipline problems. We must remember that even Christian young
people have difficult times going through their adolescent years.
During the years the college has been in operation, there have been
some problems with smoking, drinking, shop-lifting, improper sexual
behaviour, and one or two years with soft drugs, but the dean of
student life is continually trying to reduce these problems with
personal counselling, Peer Facilitators, Spiritual Emphasis Week,
and intramural activities. These programs have surely helped. There
have been encouraging results. In 1978-79, the college suspended 18
students but only five of those were later expelled.
Remember that "on the whole" we had a marvelous group of young
people this year. We do not expect teenagers to be mature adults.
After all, this is a learning institution and that learning
includes more than academics.
Dennis and Karen Quilliams and family are moving to Dundurn where
Dennis has taken a position with P.F.R.A. Dennis has been boys'
dormitory director and supervisor of janitorial services. Karen was
dean of Torkelson Hall, 1976-77.
George and Virginia Westerman have left for Detroit, Michigan,
where George will be employed by Ford Motors. George has been
maintenance supervisor at the college and Virginia was in charge of
the student centre.
Ellen Rich will leave her position as dormitory director (Torkelson
Hall) to join her husband Colin, our business manager, who left in
January to return to his insurance business in Edmonton, Alberta.
Garth and Dianna Parry are moving to Moose Jaw, where Garth will
attend the Saskatchewan Technical Institute. While he was on staff
here, he worked as teacher, as dormitory director, and as a
maintenance man.
Shelley Jacobs, assistant cook, is planning to attend Oklahoma
Christian College this fall.
Roger Peterson has been given a one-year leave of absence from
teaching. (He did not return in 1980.)
It's interesting to note that Canadian donations are improving:
Canadian (1978) $79,495 (1979) $99,908
U.S.A. (1978) $28,644 (1979) $42,461
1979-1980
Total Enrollment: 152
(Second semester there are 34 students in junior college classes,
the largest ever enrollment)
Gift Night: $36,000
Budget: $748,600 (later changed to $696,771)
Pay For A Day: $600
Student Fees:
High School: $2,558 (per year)
College: $2,300 (for 30 hours)
This year the University of Regina will accept nine classes in
transfer from our junior college classes. That is one more than
necessary for one full year at university.
Robert Peterson is the new plant manager. Robert and his wife
Marilyn moved to Weyburn five years ago from Prince Albert. They
both had attended Radville Christian College in the 1950's. For 13
years, the Petersons lived in Prince Albert where Robert worked as
a carpenter.
They have three children: Glenn graduated from Western in 1978;
Heather will graduate this year 1980 and Brent is attending
elementary school in Weyburn.
Robert is the son of Hjelmer Peterson, one of the first directors
of R.C.C. and he is also the brother of faculty member, Roger
Peterson.
Lydia Fawcett is the new student centre supervisor and her husband
Peter has enrolled this fall in the Bible department. The Fawcetts
came from Regina where Lydia was employed with Credit Union Central
and Peter by the City of Regina, Parks and Recreation Department.
The Fawcetts have five children: Peter, Cheryl, Robert, Valerie and
Beverly. Beverly, a junior high school student is the only one
still living at home.
Elaine Vance is the new Torkelson Hall director. Elaine and Phil
and family moved to Weyburn from Red Deer, Alberta, two years ago.
Phil is a salesman. They have four boys: Kevin, Mark, Grant and
Cory.
Mabel Bailey is a new cook at Morgan Cafeteria. She and her husband
Leonard have just recently arrived from Zimbabwe. About 20 years
ago, Mabel Rogers went to Northern; Rhodesia (now Zambia) to teach
in a mission school. There she met and married Leonard Bailey, a
transplanted Englishman also working in the mission field. Their
sons Hugh and Ron are enrolled in high school at Western. The
oldest son, Allen graduated from high school last June. Mabel
Rogers Bailey is the granddaughter of evangelist H. A. Rogers,
after whom our chapel is named. Leonard Bailey is part-time
janitorial supervisor at the college.
Maurice Taylor has arrived from Creston, B.C., to be the new
dormitory director at Hanes Hall. He was born in England but raised
in British Columbia. There he met and married Marie Phypers. They
have owned and operated a Taylor Nooks business in Surrey, B.C.,
for a number of years. Although Marie has no official position, she
is helping to provide a family atmosphere for the boys in Hanes
Hall. The Taylors have six children: Anita and Dan (junior
college), Shelly and Karen (grade 12), Bonnie (grade 10) and Paul.
(P.S. Rebecca was born later in 1981.)
This fall Carol Harvey began work as part-time secretary to the
president. At Western, Carol has previously been employed as dean
of girls (1973-74), and part-time cook (1974-75). Her husband, Dr.
John Harvey is a teacher at Western. They have three children:
Janna, John J. and Jamie.
Janine Willett (nee Rivard) from Saskatoon graduated from Western
in 1977, and later married Dwight Willett who is teaching in
Weyburn city at this time. She is employed as a cook at Western.
Because Albert Kleppe resigned in September for personal reasons,
the elders needed to find another Bible department minister-
teacher. Dan and Jennie Keeran moved to Weyburn in the early winter
from Texas where he was engaged in social work.
Dan Keeran was born in Ohio, received a B.A. from David Lipscomb
College (1968), a Master's degree in Russian history from the
University of Kentucky and a Master's degree in social work from
the University of Louisville. At Western, Dan Keeran teaches high
school Bible, college psychology and some college New Testament
classes. He also works closely with the psychiatric centre in
Weyburn, is involved with group therapy at Souris Valley Extended
Care Hospital and counsels people referred to him by local
physicians.
This year marks the third year of the bus evangelism program of the
Weyburn Church of Christ. Western's students have been very active
in this program since its inception. When the four buses are in
operation, over 70 people take part each week as bus captains,
drivers, secretaries, teen helpers, teachers, and maintenance
workers and the majority of these workers are students from
Western.
The church bus program operated from 1976 to 1982, and during those
six years it could not have operated without the faithful
assistance of students from Western.
During its high enrollment years over 100 children from the city of
Weyburn rode the buses. Many people have felt that the six-year bus
ministry had the greatest impact on the Weyburn community of any
program of the church during its existence in Weyburn.
James Willett, vice-principal, suffered a heart attack in early
January 1980 and was unable to teach for a month. At the beginning
of the second semester he resumed his teaching duties but did not
take the chorus on its usual spring tour nor coach the basketball
team. This is the only year that the college singers have not been
on tour since Roger Peterson organized the first tour in 1956. Mr.
Willett's son, Dwight who teaches in Weyburn city, coached
Western's basketball boys to win the provincial finals this spring
(1980).
At the end of the first semester (January 1980), the 53 graduates
wrote 200 final examination papers and only one paper was a
failure. A record!!
Obtaining sufficient money for operating and capital expenditures
for a private Christian college is always a problem. It seems that
the administration is constantly plagued with deficits. Two new
approaches to financing were initiated in 1979-80.
In January, after years of planning and dreaming, an endowment
committee of the board was chosen. This committee comprised Clinton
Brazle, Ivar Kristianson, and Max Mowrer.
Then in 1980, the W.C.C. Endowment Fund was established by the
board of directors. The chairman of the W.C.C. Endowment Fund
Management Committee, Jack Ashby, said at this time, "The program
is structured to attract donation and investment. We are optimistic
that people will invest their money with the fund rather than with
the local bank, credit union or trust company." (I must admit that
his optimism has not been realized).
Jack Ashby operates a financial consultant business in Saskatoon.
The other members of the management committee are Bob Andreas,
realtor in Calgary; Ivar Kristianson, a chiropractor from Estevan;
Welland Drader, an oil executive from Estevan; George Fowler, Jr.,
a farmer and small business operator in Moose Jaw. The first three
mentioned men are also members of the board of directors. Banking
facilities were set up at the Royal Bank, Northgate Mall branch in
Regina.
At the annual meeting of the W.C.C. Corporation, June 1980, Jack
Ashby reported $45,000 available in the endowment fund with
promises of other money.
As previously stated, the endowment fund did not grow as rapidly as
hoped. At present (1989) it stands at approximately $125,000. The
management committee was disbanded circa 1984, and the fund is now
managed by the executive of the board and the board's finance
committee with Dale Elford of Estevan as the key man in charge.
Most of the money is invested in mutual funds.
The endowment fund had $355,000 in 1984. In 1989, the fund had
$125,000. What happened to the other money? About $150,000 of this
money was really development money that had been placed in the fund
to earn interest until it was needed. In addition, some money was
lost by unfortunate investments. The committee considered that it
had invested wisely but our endowment fund was caught as thousands
of Canadians were caught by a downturn in certain investments.
When the W.C.C. Endowment Fund was born, it was hoped that the
resulting income would help in the expansion of the physical plant.
In order to do this, the fund needed to be in the millions. This
dream and hope has not been realized.
Another way that President Max Mowrer tried to encourage larger
donations was by the establishment of the President's Club. Each
person who donated an amount exceeding $1,000 during a calendar
year was presented with a President's Club certificate and special
reports were sent to its members giving financial and other college
news.
For example, in the 1980 President's Club report, President Mowrer
stated: "The college's deficit was reduced by $113,000 during the
year, of which $20,000 was paid on a loan which had been carried
for some ten years.
"The current year has seen a record for contribution and
pledges at lectureship time of $66,000."
In 1979, the 41 members of the President's Club gave a total of
$68,000.
In 1980, the 56 members gave $101,400 for operation of the college.
In 1982, the 77 members gave $133,600 for operation of the college.
President Max Mowrer was looking for 100 members of the club, but
once again the hope was not realized and eventually the idea of a
club was dropped.
Nevertheless, the President's Club helped to create an awareness of
the need of many regular larger annual donations.
David and Sherrie Cannon came to Weyburn to work with the church in
January, 1980. David Cannon taught an occasional Bible class each
year at Western Christian College, but in the fall of 1984, he
joined the Bible faculty of Western and devoted full-time to
teaching for one year.
David Cannon was born in Arkansas, U.S.A. Because his father was an
Air Force chaplain, he received his elementary and high school
education in several states and in England. He received his
Bachelor's degree from Harding College and his Master's degree from
Harding Graduate School at Memphis. In 1976, David Cannon married
Sherrie Noyes, a graduate of Western Christian College.
While at Weyburn, he coached Western's soccer team and once
declared that he would not leave Weyburn until Western's soccer
team won the provincials.
However, he left in 1985 to become the minister for the church in
Calgary and then later to become a chaplain in the American air
force.
David and Sherrie Cannon have four children (Andrea, Leanne, Bryan
and Bethany), all born in Canada.
After my brief dip into the future, I shall now return to 1980.
In 1980, the computer age came to Western. The college had been
selected by Sask Comp (a computer company connected with the
department of education) to have the use of a micro for six weeks
beginning in May. Dr. Jack Close and Dr. Harvey had earlier
prepared and proposed a plan for its use, which met with Sask
Comp's approval. Sask Comp sponsored a contest in high schools and
the winners would be able to keep the micro computers. The purpose
of the contest was to arouse an interest in adding computers to the
schools in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Close used the program he designed to enhance his grade 12
physics rocket project. Dr. Close started using rockets in his
physics class three years before when he got the idea from a
teachers' convention where the rockets were displayed. He says the
rocket program reviews 75 to 80 percent of the grade 12 physics
course.
"The model rockets are simple constructions of cardboard tubing,
balsa wood fins and plastic nose cones. They are powered by small,
solid fuel engines and include a parachute recovery system."
Students make several pages of calculations such as the altitude
reached, the energies involved, air resistance and many others, all
made during the rocket flight.
In addition to the flights themselves, the program includes other
educational purposes. Dr. Close said that this year, two students
built the multiple launching system that they are using.
The rockets are launched in a field about two miles outside of
Weyburn early one morning. The flights need to take place early
before the wind comes up. The rockets sometimes go as high as 350
metres and reach a speed of 300 to 400 kilometres per hour.
How is the computer used? "The computer program takes the student
through all the calculations necessary and even makes snide
comments when something is obviously wrong with the data provided."
(I might add here that Dr. Close's physics students do very well on
final examinations.)
Western did not win the contest sponsored by Sask Comp but the
computer's presence encouraged the purchase of two computers so
that the subject, Computer Literacy (grade 10) can be added to the
courses taught at Western next fall.
Later the department of education demoted computer literacy to
grade 9 standing, but by 1989, the college has 14 computers and
four printers in the computer laboratory. Computer applications and
computer science have been added (by 1989) to the grade 10 classes
as well as computer science in grade 11. The college has made
computer applications compulsory for all grade 10 students. Again,
return to 1980.
Notice was received February 22 of the college's inclusion in the
will of the late Paul J. Carroburg. The college is a co-heir with
the Missionary Association of Immaculate Mary. Cash in the estate
is approximately $70,000 in addition to six quarters of farm land
valued at approximately $150,000.
The late Paul J. Carroburg had never seen Western Christian College
but he had been so impressed with some of our graduates (Gerry
Warren and Stanley Bell, Graham and Stewart Bell, Sam Hawkins) that
he wanted to support an institution that helped to build good
citizens.
Western has been blest with gifts from other friends who remembered
the college in their wills: a house from Emery Tetreau of Moose Jaw
and formerly of the McCord district; a house from Madeline Tetreau
of the Gravelbourg congregation; Lavina Robinson of Winnipeg,
daughter of evangelist H. A. Rogers remembered the college in her
will.
In 1987, David Joel formerly of Mazenod who had retired to British
Columbia left $100,000 to the college. David Joel had attended
Winter Bible School at Radville in the early years.
In 1988, Barbara Poppelbaum of Punnichy left the residue of her
estate to the college (about $80,000). There may be other gifts of
which I am unaware but we honour all donors and give respect to
their memory.
Finally, after 10 years of negotiations with SEDCO and with the
city of Weyburn, the college has obtained approximately 22 acres of
land adjacent to the college. Included are three buildings.
One reason for the long delay was that SEDCO owned the 45 acre plot
of land bordering our campus and the city of Weyburn had first
right of purchase. In 1979, when the city received control of the
land, the college had to give sufficient reason for needing the
property. On March 15, the city offered to sell the approximately
22 acres of land at $1,500 per acre, but with two-thirds of the
price written off...total approximately $10,000. With this
additional land, the campus now comprises 65 acres.
Roger Peterson has decided not to return to the college this fall
after being on leave of absence during the past school year. Roger
has spent 30 years teaching and serving Western Christian College
in various ways. I was rather amused by this caption by a picture
of Roger and Helen Peterson in the 1976-77 yearbook and yet I can
vouch for its truth:
Roger has been student, teacher, vice-principal,
principal, chorus director, psychologist, dorm
supervisor, fund-raiser, photographer, printer, editor,
publisher, carpenter, electrician, counsellor, sports
director, plumber, mason, gardener, telephone service
man, landscaper, cabinet maker and boiler man. For his
willingness to serve wherever needed and for his
dedication to Christian principles, the Alumni Selection
Committee chose Roger Willis Peterson to be the Alumnus
of the Year 1976.
1980-1981
Enrollment: 145
(In addition, 9 enrolled in an extension class in Wawota)
Gift Night: $66,388
Budget: $739,900
Student Charges: $2,780
The largest attendance ever at lectureship, estimated 1,200. Once
again we have students in the provincial honour choir: Carol
Mullaly, Eric Nyrose, Leslie Williams, Allan Nienhuis. Barbara
Drader has been awarded the Governor-General's Medal, the third to
be awarded a Western student in the past five years. Donations for
the fiscal year completed (1979-80) are $207,732 against the
planned $206,000.
James Willett had his quintuple by-pass surgery in Saskatoon in
September and will be able to return to his duties at the college
by the beginning of the spring semester (1981). During his absence,
President Mowrer will direct the chorus. His other duties will be
shared by Sandra Ensley, John Harvey and Dick Kirkpatrick.
A statesman of ancient Rome was convinced that the city state
should destroy Carthage in North Africa. This idea was not too
popular in Rome. In order to convince the Senate of the need, every
speech that this statesman made to the Senate always ended with
this statement, "Carthage must be destroyed" no matter on what
topic he was speaking. Eventually it was destroyed.
I am reminded of this incident in history when I consider what
visitors would say after they have toured the old workshop where
Roland Olson has taught art classes since 1973, with inadequate
equipment and in a completely inadequate classroom, "You surely
need a different art room." At the end of Principal Wieb's academic
reports, he frequently said, "We need a new or different or
improved art facility." Eventually we received one.
As soon as the college acquired its 22 acres and three buildings
from the city, the college administration began planning to
renovate a 5,400 square foot building across the road from the Rita
Foster-Stocking Education Building for a new home for art and
industrial arts.
This building had previously been used for a lecture hall by the
Saskatchewan Power School. When Saskatchewan Power moved its
classes to Weyburn, the building was used by the Work Kin Centre
until we acquired it this year.
It was the focus of attention during the summer (1980) as numerous
volunteers, including students, helped prepare the structure for
use this September. Roland Olson and John Harvey levelled the
building and put under the new necessary foundation blocks. Mr.
Olson also assisted with the framing, insulating, and vapour
barrier installation.
The building provides a large art and industrial arts room, a home
economics room, a typing room, a photography laboratory, and a dark
room. It is estimated that the replacement value is between
$250,000 and $300,000 and yet the entire project cost only $29,571
and of that amount $6,659 was received as a provincial grant from
the department of education.
But for Roland Olson's intervention, it is possible the college
would not have received the grant.
Mr. Olson explains the incident this way:
"I contacted the Regional Superintendent, Mr. Gordon
Baxter and found out there was a grant available from the
department of education for capital expenditures but
approval had to be obtained before construction was
started. There was no one around (summer holidays) to
look after this, so I drew up the plans. They had to be
approved by an architect or professional engineer and I
got Harold Orr to put on his stamp and okay the plans.
Application was made and we received from the government
just about $10,000, which paid for the initial purchase."
The Sinclair Vocational Arts Building was officially opened on
Saturday afternoon during the college annual lectureship.
The building was named to honour the family of D. A. Sinclair, a
pioneer gospel preacher in western Canada. It will serve as a
reminder of the dedication of D. A. Sinclair and his son Dryden to
the work of the Lord. Eight grandchildren and four great
grandchildren of D. A. Sinclair have attended Radville or Western
Christian College. D. W. Dryden Sinclair supports the college
personally and through the Western Christian Foundation at Wichita
Falls, Texas, which he helped to establish.
The mayor of Weyburn, Isabelle Butters cut the ribbon for the new
Sinclair Vocational Arts Building. Among her comments she said, "I
well remember 23 years ago when this campus was moved from Radville
to Weyburn, what a happy moment it was for this community...and I
say on behalf of the community we share your historical moments
with you, whether they are happy or trying and we wish you very
much success in the years to come."
Other speakers from the community were the manager of the Royal
Bank (Mr. Ted Marsh), the Director of Education (Mr. Andy Goeres),
the Regional Superintendent (Mr. Gordon Baxter), and local member
of the Legislative Assembly (Mr. Auburn Pepper).
Mrs. Roger Peterson (nee Helen Sinclair) spoke on behalf of her
family and read a prepared statement from her father, D. W. Dryden
Sinclair. In his statement, Mr. Sinclair praised the school for the
education of his four daughters and expressed his feelings of
fulfillment for his years of service to the college through Western
Christian Foundation.
It is heartening to know that people a long distance away are
interested in supporting Christian education in western Canada.
This November I visited Nashville, Tennessee, (my friend Daisy
Arnold travelled with me) to speak to three different ladies'
classes about my teaching experience at Western. I was also present
for the annual Western Christian College luncheon there, organized
by Ernest Andreas and where the guest speaker was Dryden Sinclair.
During my Nashville visit, I was surprised to learn that the
Wednesday morning ladies' Bible class of the West End Church of
Christ has been giving monthly donations, excepting the two summer
months, to Western Christian College since 1964. It is inspiring to
consider that 50 ladies who have never seen the college regard
Christian education so worthwhile that for 17 years they have
donated regularly to its cause. Alexine Hankins, my gracious
hostess for a few of my Nashville days, visited our college many
years ago. She collects the money for the college. It was a
beautiful experience to speak to those faithful ladies. (P.S. These
ladies are still giving regularly in 1989!)
At the close of 1980, I resigned as executive secretary of the
college alumni association.
The Alumni Association of Radville Christian College was organized
in 1953, with Raymond Lock '48 of Saskatoon as its first president
and Doris Lewis Husband '48 of Wawota as the first secretary. The
association has grown to include over a thousand alumni and a dozen
area chapters.
As far as I can determine, the first Alumni Reporter was printed in
December 1954. Since January 1964, the Reporter has gone to alumni
homes four times a year.
In 1963, after nearly two years of work, the association adopted a
new constitution. I recall that Jim Williams '54 and Walter Straker
'53 were two members of that committee.
In that constitution, the new office of executive secretary was
created and I was asked to fill that position. It has been a rich
experience keeping in touch with the alumni. Now it is time to turn
the reins over to someone else.
Leona Start Fleming '53, the new executive secretary is a very
capable person who will add new life to the Reporter and to her
office. (P.S. Her successors have been Vi Tromburg Bell '48, Lois
Orr Olson '51 and Lydia Fawcett '81.)
In late 1979, the charter of Western Christian College Corporation
was revised for submission to the spring session of the
Saskatchewan legislature. Because the spring session in 1980 was
just a continuation of the fall one, no new legislation could be
introduced by private members, thus the amendments to "An act to
incorporate Western Christian College" were not passed until the
spring of 1981. The act became law on May 19, 1981. Mr. Auburn
Pepper, our local M.L.A. piloted the bill through the legislature.
This amendment enabled the college to acquire money or real
property by way of gift, bequest, purchase, exchange or lease and
to hold them without value or time limit for endowment purposes.
There were other clauses by which the College Corporation can make
agreements with donors but I am not sure my readers wish to know
all the details.
The board has approved release of the lots for building of houses
by staff. The lots are to be sold only to employees of the college.
They will be sold a second time only on a right of first refusal by
Western Christian College. There are six lots ready for sale and
they all face 3rd Street which is planned to be residential on both
sides. Sale price varies from $2,700 to $3,375. Maurice and Marie
Taylor have bought the first lot and are constructing a three-
bedroom house with a two-bedroom apartment on the lower floor.
When our campus buildings were constructed in 1941 for Air Force
training, they were considered only temporary buildings. Now, 40
years later they require a great deal of repair and servicing.
Because of this costly upkeep, the board of directors has decided
to pursue more actively the plans for campus development.
J. C. Murray has been in charge of both public relations and campus
development. This spring the board divided public relations and
development into two separate positions and gave J. C. Murray the
right to first choice of position. He chose development and
maintenance.
Before the college considers erecting new buildings on campus,
major improvements need to be made in the water-sewer system. The
system built in 1941 is old and tired. The bolts of connecting
pipes are rusted and breakages occur frequently. J. C. Murray says
that in places it is only the soil around the pipes that is holding
them together. Furthermore, we never seem to know when the water
will be shut off so that repairs can be completed. In addition, the
water pressure is so low that we could not protect ourselves in the
event of fire. Therefore, we truly need a new water line within the
campus to provide acceptable water pressure for daily usage and
fire protection.
As early as 1978, President Mowrer and J. C. Murray were in
consultation with Weyburn city regarding the water line within the
campus. The city does not seem too interested either in helping to
replace the lines or in taking responsibility for maintenance once
the system is built. The rural municipality hesitates also to help
with the project because it does not wish to be responsible for
maintenance in the event of some future critical occurrence. The
water and sewer system is owned by the provincial government.
Finally, J. C. Murray as development director, decided that the
formation of this area including the college and all businesses
located at North Weyburn into a hamlet might be the solution to the
problem. Not only will the hamlet provide a vehicle for the water-
sewer project but also provide more service to the community
because of an annual provincial grant to an organized community. In
addition, a hamlet will help to effect better working relationships
with local and provincial governments.
A public meeting was held on June 11, at which time a
representative from the provincial office of Rural Municipal
Affairs was present to speak on the advantages of forming a hamlet.
A petition has been drawn up and signed by a sufficient number of
residents to ensure its acceptance and forwarded to the provincial
government before the end of June. In order to become an organized
hamlet, a petition needs the signatures of at least 20 registered
voters with a two-third majority of all registered voters residing
in the hamlet. We expect that soon this area will have hamlet
status.
At the annual meeting June 20, Mildred Mowrer was recognized for
her role in supporting our president. She spends countless hours
working in the print shop without remuneration. Furthermore, for
the past two years, she has volunteered to teach a non-credit
course in typing. During the seven years that Mildred Mowrer has
lived on campus, most of her labour at the college has been
volunteer. She once told me that because she and her husband can
live on his salary, she is willing to be a volunteer. We honour
Mrs. Mowrer. She values Christian education.
This is the year that the business office began its journey to a
"computerized life." First, the names and contribution information
were placed on discs for permanent storage and use (approximately
600 names). Then the accounting program and mailing lists with
address labels for mailing were added. Our first computer was not
suitable for our needs. It "crashed." The computerizing was a major
task. There seem to be many "bugs" and headaches but later office
workers will profit from present struggles. Carol Harvey says that
once the programming is done they will have quick access to a great
deal of information.
Three staff members are leaving in June: Robert Peterson, Leonard
Bailey, and Karen Taylor Peterson.
On May 9, Peter Fawcett completed the two year Associate in Arts
program. He also received his one-year Christian Service
Certificate. Now he is employed by the college in public relations.
He conceived the idea of a "Wheels for Western" project to arouse
interest in the college by persuading a group to cycle from
Nanaimo, B.C., to Weyburn. His goal is to raise $50,000 for a
scholarship fund to aid worthy students. Peter also intends to
recruit students along the way.
On August 1, Peter Fawcett and six young people set out on ten-
speed bicycles from Nanaimo to travel 2,240 kilometres (1,400
miles). The young people are Peter Fawcett, Jr., Regina; Jim Ross,
Nanaimo; Becky Rude, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Cheryl Starnes, Loon
Lake; Randy Sokalofsky, Vancouver; Chris Waite, Victoria. Cheryl,
Becky and Randy are Western students and Chris Waite graduated in
1977.
Lydia Fawcett (Peter's wife) and daughter Beverly went along in a
van supplied by McMillan Motors, Kipling, to carry supplies and
prepare the meals.
Nineteen days later, on August 20, they arrived in Weyburn where
they were met at city hall by city officials, Eddie Willett from
the _Weyburn Review_, and many friends.
An interesting description of the never-to-be forgotten trip is
found in the _Weyburn Review_:
"The bikers got up at 5:30 a.m. and planned to be on the
road by 6:30 at the latest so that they would miss some
of the heavy traffic, took a break about 10:00 a.m. and
then cycle until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. On really hot days
they would look for a cool place like a swimming pool in
the afternoon.
"They stopped early in the evening so that they could
find a good campground. Occasionally they had to camp at
the side of the road. Some nights they spent with members
of the church. The bikers averaged 80 miles a day and one
day travelled 125 miles."
Peter Fawcett told Eddie Willett that the toughest part of the trip
for him was cycling up Kicking Horse Pass because of the
combination of heat, pushing up hill all the time, and the narrow
road with poor shoulders. Other riders felt the British Columbia
heat, (up to 34 C) was the worst thing but Randy found the winds
out side of Calgary tough to cycle against.
This safari made Western better known in the three western
provinces and also brought gifts for the college scholarship fund.
According to the auditor's report the deficit at the beginning of
the year had been $181,676 and at the end it was reduced to
$68,755. God be praised!
1981-1982
Enrollment: 157
Budget: $877,100
Gift Night: $47,000
Pay for a Day: $616
Bob and Mae Garland from Surrey, B.C., are new staff members. Bob
will be a maintenance man and Mae, a cook. Mae attended Radville
Christian College. Three Garland children have graduated from
Western: Karen '70, Debbie '72, and Murray '80. Donna is attending
this year. The Garlands have been very active in the Van Valley
Alumni Chapter.
Don Husband '71 is also a new maintenance man. He is the oldest
child of George and Doris Lewis Husband of Wawota. He has a
Bachelor of Teaching degree from the University of Brandon and
taught at Mankota last year. He and his wife Loreen have one baby
daughter Heidi.
Albert Taylor '73 from Prince Albert is our new school custodian.
He is the son of Gordon Taylor, charter member of R.C.C. high
school classes. Albert is married to the former Nancy Orr '72 and
they have a son Royston and three daughters, Diane, Robin, and
Joyce.
Four former students are working for the Lord in Nanaimo this year
and three are missionary apprentices in Belgium.
Those in Nanaimo are Mark Husband from Wawota, Vince Vogt from
Westby, Montana, Stephen Phypers from Creston, B.C., and Will Hart
from Dauphin, Manitoba. The three alumni in Belgium are LaDean
Jacobs from Manson, Manitoba, Pamela Webb from Montana, and Eric
Nyrose from Calgary.
Because of the general image in the public eye, it has been decided
to have no more cheerleaders.
Teachers' salaries at Western have increased 11 1/2 percent over
last year's schedule. Our teachers' salaries range from $9,523 to
$21,807. Our schedule is supposed to be 70 percent of the previous
year's schedule in the Weyburn School Unit but it rarely gets that
high, usually closer to 60 percent. Many people don't realize that
the teachers at Western have a financial handicap. The lower salary
is only partially offset by the lower suite rental rates. All staff
at Western work here because they are dedicated to the value of
Christian education and not because of the good salaries. Since I
officially retired in 1974, I have been living on an adequate
pension. Saskatchewan's teacher pension system is one of the best
in Canada.
The board has decided to build a home for the president, large
enough to accommodate a president with a growing family. Some
friends of the college are rather surprised that in development
plans this house is to be the first building.
In order to justify its decision, the board indicated that plans
are not far enough along yet to build the proposed girls'
dormitory, that no money for the president's house will come from
the operational budget, that much of the labour will be voluntary,
and that it can be built rather cheaply because the lumber salvaged
from the old Saskatchewan Power Canteen (#4) will be used for its
framing.
Construction began shortly before lectureship. It is a two-level
house with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, den, utility room,
kitchen, dining room, living room and a large recreation room. This
commodious house cost $60,000 and is easily worth over $100,000.
Because builders ran out of gift money, the chairman of the board,
Clinton Brazle, made a trip to the southern States to obtain
special donations to finish the Job.
I am glad that Max and Mildred Mowrer can move into a nice home
that is easy for visitors to locate. Formerly, people would almost
get lost trying to find the apartment where the Mowrers lived for
several years. In fact, if strangers to the campus phoned after
business hours and wanted to visit the Mowrers, President Mowrer
would say, "Come to the college and I'll meet you at the flag
pole."
(P.S. In 1989, I am wondering if those $60,000 had been used toward
building the much-needed girls' dormitory if the history of the
college would be completely different. However, it is a waste of
time to indulge in "it-might-have beens.")
In November 1981, the board of directors spent most of its two-day
meeting studying the proposed new policy manual and finally
adopting it. It had been read three times and revised during the
past two years.
The new Saskatchewan School Act requires that all school boards
have a policy manual that the public may examine and the boards are
given a limited time in which to write one. I was on the committee
that wrote Western's manual. When it came up for board review,
sometimes I was exasperated and at other times amused when some of
my favourite ideas were discarded. The manual has approximately 150
pages in it.
The document creating the hamlet of North Weyburn is dated December
28, 1981, and is signed by Edgar Kaeding, Minister of Rural
Affairs.
The first public meeting of the residents of the hamlet of North
Weyburn was held on February 15, 1982, in the J. C. Bailey Library.
At this meeting three counsellors were elected to care for the
hamlet business. They are J. C. Murray (chairman), Floyd Jacobs,
and Roger Peterson. This event is a forward step for our community.
Now we can go after our much needed new water-sewer system, better
streets and improved lighting.
The basis for a new tradition was set March 18-19, 1982, with the
inauguration of the first J. C. Bailey Restoration Lectures.
J. C. Bailey, now of Dauphin, Manitoba is one of the few remaining
truly pioneer evangelists in western Canada. For over a half-
century he has planted churches in western Canada, Montana and more
recently in India.
To expose the students of Western Christian College, especially
those in the Bible teaching program, to our heritage and to the
kind of preaching and teaching that characterizes the restoration
of New Testament teaching these lectures are designed.
J. C. Bailey himself, was present to deliver four lessons. He has
recently returned from another tour in India. At 78 years of age,
brother Bailey exhibited the power in preaching that has
characterized his presentation of the gospel for nearly three
generations.
In addition to the lectures by Bailey, faculty members of W.C.C.
contributed papers dealing with the history and message of
restoration.
The lectures were held in the annex of the church building. Besides
the students from the Bible department of the college, a number of
preachers from the three prairie provinces attended, as well as
some local members.
[P.S. Featured speakers for the succeeding series have been Cecil
T. Bailey (1983), Jim Hawkins (1984), Reuel Lemmons (1985), Dr.
Bill Humble (1986), Harold Parker (1987), Roy Merritt (1988), and
Eldred Echols (1989).]
In 1979-80, when the R.M. #67 Weyburn had indicated that it would
triple the taxation of the college, President Mowrer engaged
Weyburn lawyer, T. A. Schuck, to make inquiries regarding the
justification and alternatives in view of our charitable status and
then work out a protest to the Rural Municipality either for
complete exemption or at least exemption of our land which is used
for educational purposes. As a result it was found necessary to
have another amendment passed by the Saskatchewan legislature. The
Private Member's Bill exempting the property of Western Christian
College from taxation while it is used for school purposes was
assented to on March 26, this year. This act is "retroactive and
deemed to have been in force on and from January 1, 1982."
This means that we have a very favourable tax situation. Even the
playing fields, dormitories, rink, and student centre are exempt.
We pay taxes only on the staff apartments and on the "farm" land.
At Western this year, Marge Roberts and Mildred Mowrer organized a
new service club among the students with the aim of learning from
practice the joy of serving. The 25 members served as a group and
as individuals. They were taught how to serve guests at banquets
and special suppers and proved helpful in that area throughout the
year. They volunteered for baby-sitting duties. They welcomed
visitors to campus. During youth rally they wore, "May I help you?"
badges and provided assistance to visitors.
Graduation provided a break with tradition this year. Instead of
using the gymnasium, both banquet and exercises were held in the
skating rink. There were 400 guests for the banquet and an
estimated 600 attended the exercises.
Because I consider "first" events as highlights of history, I shall
describe this graduation in detail.
Fifty-five graduates were honoured. Timothy Lock of Saskatoon was
salutatorian and Gail Li from Hong Kong gave the valedictorian
speech. In her speech, she said, "Through our past educational
experiences, we all have learned three things. First of all, we
have learned to enjoy what God has granted us. Secondly, we have
learned to do our very best in whatever we are doing. Finally, the
most important one, is to live according to God's will as the price
paid for the eternal life."
The guest speaker (chosen by the graduates) was J. C. Murray who
gave a nostalgic look at the history of the college. It was a happy
coincidence that J. C. Murray was guest speaker because as director
of development, he was mainly responsible for completing the
improvements that created a pleasant atmosphere for the event.
This year the award winners are as follows:
Ottinger Bible--Ron Bailey, North Weyburn
Parker Bible--Darla Murray, North Weyburn
Sports--Cheryl Starnes, Loon Lake and Daryn Wenaas, Moosomin
Math-Science--Tim Lock, Saskatoon
President's--Daryn Wenaas, Moosomin
Brazle Christian Womanhood--Jane Floyd, Bengough
Class Motto--"We'll never walk alone"
Class Theme--"To Christ be loyal and true"
Another "first" occurred this year. For the first time in college
history a girls' sports team has captured a provincial title. The
girls, coached by Dick Kirkpatrick, won the 2A basketball title.
This provincial tournament was held in Regina in March. In the
semi-final game Western played Gull Lake and won 59-34. The final
game was against Kinistino, with the score 37-29. The most valuable
player was Cheryl Starnes.
The team members were Nancy Beemish, Darla Murray, Dawn Elford,
Cheryl Starnes, Leslie Borsheim, Linda Rogers, Carolyn Straker,
Colette Perry, Karlen Danforth, Rhonda Murray, and Susan Williams.
The managers were Lisa Grandberg, Deanne Kemp, and Chris
Kanngiesser. Congratulations to the delighted team and its coach.
At the June annual meeting, the board of directors announced its
approval of a master plan for development. It consists of two main
buildings, academic-administration and student services to be built
in stages as funds are available. The board will begin fund-raising
this fall for the first phase--a 60 bed girls' dormitory
On June 1, work on the education building foundation began. Rotted
material is being removed and replaced. During the summer vacation,
the building will be levelled, repainted, and new carpet laid in
the library and hallways. In development plans the education
building will be the last to be replaced.
We are able to balance the budget and reduce the deficit by
$32,360. Consequently, we begin the new fiscal year with a deficit
of only $36,390.
A number of staff members are leaving. Linda Abraham, bookkeeper,
plans to attend university in Edmonton. Peter Fawcett, public
relations, will work briefly for Weyburn city until he becomes
minister of the church at Yorkton in January 1983. Mildred Goodwin,
kitchen supervisor, leaves to have more time at home in Weyburn.
Dick and Sue Kirkpatrick, teachers, will take a one-year
sabbatical. Dick will be studying for his Master's degree at
Abilene. Evelee Bien MacKinnon, secretary, plans to obtain
employment in Calgary.
1982-1983
Enrollment:
High School --138, 1st semester
--150, 2nd semester
College --35 full-time and
--8 part-time
Note: (Our largest enrollment in post high school Bible classes)
Gift Night: $85,000 (Estimated 1,200 present at lectureship)
Budget: $1,012,000 (Harold Orr has calculated that the budget
increases from 1962 to 1982 averaged 12 percent per year)
Pay For A Day: $870
Steve Johnson is a new mathematics and science teacher. Last year
he taught in a Christian academy in Denver, Colorado. He and his
wife Marianne have three children, Esther, Madeline and Peter (Noah
was born in Weyburn).
Dennis Quilliams, who has been previously employed (1972-73,
1976-79) in maintenance and dorm supervision, now becomes the
bookkeeper.
Rae Starnes is a new employee in the kitchen. She is the wife of
Ken Starnes who was a teacher and coach in 1965-66. Ken and Rae
have five children: Christina (1981), Cheryl (jr. college),
Gwendalee, Calvin, Kimberley.
Kent Wieb '77 is a new physical education instructor and his wife
Paula is employed as an assistant cook. Kent is a son of Dan and
Dorothy Wieb.
Scott Roberts '78 is dormitory director in Orr Hall and attending
classes in the Bible department. He is married to Cindi Huravitch
from Sidney, Montana.
Steve Phypers from Creston, B.C. is assistant dormitory director in
Hanes Hall.
Nancy MacDonald (nee Knote) '80 is an assistant cook. She hails
from Sidney, Montana. Her husband Glen is enrolled in the Bible
department.
Clifford Simmonds, a New Brunswick native, recently employed in St.
Catherines, Ontario comes to Western as the new director of public
relations and endowment. He has a rich background in sales. He and
his wife Barbara, a nurse, have two children: Timothy in junior
high school and Robin in elementary school.
Mr. Simmonds is looking forward to the challenge at Western which
has just passed its first million dollar budget. One of his first
projects will be to organize a fund drive to raise money for a new
girls' dormitory.
This is the 25th anniversary year of the college in Weyburn. To
honour Western's contribution to the community, the city of Weyburn
has proclaimed Saturday, October 9, as Western Christian College
Appreciation Day. Colourful posters in various city establishments
indicate the degree of respect that the college holds in the hearts
of the local community.
On October 9, the public had its first look at the proposed new
campus when a slide presentation was given during gift night
activities of the annual lectureship. This presentation showed the
proposed development phase by phase. A table top model constructed
by Marjorie Olson '77 was on view for interested visitors.
Before Christmas, the architect B.L.M. of Regina had preliminary
drawings made and costs estimated for the girls' dormitory. The
architect estimates that this sixty-bed building of 30 rooms plus
a supervisor's apartment will cost $660,000 but he does admit that
the final bid may be lower. The board of directors say that as soon
as we have $100,000 in cash specifically for this purpose it will
set the date to begin construction.
Because of the proposed expansion in the Bible department the
elders of the Weyburn congregation have hired Harold Parker to
begin teaching in January, 1983.
Harold Parker was raised in New Mexico. He received a Bible degree
from Abilene Christian College and a Master of Divinity degree from
the University of Winnipeg. In 1954-62 Harold and his wife Linda
ministered to the Central Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After
leaving Winnipeg, he studied for his law degree in New Mexico and
practised law in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Harold and Linda Parker have one son, three daughters and one
grandchild.
Linda is also a graduate of Abilene Christian College and has a
Master's degree in English. She is now employed as a secretary in
the business office at Western.
In order to provide capital funds for the building of the new
girls' dormitory to replace Torkelson Hall, Paul Brazle '73 has
been hired to spearhead a drive in Oklahoma and Texas for two
years. Paul had the honour of graduating with his Bachelor's degree
in missions from Abilene Christian University at the same time as
his father, Clinton Brazle, received his Master's degree in the
same field in August, 1977. Paul's office is located at 2805 North
Hudson, Oklahoma City. In his W.C.C. Development News he states
that the emphasis of the Oklahoma City office is three fold: active
participation with area alumni; development of broad-based support
by limited sources; bulk of production through major donors and a
fund-raising dinner in the fall.
President Max D. Mowrer was honoured by Harding University during
the annual winter banquet on January 27, 1983.
Dr. Clifton Ganus, president of Harding was on hand to
confer upon Mr. Mowrer the Doctor of Laws degree. The
degree was granted to the W.C.C. president in honour of
his years of service in Christian education. Dr. Mowrer
has served on the faculty and administration of four
Christian schools during his lifetime. He has worked in
Georgia, Japan, Ontario and Saskatchewan. A special
medallion was presented to Mrs. Mowrer in recognition of
her support of her husband.
--Excerpt from _Messenger_
The annual fund-raising dinner was held on Friday, March 25 in the
Western Christian College gymnasium. As usual the admission was by
donation. For a contribution of $25 or more, a complimentary ticket
was issued. This year the after-dinner speaker was a well-known
Regina radio personality, Lorne Harasen. Sonshine provided music
for the evening and a slide presentation showed the college
development plans.
There are two main purposes of these annual dinners at the college:
to raise money and to provide an opportunity for people of the
Weyburn community to visit our campus. To arouse interest in
Weyburn, well known guest speakers are usually chosen for the
occasion.
One year, Jack Paul, a professional motivator from Tyler, Texas was
the guest speaker. I enjoyed his speech and especially his
magnificent singing voice, but I thought our own Dan Wieb gave a
better speech the following year. So much for famous motivators!?
(P.S. These annual dinners were discontinued in 1984. That year the
entertainment was "Spring Showcase," a variety show by the
students.)
There are 25 students in our missionary training class (A.C.T.S.).
Of that number, seven will work as missionary apprentices during
the coming year: Darla Murray and Ivan Perry in Belgium; Dawn
Elford and Paul Pennington in Coquitlam, B.C.; Barbara Haynen in
Edmonton; Eddie Chau in Saskatoon; and Margaret Stienwand in
Victoria.
Harold Parker and Jim Pennington are travelling during the month of
June among the churches that support the Bible teaching program at
Western and making reports on progress and announcing plans for the
coming school year.
Maurice Taylor is leaving as director of Hanes Hall and plans to go
into business in North Weyburn manufacturing Taylor Nooks.
Lydia Fawcett is leaving her position at the student centre to join
her husband, Peter Fawcett who is the minister at Yorkton.
During the 1982-83 fiscal year there is nearly $54,000 less in
donations than last year, mainly due to the down turn of the
economy in our country. This is the second year in a row that
donations have decreased.
1983-1984
Enrollment: High School--157 fall semester
Bible Degree Program--11
Budget: $1,103,720
Donations Required: $306,345
Dick Kirkpatrick has returned after a one year leave of absence
spent at Abilene Christian University (his family with him) where
he studied and completed his Master of Science degree in education.
Loreen Husband will be in charge of the student centre. She and her
husband Donald have lived on campus for two years. She was born and
raised in Manitoba and has a degree from the University of Brandon.
Steve Johnson, one of our teachers, will be supervisor of Hanes
Hall.
This year the college takes a big leap forward in its Bible program
with its introduction of a three-year course leading to a Bachelor
of Theology or Bachelor of Biblical Studies. The program requires
68 hours of Biblical studies and 26 hours of liberal arts classes.
The difference between the two bachelor degrees is the requirement
of Greek for the Bachelor of Theology. The Bible teachers are E. D.
Wieb, Clinton Brazle, Harold Parker, Michael Ensley, James E.
Pennington, and James Willett.
In his final report for 1983 to the President's Club, President
Mowrer includes this brief summary: "For 1983, forty-four people
reached the minimum level of $1,250 to become full-fledged members
of the President's Club. The total amount donated by this group was
$98,140. The economic problems of the nation show up here, however,
in view of the fact that last year seventy-seven people gave a
total of $133,600. This support of the work of the college is
greatly appreciated."
Note that the membership in the club has decreased. If people are
unemployed or if the cost of living has increased substantially,
gifts cannot be as liberal.
The third annual Oriental night was held by the Chinese students of
the college on December 10. This affair included an eight-course
meal, cooked and served with true oriental courtesy by the Chinese
students to the staff and non-Chinese students in an elaborately
decorated cafeteria.
The highlight of the program was a style show of costumes worn by
the ruling classes of several dynasties. It was held in the
gymnasium. The students had made all the carefully researched
costumes, as well as the giant dragon on the background of the
stage, and a simulated thatched roof, carved fence and other stage
props. We were all duly impressed with the beauty as well as the
evidence of work. All spectators had a real glimpse of Chinese
culture.
All the Oriental nights have been rich and beautiful experiences.
The energy and apparent pleasure of the Chinese students to give us
a taste of their culture has been impressive each year. Yet, I
shall long remember the dessert served at the first Oriental
supper. It seems that cooked brown beans served with ice cream is
an Oriental delicacy, but to our Western palates it is a strange
combination. However, out of courtesy, I did partake.
The board of directors has decided to build the entire student life
complex instead of only the sixty-bed girls' dormitory. It is
estimated that the complex will cost $2,500,000 instead of $650,000
for the one wing. The board says that further study of the
situation indicated that the large complex could be more
economically done.
Dean E. D. Wieb and his wife Dorothy went to Germany and Belgium in
February. Dean Wieb was invited to speak at the European
Concentration for Advanced Bible Study in Gemunden, West Germany.
They also visited Leuven, Belgium where the Weyburn church sponsors
the work of Mark '70 and Jill Brazle, and Larry '69 and Gayle Good.
They also visited the A.C.T.S. students stationed at Leuven: Ivan
Perry, Darla Murray, Eric Nyrose, Pamela Webb. Dean Wieb is an
elder of the Weyburn church.
By the combined efforts of the hamlet of North Weyburn and the
college, several preliminary development projects have already been
completed: (1) Saskatchewan Power has completely rebuilt the hydro
system; (2) Saskatchewan Telephones has completely rebuilt its
system; (3) 24 high pressured sodium vapour lights have been
installed replacing the old mercury vapour lights; and (4) the
entire hamlet has been surveyed for planning, drainage, roads, etc.
All this has been completed by March, 1984.
Call for tender on the Student Life Complex is planned for this
summer.
Cedar Foundation Inc. was born early in 1984, when several men met
at the home of Richard Danielson, (his father Glen had been one of
the Ogema Bible School students in 1934), in Sidney, Montana, to
consider the needs of such an organization. Those present
considered that they could be of service to such good works as
Yellowstone Bible Camp and Western Christian College. The charter
board of directors consisted of Richard Danielson, Jim Squires,
Wayne Knote and Ernest Andreas. Mr. Andreas is from Canada and a
member of Western's board of directors.
By the end of June, the board of Cedar Foundation is expecting to
receive approval of their charter from the state of Montana and
then they will apply to the U.S.A. Internal Revenue Service so that
donors may receive income tax deductions for their contributions to
Western Christian College.
Because a hamlet has no legal identity, it cannot make a contract
or sign cheques. A hamlet gets most of its money from its rural
municipality from the taxes of those living in the hamlet but paid
to the municipality. I am mentioning these facts about hamlets so
that readers will be able to understand the problems arising in
regard to the needed water-sewer construction within the hamlet of
North Weyburn.
Because the Rural Municipality of Weyburn will not let the hamlet
of North Weyburn own the water-sewer system for fear that it will
be liable for the system sometime in the future, Western Christian
College has agreed to be responsible for a five year period
beginning April 15,1984. In return, Provincial Supply and Services
will grant the college $165,000 towards the upgrading of the
system. Administration of the project is in the hands of North
Weyburn Utility Committee made up of the hamlet board and the
president of the college.
To completely finance the water-sewer project, all 14 businesses
and landowners have been assessed a specific amount according to
footage in the hamlet. Don Grasley '67, an engineer from Regina,
has donated all engineering services. The system was built by
Underground Services of Waldheim, Saskatchewan.
By June, the new water-sewer system has been completed. The
manholes between the city of Weyburn and the hamlet have been
replaced and the pumphouse of water distribution has been upgraded.
The roads within the hamlet will be rebuilt during the summer
school vacation.
These improvements have cost the college very little because of Don
Grasley's generous donation ($26,250). President Mowrer reported
that the college has been assessed, but very little outlay in cash
is required, possibly $5,000. President Mowrer gives J. C. Murray
the credit for the successful completion of this project after
years of planning, negotiating and waiting.
The junior college graduation was another historic milestone on
Friday, May 11, 1984, when the college awarded its first bachelor
degrees. Glen MacDonald of Winnipeg and Scott Roberts of North
Weyburn received their Bachelor of Theology degrees in an
impressive cap and gown ceremony before about 200 guests. In honour
of their success they both received the Dean's Award as well as
their diplomas.
The featured speaker was J. E. Pennington, chairman of the Bible
department, who took Psalms 127 as his theme, particularly "Unless
the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain."
Glen MacDonald and Scott Roberts both responded to his remarks.
Using the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, Glen said,
"The world has too many people standing on their dignity when they
should be kneeling in service." Scott Roberts stated that his years
at Western had made him realize more fully the power of the gospel
and had prepared him for evangelism.
The following are other students receiving diplomas and
certificates at this historic graduation:
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Ronald Bailey
Michael Bolton
Timothy Lock
Paul Wood
CERTIFICATE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
Ronald Bailey
Michael Bolton
Timothy Lock
Holly Lock
Kevin Vance
Awards presented:
Ottinger Bible--Billy Leung
Janine Annita Farr Bible--Holly Lock
Alumni Bible Award--Kevin Vance
Alumni Academic Award--Coreena Jacobs
Mickel Jacobs Bible Award--Coreena Jacobs
The closing remarks were made by Clinton Brazle, who urged the
students to be flexible, dependable, diligent and to hold onto the
principles of righteousness.
(P.S. Later bachelor degrees were awarded: Ron Bailey 1985, Mark
Jefkins 1985, Paul Wood 1985, Timothy Lock 1986, Michael Bolton
1986, Blair Roberts 1987, Shirley Russell 1987, Will Hart 1987,
Kevin Vance 1988, Troy Hodgson 1989.)
Brendan Morgan, grade 11 student from Nanaimo, B.C. broke three
records in the district field meet and set a new record in javelin
in the provincial meet, winning a gold medal with a throw of 50.82
metres. The previous record had been made in 1975. Besides the gold
medal, Brendan won a silver in the pole vault and a bronze in high
jump in the provincials. Brendan is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Eamonn
Morgan who came to Naniamo four years ago from South Africa.
A.C.T.S. students who will serve as missionary apprentices in
Belgium during the coming year are Shelley Jacobs, Milessa Lidbury,
Kevin Vance and Holly Lock. Darla Murray and Ivan Perry are also
returning there for their second year of service. Another A.C.T.S.
student, Colette Perry goes to assist the church at Coquitlam, B.C.
At the end of the school year, Harold and Linda Parker will return
to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he will be minister of the College
church.
Sandra Ensley is taking a one-year education leave to study for her
Master's degree in music education at the University of Brandon.
Scott Roberts is leaving Orr Hall to be minister at Swift Current.
Paula Wieb and baby son are joining Kent who is studying at the
University of Regina.
Bob and Mae Garland are returning to Surrey, B.C. They had planned
to stay only until Donna graduated, and she graduated this year.
Cliff and Barbara Simmonds and family are returning to St.
Catherines, Ontario.
Clinton and Delma Brazle are leaving to study in Boston,
Massachusetts.
While employed, these people all gave faithful service to the
college, but I wish to especially honour Clinton Brazle who was not
employed by the college but still left a permanent mark on a
generation of students.
Clinton and Faye Brazle, with their six children, moved to North
Weyburn in August, 1963, from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He became the
minister for the Airport congregation and later for the Weyburn
church making a total of 21 years of service.
He taught many Bible classes at Western, spoke frequently at
chapel, conducted his Young Timothy class, a leadership training
class for almost 20 years, and was a committee member in charge of
the A.C.T.S. students. Brother Brazle became a member of the board
of directors of Western Christian College in 1971 and served as its
chairman from 1973 until he moved away from campus this year.
His first wife Faye conducted special classes in their home for the
girls and after her death, when he married again in 1972, his
second wife Delma also taught girls' classes in their home.
The six Brazle children all graduated from Western, and they are
all active servants of the Lord in various parts of the world.
The influence of the Brazle family will grow from generation to
generation until the end of time.
1984-1985
Enrollment: 144--1st semester, 130--2nd semester
(The trend toward lower enrollment in the second semester each year
reflects the fact that some students complete their high school
courses in five semesters instead of the usual six semesters and
other students attend only the first semester for Bible courses.)
Gift Night: $31,000 (smallest sum in several years)
Budget: $1,184,900
Pay For A Day: $960
Donations Required: $400,000
High School Fees: $4,198
College Fees:
Tuition: $57 (per hour)
Room: $680 (per semester)
Board: $1,390 (per semester)
An analysis of giving for the first six months of 1984 shows the
following figures:
|
Total
Donors |
Alumni
Donors |
Alumni
%Donors |
| Alberta | 86 | 36 |
42% |
|---|
| British Columbia | 110 |
53 |
48% |
|---|
| Manitoba | 105 | 35 |
33% |
|---|
| Saskatchewan | 310 |
221 |
71% |
|---|
The total shows 611 donors of whom 345 are alumni for 57 percent.
David Cannon who has been minister of the Weyburn church for three
and one half years will devote full-time to teaching in the college
Bible department.
Will Hart, an alumnus, who has been youth minister at Nanaimo
(1981-84) will be director of Hanes Hall as he studies toward his
Bachelor of Theology degree.
Debbie Knudsen from Kamloops, B.C. will be an assistant cook.
LaVonne Roberts '75 will replace Linda Parker in the business
office. She is the daughter of Roger and Helen Peterson and is
married to Kerry Roberts. She and Kerry have three sons, Mark,
Peter and Blair.
Dwight Willett will teach mathematics, science and physical
education. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, and
prior to coming to Western has taught in Oungre, Weyburn and Moose
Jaw. He is married to the former Janine Rivard '77, of Saskatoon
and they have two daughters, Denae and Kamara. Dwight is the second
son of James and Nina Willett of North Weyburn.
On July 12, Wilfred Orr, one of the founders of the college passed
away in his 80th year at his home in Wawota.
Wilfred Orr, along with Cecil T. Bailey and Hector MacLeod was on
the committee that planned the organization of the college. As a
member of the committee, Wilfred Orr called a general meeting of
the brotherhood at Radville in July, 1945. At this historic
meeting, basic decisions regarding the organization of the college
were made. Wilfred Orr became a member of the first board of
directors.
The first campus of the college was on land donated by Wilfred Orr,
and he provided the major portion of the labour for construction of
the first building under his direction.
This is a brief and incomplete summary of Wilfred Orr's part in the
founding of the college. All five of Wilfred and Pearl Orr's
children have attended the college and more than 20 of their
grandchildren have graduated from it.
E. D. Wieb, principal and dean of the college, has been appointed
director of public relations. Mr. Wieb is in his twenty-fifth year
of service to the college. He became president in 1960 and dean of
the college in 1976. In addition to his duties as public relations
director, he will carry on his academic responsibilities. In public
relations, he will develop material for informational releases and
accept requests to speak at various places in western Canada to
increase an interest in assisting with the development plans for
the new Student Life Complex.
After 25 years of service to Western Christian College, Dryden
Sinclair and Western Christian Foundation have decided to
discontinue an active push for funds for the college and devote all
their efforts to the Spanish Literature work. In his open letter
regarding his decision, Dryden Sinclair says, "In this statement I
want to tell you that during the 25 years I gave to the cause of
this Christian college in western Canada, I never had reason to
doubt the value of this good school. It has done an outstanding job
in the field of education and in the development of Christian
leaders to the church." (November 27, 1984)
President Mowrer in his reply expressed deep gratitude to Dryden
Sinclair for the great service of the foundation over the years. He
also mentioned the loyal service of the now deceased foundation
presidents, James Kennedy and J. Lewis Foster.
The board of directors of the college has entered an agreement with
Cedar Foundation in Montana for the receipting of U.S.A. donations.
Will development change this school year from dream to reality?
In January the architectural drawings and specifications were
completed by B.L.M. of Regina and tenders for the building were
opened February 22 and remained in effect for 60 days.
Mickel Jacobs, a former Minton area farmer now living in Weyburn,
gave the fund drive a terrific boost when he decided to pledge
$200,000 toward the proposed Student Life Complex.
This gift has pushed our funds for development toward $1,000,000.
That sum is broken down this way:
(1) Funds spent on preliminary work. . . . . . . . . . . $148,355
(architect's fees, surveying, etc.)
(2) Cash on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,697
(3) Pledges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .377,771
(4) Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200,000
(5) Guaranteed grant from Department of Education. . . . .250,000
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 992,822
We hope to involve two levels of government and then raise the
balance from interested groups and individuals.
The provincial government has indicated willingness to provide
matching assistance with the federal government similar to the
assistance given to Notre Dame College at Wilcox, Saskatchewan.
Proposed funding for the remaining cost of the Student Life
Complex:
(1) Federal government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 350,000
(2) Provincial government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350,000
(3) Fund-raising projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294,000
(4) Possible financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500,000
However, the board has agreed that we must have $2,000,000 in place
before construction begins.
J. C. Bailey was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws degree at the
spring graduation, May 4, 1985, by Freed-Hardeman College in
Tennessee. From the detailed citation, I shall quote two
paragraphs:
"Because you had the faith, vision and strength to help
open India for the gospel and with your work and with the
help of others which has resulted in the establishment of
about 3,000 congregations with a quarter of a million
baptized;
"Because you have been a longtime, staunch supporter of
Christian education as a founder of Western Christian
College in Canada, serving on the board of directors and
a teacher there for a number of years...we hereby bestow
upon you, John Carlos Bailey...
J. C. Bailey was on the first board of our college. Besides serving
as Bible teacher for nine years, he managed the finances of the
school for a number of years. Another reason for considering him a
founder of our institution is that he began the Ogema Winter Bible
School (1932) which could be considered the grandfather of Western.
Jim Hawkins, Vancouver, B.C. offered a daytime general counselling
class May 13-18, at Western. Those students who did all the
supplementary reading in three texts plus certain specific magazine
articles and passed the final examination received one hour college
credit. Preachers from nearby congregations enrolled in the course
as well as parents and junior college students.
(P.S. This May class has become a popular annual event. Jim Hawkins
now has his Ph.D. in counselling from Fuller Theological Seminary
in Los Angeles.)
Now we come to another "first" in college history. The first
athletic awards banquet of Western Christian College was held on
Thursday, May 30, 1985. The guest speaker was Mike Bolton '82 who
was a member of last year's Centennial Cup hockey team, the
champion Weyburn Red Wings, and who is presently attending the
University of Northern Michigan. In his speech, Mike suggested that
although sports can provide both lessons and opportunities for the
Christian, there may come a time when the Christian athlete has to
decide which is to have top priority--God or sport.
The award winners at this first athletic banquet are the following:
The Spirit Awards -- Laurie Grant and Troy Hodgson
Volleyball
Most Valuable Players -- Brendan Morgan and Deista Jacobs
Rookie of the Year -- Curtis Parker
Most Improved Player -- Maridee Pawlak
Basketball
Most Valuable Players -- Randy Orr and Glenda
Jacobson
Rookie of the Year -- Trevor Hodgson
Most Improved Player -- Shelley Johnston
Soccer
Sportsmanship -- Billy McMillan
Most Improved Player -- Howard Floyd
The ESSO hockey awards had been given at the recent Weyburn Minor
Hockey Association awards night:
Most Valuable Player (Midget Division)--Curtis Parker
Most Valuable Player (17 Year Old)--Jayson McHattie
Most Improved Player--Keith Rathwell
Sportsmanship--Mark Aasen
Kelly Deegan, grade 12, received a Police Week Award Plaque in
recognition of his work with helping youths in the Weyburn area
cope with drug and alcohol addiction.
Kelly has spoken at schools and clubs in Weyburn, Oungre, Torquay
and at the University of Regina. He had been involved with drugs
for four years but quit just before he enrolled at Western two
years ago.
This spring Doris Johnson and Monica McMillan attended a Rotary
Club sponsored Model United Nations Assembly in Winnipeg.
In May, Arlene Manson attended the Adventure in Citizenship program
in Ottawa under the sponsorship of the Weyburn Rotary Club.
Elaine Jacobs is planning to go to Belgium this fall as a
missionary apprentice. She will be joining Holly Lock, Shelley
Jacobs and Kevin Vance there.
Our popular boys' quartet, Fre, was invited to sing in Saskatoon,
on television during Telemiracle in March. The quartet members are
Brad Peterson, Troy Hodgson, Conrad Olson and Robert Orr. They made
a tape for sale in June and are planning to travel for six weeks
recruiting students for Western this summer.
Steve Johnson resigned to teach at Hodgeville.
David Cannon is leaving to become the minister for the Calgary
congregation.
After seven years of faithful service, President Mowrer has
resigned from his position and Mrs. Mowrer has resigned from her
volunteer positions. They are moving to Colorado where Dr. Mowrer
will be teaching at the Hyland Christian School in Denver.
During his term of office here, Dr. Mowrer has been a careful and
responsible administrator. Dr. Mowrer resigned because he does not
believe that his talents lie in public relations, and in our
campaign to raise the much needed money for the Student Life
Complex a powerful push in fund-raising is required. Western will
miss this dedicated Christian couple.
When the fiscal year ended on July 31, 1985, operating expenses for
the year exceeded revenue by $85,355.
1985-1986
Enrollment: 129
(Decrease in enrollment is largely due to economic factors)
Gift Night: $32,000
Budget: $1,093,895
There are several changes in administration this fall. Because Dr.
Mowrer has resigned as president, Dean E. D. Wieb has been asked to
act as chief administrator of the college until the board finds a
new president.
As chief administrator, Mr. Wieb asked Dr. John S. Close (Jack) to
become principal/dean of the college and Peter Fawcett to join the
staff again in public relations.
To assist Jack Close in his new role, Richard Kirkpatrick will be
vice-principal. James Willett will now be a full-time teacher.
Elaine Vance resigned as director of Torkelson Hall in June, and
she is now a custodian at the college.
After her year's leave of absence to attend the University of
Brandon, Sandra Ensley has returned to her teaching position at
Western.
The staff seems to be playing musical chairs. At present we have 36
people on staff but half of them are part-time workers, so we have
a full time equivalent of 26 on staff.
There is one new staff member this fall, Vince Anderson, in the
Bible department. Vince and Stacey Anderson and their three sons
Marlon, Trevor, and Jared J. moved to the campus in August from
Barrie, Ontario.
Vince Anderson was born at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He
received a degree in municipal administration from the University
of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts degree through the American
Schools of Religion. He worked as a civil servant in Manitoba. In
addition to preaching at Barrie, he has ministered to churches at
Montrose, Arkansas, the West End church in Winnipeg and at Alonsa,
Manitoba. His wife, Stacey, was born at Alonsa and received her
education there and at Amaranth, Manitoba. She is employed in the
Morgan cafeteria at Western.
Instead of using three dormitories this fall, the students are
occupying two. Torkelson Hall has been closed. College Hall has
been remodelled to include the Orr Hall wing. Karen Close is in
charge of all the girls in the entire H-block. The boys are all in
Hanes Hall and Will Hart is the dormitory director. It is believed
that these changes will reduce operating expenses considerably.
A new program in student life is being introduced this year. Before
classes began 25 young people who desired to be effective "people
helpers" received a week's intensive training under the guidance of
Marge Roberts, the dean of student life. During that week these
peer facilitators were getting better acquainted and learning some
valuable "helping" skills.
In May, Mrs. Roberts had talked to the student body, telling the
peer facilitator story. She also invited applications. In mid-June
she announced this year's peer facilitators and met with them
several times before school closing. She started them on a regular
Bible reading schedule. During the summer, she corresponded with
each one at least once and gave them other specific reading
assignments and introspective writing to do.
After the week of intensive training before school opening, the
peer facilitators seemed to be ready as caring "welcomers" to the
new or returning students. They also became enthusiastic activity
directors. During the school year the peer facilitators continued
to meet once a week (1 1/2 to 2 hours) for further training.
The peer facilitator program gives young Christians excellent
practice in "people helping." It also develops a healthy school
spirit.
Maybe this could be called a year of change because this year for
the first time in many years the college membership and
shareholders did not hold its annual meeting in June. It was
scheduled for the afternoon of October 12, during the annual
lectureship. During the past few years the attendance at the annual
meeting had been gradually decreasing. It was hoped that if the
meeting was held in conjunction with the lectureship more people
would attend.
The change of date is a good idea. One time the meeting lasted only
about one and one quarter hours and I commented that I certainly
would not travel 300 miles to attend that brief a meeting.
Saturday night during lectureship E. D. (Earl Daniel) Wieb was
honoured when Dr. John Stevens, chancellor of Abilene Christian
University, bestowed upon him the Doctor of Laws degree. In his
citation, Dr. Stevens stated that Mr. Wieb had brought honour to
his alma mater and to Christ by devoting more than a quarter of a
century to his work at Western Christian College, during which time
he has served as a member of the board of directors, and as
president, teacher, fund-raiser, editor, counsellor, principal and
dean.
Dr. Stevens also presented a certificate to honour Mr. Wieb's wife
Dorothy for the support she has given her husband over the years.
The building program has been temporarily on hold for lack of
funds, but J. C. Murray, Paul Brazle and Peter Fawcett are working
hard to raise the extra million dollars required.
"Negotiations with representatives of the federal and provincial
governments for special grants for the Student Life Complex are
proceeding slowly, but with optimism," the administration said this
fall.
Approximately 600 letters have been sent to members of Parliament
this fall and early winter to urge them to consider a grant of
$350,000 from the federal government for our building program.
Edward Willett '76 (known in his youth as Eddie) is news editor of
the _Weyburn Review_, the local weekly newspaper. He gives a broad
picture of college events in the paper. Actually he could be
considered a volunteer public relations worker for Western!
Brief descriptions of articles and pictures in the _Weyburn Review_
during the first six months of 1986 are included in the Diary not
only to show the comprehensive coverage of our college in our local
weekly newspaper but also to show that other events do occur
besides staff changes and fund-raising:
--There is a picture of the homecoming queen nominees and a
commentary regarding them--Monica McMillan, 17, is from Kipling,
Angela Tucker, 17, from Estevan and Debbie Roberts, 18, from North
Weyburn. The Queen will be crowned Friday, February 21, at the
opening night of homecoming activities.
--"Long live the Queen!" A picture of last year's Queen, Deista
Jacobs, placing a banner on the newly crowned 1986 Queen, Monica
McMillan.
--Bob Parker, minister of the Saskatoon Church of Christ and a 1964
graduate of Western Christian College, is named the school's
alumnus of the year.
--Included in the _Review_ is a full page description of homecoming
activities concluding with the statement, "Among the songs
performed was the Hallelujah Chorus."
--A picture entitled "Unhappy Fan." "Perched on the balcony
railing of the Weyburn Comprehensive gym, Friday night, Kamara
Willett doesn't look too happy with the progress of the basketball
game or maybe she just wishes that her mother, Janine did not hold
her so tightly."
--There is an article on dormitory life entitled "Roughing It." Far
from being an 'Animal House,' Western Christian College girls feel
their dormitory is like an ideal sorority. Sixty girls all crammed
into one dormitory sometimes get a little tense "but I think we do
a good job." Grade 12 and junior college girls have rooms to
themselves, while the girls in grades 10 and 11 share with a
roommate.
--A picture of the travelling chorus with the caption "Concert
tonight starts tour." The ten day tour will be in Saskatchewan,
Manitoba, North and South Dakota.
--A series of pictures of events on Oriental Night April 19. In the
fashion show a picture of peasant, Perry Lai, walking behind his
liege, Raymond Kwan and groom, Glen Li, leading his bride, Isabel
Chung. The wedding couple are both wearing brilliant red garments.
Commentator Dora Chan said those wedding clothes are often worn in
China today. Another picture shows an example of Kung Fu fighting
and still another picture is of a traditional Chinese dance, "Going
Fishing."
--There is an account of the annual sports banquet with three
accompanying pictures. The guest speaker is Kent Wieb, the most
valuable player on the University of Regina Cougars volleyball team
for the past two years and an alumnus of Western. He encourages
W.C.C. athletes to always do their best. Spirit awards go to
Shelley Johnston and Billy McMillan.
--Next follows an account of college graduation with pictures of
the graduates and award winners. The graduates are Kent Wieb
(Associate of Arts), James McGeachy (Certificate in Biblical
Studies), Michael Bolton (Bachelor of Theology), Darla Murray
(Associate of Arts) and Timothy Lock (Bachelor of Biblical
Studies). The award winners are James McGeachy, Shirley Russell,
Timothy Lock, Janna Harvey, Lee Patmore, Merle and Ray Fillion,
Deborah Hendricks.
--"Nathan Pennington, a junior college student at Western Christian
College has just recently returned from Vancouver where he sang
with the National Youth Choir in a National Choral Festival and at
several of the opening events of Expo 86."
In his article, Eddie Willett also mentions that Nathan is one of
six Saskatchewan vocalists selected to be part of the forty-voice
National Youth Choir which joined the massed choir for the official
opening of Expo.
--The students presented the musical "The Wizard of Oz" at the
youth rally this year and there are seven different pictures of
various scenes in the _Weyburn Review_.
In an accompanying article, Eddie states that the director of the
musical is Sheena Muirhead and that there will be three
performances of the musical.
--In another article about the youth rally, the reporter says that
the guest speaker is Jeff Walling (28), a minister of the Mission
Viejo Church of Christ in California, and that the theme is, "So
you want to be a Christian?"
--On June 18, there is an article describing high school graduation
with accompanying pictures.
"A winner is one who never surrenders," guest speaker, Velda
Coulter, told Western Christian College's 43 graduates during the
graduation ceremonies Saturday night (June 14).
Building on the class motto "Never Surrender," Mrs. Coulter, who
will retire from teaching at the school this June, asked, "What do
you think it means to surrender or not to surrender?"
--There are pictures and an account of awards given at farewell.
The theme of this staff-organized and produced event is the "Wizard
of Id," a parody of the musical "Wizard of Oz."
--"Brendan Morgan (18) of Weyburn has qualified for the Canadian
National Track and Field Championships in two major categories.
He will compete in the national decathlon...in New Brunswick and
the pole vault nationals in Ottawa...Morgan trains at the
University in Saskatoon and is a graduate of Western Christian
College ('85)."
--"W.C.C. building program still up in the air." Mr. Wieb says that
the success of the project will hinge on obtaining some kind of
government assistance and the outcome of a tentatively planned
capital fund drive in the southern United States.
Mr. Wieb and J. C. Murray met with Honourable Flora McDonald,
Federal Minister of Employment and Immigration and Weyburn M.L.A.
Lorne Hepworth in his office at Regina recently.
This story of the status of Western's building project is the last
_Weyburn Review_ article published during the first six months of the
year. Thank you Eddie Willett for your comprehensive coverage of
Western's activities.
A later communication from the Honourable Flora McDonald indicated
that the legislation that had made it possible to give a large
grant to Notre Dame College of Wilcox is no longer in place.
However, the administration still plans to go ahead with an
extensive money raising campaign in Texas and other southern states
this fall.
The Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association has honoured
James Willett by bestowing on him its coveted "Service Award" for
1985-86. From 1967 through 1983, with one year off for by-pass
heart surgery, James Willett was coach and athletic director for
the college. During that time the basketball boys made it to the
provincial tournament nine times and won the championship five
times. He also coached the girls for five years and took them to
the provincials once.
Mildred Goodwin and Marian Jacobs have been co-managers of the
Morgan Cafeteria for 12 years, but now they resigned because the
administration wanted only one manager and the ladies did not wish
to break up the partner ship.
Velda Coulter resigned as teacher. Mrs. Coulter is a popular and
capable teacher, but with lower enrollment there is no room for her
services.
The fiscal year ended with a deficit of $107,231, making a total
deficit of $306,615.
1986-1987
Enrollment: 115
(This is the lowest enrollment since 1970, possibly because of
economic conditions and possibly because the brethren do not
consider Christian education away from home is of vital
importance.)
Gift Night: $65,000
Budget: $999,000
Forty years ago, on September 16, the first high school classes
began at the college in its first building on the outskirts of
Radville, Saskatchewan. On that first day, six students and one
teacher comprised the charter group. The students were Kay and
Beverley Johnson, Pauline Perry, Bernice Peterson, Harold Orr and
Raymond Lock. I was the teacher. A few days later five more
students joined the group. Thus we had 11 students enrolled in the
four grades at Radville Christian College.
Now 40 years later, I am more convinced than ever of the vital
importance of Christian education in a school situation.
Weston Walker has joined our staff this fall as teacher in the
Bible department. He has just recently completed his second
Master's degree from Abilene Christian University (Master of Arts
in Bible 1985, Master of Divinity 1986).
His wife Judy has a Bachelor of Science in home economics from the
same university and has been teaching in Texas during the past
three years. Weston's parents live in Washington state while Judy
hails from Denver.
Karen Peterson who has cooked at Western for two years assumed the
position of cafeteria manager this fall. She has the honour of
being the youngest cafeteria manager that Western has ever had, but
rumour says she is doing very well.
At lectureship Dan Wieb inspired us with his dream of Western's
future. "By 1990 we have a dream that the college will be occupying
its new Student Life Complex, will be debt free and will have 170
students," he said.
To fulfil the dream, he had begun to organize a campaign among
members of the church in the United States in April, 1986. Four
Canadians, all alumni, living in Texas were persuaded to become the
volunteer U.S.A. committee. They are Lynn Anderson '55, John C.
Bailey '53, Walter Straker '53 and former president Glen Dods
(1974-77).
The board of directors have authorized the retaining of Webco, an
Abilene, Texas based public relations firm to inaugurate a campaign
to raise the needed funds and to work with the volunteer executive
committee. Dr. John C. Bailey '53 of Bedford, Texas is chairman of
the executive committee; Shirley Lewis Straker '53 is secretary to
Walter Burch of Webco.
During the summer, Webco and the committee have been enlisting
other members to the U.S.A. leadership team. These included:
Clinton Brazle, Mike Brazle, Reuel Lemmons, Dr. Howard Norton,
Landon Saunders, Dr. John C. Stevens. Webco and the executive
committee have also been initiating advance gift solicitation,
producing campaign materials and planning a series of fall and
winter nation-wide fund-raising dinners.
In addition to mapping out plans, Webco has produced a pamphlet,
"Commitment to Canada, Campaign of Vision, Case Statement" (August
1, 1986), and a twenty-minute audio-visual show, "A Sun is Rising
in the West" and a number of issues of "Canada Calls" (a news
report to send to those on their mailing list).
The first meeting of the volunteer leadership team convened at the
Amfac Hotel at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport at 3:30 p.m., on
Thursday, September 25. Dr. John C. Bailey chaired the meeting and
the speakers were Dr. Stevens, chancellor of A.C.U., Reuel Lemmons,
editor of _Image_ and Dr. Howard Norton, editor of _Christian
Chronicle_.
In the evening at a dinner attended by 85 guests, it was announced
that $135,000 in cash or pledges had been collected. This amount
included the advanced gift solicitation done by Paul Brazle and
others. Because this sum amounted to approximately $200,000 in
Canadian funds, we considered the campaign off to a good start. At
the dinner J. C. Bailey (Sr.) and I were presented plaques in
appreciation of our roles in the founding of the college.
Lynn Anderson's after dinner speech was entitled, "A Call to
Commitment." There was an air of dedicated purpose and a sense of
walking into history as the activities of the evening called us to
commitment to Christian education and to the campaign that will be
a deciding factor in Western's future.
During my five-day sojourn in Texas, I enjoyed the gracious
hospitality of Wayne and Janice Boatwright '71 Pringle. I even
attended a Ladies' Retreat with Janice at Granbury, Texas where the
main speaker was Rita Brown who came to North Weyburn in 1987 to
speak at the college lectureship.
At the annual lectureship in October, 1986 that drew more than
1,200 people, the theme was "Never Give Up." On gift night, Dr.
John C. Bailey '53 from Texas lectured on the topic, "Never Give Up
On Christian Education." One important statement of his lecture
was, "This is not the time to give up on Christian education. We
just now found out that it works." Later he told his audience,
"We're supporting your school. We want you to make a commitment to
Christian education as well." The college received $65,000 in cash
and pledges.
Lynn Anderson '55 with the topic, "Never Give Up On Yourself' and
Walter Straker '53 with the topic, "Never Give Up On the Family"
are two other members of the Canadian connection in Texas who spoke
at lectureship.
When I recently read the Texas publication, "Commitment to Canada,"
I became aware of an interesting statistic about Western. The
publication stated that alumni of the college have been or are
spreading the good news of the gospel in more than 20 countries of
the world. The publication listed only the countries but I am proud
to include in this Diary the names of the students involved:
Argentina
Austria
Australia
Bangladesh
Belgium
Mark Brazle
Larry Good
Paul Brazle
Blair and Susan Roberts
Roy and Rita Davison
Over thirty missionary apprentices--listed in Appendix
Canada
Ernest Andreas
David and Heather McMillan
Cecil and Lavine Bailey
Brian Meneer
Wendell Bailey
Walter Moes
Willy Chidowe
Dwight and Judy Morris
Allen Close
Mike Nienhuis
Dale Elford
Eric and Pam Nyrose
Peter and Lydia Fawcett
Robert and Sharon Parker
Will and Nancy Hart
Ron Pauls
Elaine Start Hart
Scott and Cindi Roberts
Dean and Kay Hotchkiss
Shirley Russell
Allen Jacobs
John and Jane Smith
Alvin and Bernice Johnson
Walter and Shirley Straker
Magnar and Joan Knutson
Ron Surry
David and Shirley Lidbury
Bruce and Grace Tetreau
Ray and Elizabeth Lock
Kevin Vance
Glen and Nancy MacDonald
Betty Bailey Watts
Walter McCutcheon
Jim and Alice Williams
Ray and Ellen McMillan
Chile
China
Cyprus
England
France
Germany
Ghana
Holland
India
Cecil Bailey
John and Carolyn McMillan
Mike Brazle
Ray and Ellen McMillan
Donald Husband
Charles Muller
Allen Jacobs
Debbie Oberkirsch
Walter McCutcheon
Robert and Sharon Parker
David McMillan
Annamae Perry
Italy
Mauritius
Mexico
Nigeria
Norway
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Bill and Vi Bell
David and Heather McMillan
April Cottell
Angela Muller
Gordon and Ruth Goldsmith
Marilyn Orr
Ray and Elizabeth Lock
Leslie Williams
Jim McGeachy
Scotland
South Africa
Switzerland
United States
Lynn Anderson
Elvin Meakes
John Bailey
Rea Pennock
Mike and Debbie Bolton
Mike and Carolyn Steiner
Mike Brazle
Walter and Shirley Straker
David George
Verner Ulrich
Jack Hansen
Viggo Ulrich
Vic McCormick
Jim and Alice Williams
Walter McCutcheon
Zambia
Zimbabwe
During this school year, the "privilege system" is being introduced
into the "ticket" method of acquainting the dormitory directors
with problems that may be arising among the students.
The practice of giving pink tickets for rule infractions has been
in existence for at least 15 years. These tickets were of value to
the dormitory director to discover a student's particular problem
area or the degree of a student's co-operation. However the system
did not encourage positive, co-operative living in the school
community. With the introduction of the privilege system, the
attitude of many students improved. I shall give you an example how
the privilege system works. If a student receives no pink tickets
during one nine-week reporting period, he/she will have permission
to go to town during the week without consulting the dormitory
supervisor, along with other privileges. In the system there are
other categories besides the zero ticket one and each category
carries its special privileges.
In a later report about the privilege system, Marge Roberts writes:
"The students see clearly the relationship between their own
acceptance of personal responsibility and their level of freedom of
choices with their time and activity. There has been a drastic
reduction in the number of tickets given. A large majority of the
students are consistently in the privilege categories."
In addition to the privilege system two other programs were
introduced to the students in the fall of 1986, by Marge Roberts,
dean of student life. They are the Service Program and the Life
Skills Program.
In the Service Program, all students are required to participate to
the extent of two hours each week. They have a choice of
participation in such categories as big brother/big sister,
visiting the elderly, teacher helpers, cafeteria, church, and
maintenance helpers. Each group has a staff sponsor and the
sponsors report to the parents each semester. The students change
groups each semester.
Under the direction of Marge Roberts the Life Skills Program is
organized and administered by the dormitory directors. Upon request
by Karen Close, the program was allotted a specific time on the
time tables of the students. Although the dormitory directors do
much of the life skills teaching, they also invite guest speakers
and use films or videos. The curriculum includes topics of
spiritual growth and emotional development. Some topics discussed:
housekeeping, personal hygiene, appearance, respect for authority,
courtesy, stewardship, sexuality, marriage, coping, and current
issues.
Carolyn Kerr, a grade 12 student from Stoughton played in the flute
section of the Saskatchewan Provincial Honour Band in October.
Randy Murray of North Weyburn was selected for the Provincial
Midget Volleyball Team for the 1986-87 season.
Four students (Lisa Jacobs, Kathy Lidbury, Michael Muller, Nathan
Pennington) dressed as Dickensonian carollers and entertained in
the Weyburn mall several times before the Christmas holiday. They
also sang at the thirty-third Quota Club Carol Festival.
Walter Straker '53 of Abilene, Texas, has been chosen as full-time
director for Western's U.S.A. campaign to raise the $1.5 million
required for our Student Life Complex. His service experience
includes more than 23 years as an evangelist in Canada and U.S.A.,
nine missionary trips to India, and 19 years on Western's Board of
Directors.
It is interesting to note that the four alumni who are devoting so
much time in this fund-raising campaign have all been chosen as
alumnus/alumna of the year: Shirley Lewis Straker in 1972, her
husband Walter in 1970, Lynn Anderson in 1964, and Dr. John Carlos
Bailey in 1978.
Mr. Wieb has said, "Our board has agreed to sign the building
contract if we can generate an additional $800,000 in gifts and
pledges by January 31, 1988."
At the college talent show on February 27, the audience was
intrigued by Norman Straker's wooden dancing puppet.
A perennial favourite at Western's talent shows is the pantomime,
"The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter" presented this time by the
Ensleys, Olsons and Walkers. My first contact with that skit was at
Normal School in 1928-29, and possibly I have witnessed its
performance 25 times since then and each time derived much
enjoyment.
In addition to fund-raising dinners in the United States for the
Student Life Complex, a number of fund-raising dinners have been
held in the four western Canadian provinces to assist with the
operational expenses at Western.
A series of eight dinners was given in Manitoba, Alberta and
British Columbia in the months of December and January. These were
in Winnipeg, Carman, Brandon, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Burnaby
and Nanaimo. Following the December-January dinners, $162,500 had
been raised. This was 65 percent of the total required by the
operational fund.
Six dinners in March and April were planned for Western's home
province in Regina, Weyburn, Gravelbourg, Estevan, Saskatoon and
Wawota.
Weyburn's dinner was held in McKenna Hall on March 27, with Garth
and Cheryl Oberkirsch acting as hosts. At the Weyburn dinner 92
people donated or pledged $16,500 to Western Christian College,
bringing the college to within $2,000 of its fund-raising goal for
the 1986-87 operating expenses. This sum is the largest sum donated
at any one dinner so far. With three fund-raising dinners in
Saskatchewan yet to go, Mr. Wieb announced that the college will
over-reach its goal and be able to start reducing its deficit.
So far each province has given more than targeted. Those goals
include $30,000 from Alberta, $37,000 from British Columbia,
$40,000 from Manitoba, $4,000 from the North West Territories and
$120,000 from Saskatchewan.
The college slogan in the fund-raising campaign is "We have a dream
to build the Student Life Complex, get Western debt free and to
raise the student body to 170 by 1990."
Lynn Anderson, minister of the Highland church in Abilene, Texas
and son of our own Lawrence and Mary Anderson was the guest speaker
at the Weyburn dinner. Dreams were also his theme. "Human beings
need dreams," he said, "and the school is on the verge of a great
dream here in Weyburn. Everything big began with a dream" and then
he mentioned people like Columbus, Edison and Beethoven. Speaking
of the college, Lynn concluded, "It's a dream we cannot let die."
The jazz band under the direction of Sandy Ensley performed at the
dinner.
Among the 18 college students honoured at graduation on May 8, was
Shirley Russell, the first woman recipient of the Bachelor of
Theology degree. In her comments at the exercises, she advised
women to consider the value of taking the three-year Bible program.
"Although many people think the program is only for men," she said,
"women today have just as many contacts with non-Christians as
men." Shirley soon begins work with the church in Regina.
The annual youth rally had a different feature this year too. There
were the usual speeches (Kelly Carter from Victoria), bonfire
devotionals, presentations by band, jazz ensemble, Sonshine and a
musical (Finian's Rainbow directed by Cheryl Geiger and Karen
Kristianson). In addition, there was an Alcohol and Drug Seminar
for adults conducted by Lance Penny of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Many
adults bring their teenagers to the youth rally and of late years
many alumni have started returning to the campus that weekend.
Youth rally has become almost a second homecoming. The seminar was
well received.
Only two staff members are leaving this year in June. Karen Taylor
Peterson '80 resigned as cafeteria manager because her husband
Glenn had accepted a position with Central Mortgage and Housing
Corporation in Regina. Dwight Willett '72 resigned because he plans
to study toward his Master's degree in business administration at
the university in Saskatoon.
James Willett retired officially from teaching but expects to
continue teaching part-time at Western this fall. He started his
teaching career 40 years ago in Texas and has taught all but three
years since then. He taught in several schools across the south-
central United States before coming to Western Christian College in
1967. At the annual superannuation banquet of the Weyburn Teachers'
Association, he received an engraved school bell from the Weyburn
Teachers' Association.
1987-1988
Enrollment: 115
Gift Night: $40,000
Budget: $1,073,001
High School Fees: $4,640
Bible & College Fees:
Tuition: $62 (per semester hour)
Room Rental: $385 (per semester)
Board: $760 (per semester)
Bill and Lynn Earnshaw are the new teachers in the high school
department. They have recently been granted their B.A. and B.Ed.
degrees from the university in Winnipeg.
Bill moved to Canada from Australia in 1983, and has spent most of
his time at university or working in the library. Lynn is an
English teacher from Singapore, who met Bill at university. They
were married in Winnipeg, in 1986.
At Western Bill teaches physical education and Bible while Lynn
teaches English and science.
Luci Gainer came from Campbell River, B.C. to work at the Morgan
Cafeteria. At Campbell River she had operated a Respite Care Home
for handicapped children in her own home. Luci has two children,
Eroca, who graduated from grade 12 at Western this past June and
Dougal who is in grade 10.
Matthew Jackson has been employed by the elders of the Weyburn
church to teach in the college Bible department. Matt and his wife
Pam with their children, Amber (5) and Shiloh (2) come from
Minneapolis, where Matt has been working as a vocational missionary
with the Metro Church of Christ. Matt has a Master of Arts degree
in Bible and Missions from Abilene Christian University.
Vince Anderson, who is teaching at the college this semester, will
become a full-time minister with the Weyburn church in January.
Jim Pennington has been granted a one semester leave of absence to
attend classes in Regina at the university and at the Canadian
Bible College.
Another of the pioneers of the college has gone to his eternal
reward. Hjelmer E. Peterson, one of the five original members of
the board of directors, passed away in the Weyburn hospital on
September 18, in his 89th year.
Brother Peterson had served on the board for 10 years. As we had
only student janitors in those early years of the college, we were
pleased that he lived on a farm only 10 miles from Radville and
could be called upon to make emergency repairs. He and his wife
Margetta often entertained the entire student body at their home.
Three of their children have been employed at the college: Ruth
(now Bailey) cooked (1947-48); Robert was plant manager (1979-81);
and Roger except for five years educational leave was on the
teaching staff (1951-1979).
Brother Peterson's steadfast and loyal support in the pioneer years
was much appreciated by the college.
Karen Close has organized a cope group among students who come from
broken homes or homes where there has been alcoholism or abuse. At
first she met only with the girls but upon request from the boys,
they were later allowed to join the group. Karen considers her
sessions with this group to be productive of understanding and
healing.
In preparation for directing the cope group, Karen has studied
short courses and attended conferences and workshops in those
fields almost every year for several years. She has taken all of
the counselling classes by Jim Hawkins and some classes from the
Canadian Bible College, the University of Regina and correspondence
classes from the University of Waterloo.
Although attendance at lectureship was slightly down from previous
years, $40,000 was given or pledged at the annual gift night. This
sum starts the college in its efforts to, raise $350,000 in
donations for operational expenses this year.
For the second year in a row much of that amount will be raised
through a series of dinners across western Canada, beginning
November 12 in Carman, Manitoba and continuing through March.
The Canadian Band Week was marked by a concert at the college on
Monday, October 26, at which the Camarata Brass Quintet from the
Regina Symphony Orchestra performed. The W.C.C. jazz ensemble and
concert band directed by Sandy Ensley entertained at the same
concert.
During the past summer holidays I had heard rumours that Western
might purchase the brick buildings of MacKay Residential School at
Dauphin, Manitoba, that will be phased out and closed on June 30,
1988, but I had dismissed the rumours as nonconsequential. Then in
January, 1988, I received a communication from Lowell Hodgson,
chairman of the board, written to all shareholders. In the letter,
Mr. Hodgson writes, "This very excellent facility might be
available to us at little or no cost. I am presently pursuing this
with Canadian government officials. However, I want to stress that
this is very tentative at this point."
The next major event to change the course of Western's history was
the closing down of the fund-raising campaign for development in
the United States, on January 31, 1988. About $300,000 had been
raised during the one and one half years of the campaign set up by
Webco and directed by Walter Straker and the volunteer committee.
Two reasons especially contributed to the failure of the campaign
to raise the necessary $1.5 million for the Student Life Complex:
the economic decline caused by the sudden drop in oil prices from
$80 a barrel to $12 or lower, and our college is too small and too
far away when competing against well-known nearby institutions for
the donation dollars.
The board of directors has decided to abandon development plans for
the time being. This decision was a disappointment to all of us on
campus. However, I was encouraged to learn via a telephone
conversation with Shirley Straker, some positive results of the
American campaign.
The college did become somewhat better known and the alumni in
U.S.A. really rallied around the college during the campaign. There
had been very successful fund-raising dinners in localities where
alumni lived. Shirley mentioned the excellent response at Oklahoma
City where Leila Andreas Carpenter and several other alumni are
living, in Hutchinson, Kansas where Mike Brazle is preaching and in
Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Clinton and Delma Brazle live. In addition,
she said that it was so good to discover with what high regard the
alumni are held in their communities.
Is our dream for the North Weyburn campus finished or just on hold?
Our school athletic teams have always been very active and quite
successful but we have had outstanding success this year because
our boys' volleyball team won the provincials for the first time,
our boys' basketball team won the provincials for the sixth time
and our hockey team played in the provincials.
During the weekend of November 27-28 the boys won the 2A High
School Provincial Volleyball Championship in Wynyard. The Mustangs
defeated Lumsden to win the championship final.
Coach Dick Kirkpatrick said that the toughest match of the
tournament and "the best volleyball game I've ever seen" came in
the semi final round against Delisle which earlier this year won
the University of Saskatchewan high school tournament.
There were 11 teams in the tournament. Western's previous best
showing in volleyball was in 1976, when it came second to Meadow
Lake in the provincial tournament played in Weyburn.
Team members are David Ellis, John J. Harvey, Quinn Moreau, Randy
Murray, Darrin Pawlak, Pat Songer, Dan Clarke, Jamie Harvey, Steve
McMillan, Curtis Parker, Brad Robinson, Leland Morris and Trevor
Wise.
Lively fan support inspired the boys to a better than best
performance. Alumni and parent turn out was tremendous as fans were
present for the finals from Weyburn, Yellowknife, Regina,
Saskatoon, North Battleford, Lewistown, Montana, Wishart and
Wynyard. Western's boys enjoyed the largest cheering section of all
the teams in the tournament.
Coach Kirkpatrick had promised his team members that if they won
the provincials, they could shave his beard. On Saturday they won;
on Tuesday the beard came off.
In March at Hoopla '88 in Regina, Western boys' basketball team won
the 2A high school provincial title for the first time since 1980,
ending a four-year winning streak by Birch Hills.
In their first game at Hoopla, the Mustangs played Lutheran
Collegiate Bible Institute from Outlook and won 80-57. John J.
Harvey led the team with 28 points; Quinn Moreau had 16 points and
eight rebounds; David Ellis had 14 points; Pat Songer, 14 points;
Scott Wise, seven points and 10 rebounds.
For the final game, the Mustangs then faced four-time defending
champion Birch Hills and won 73-65, which Coach Kirkpatrick said
was "a close game all the way" with Western trailing by six or
eight points through most of the game. John J. Harvey led the team
with 26 points and five rebounds while Quinn Moreau had 22 points,
eight rebounds and seven blocked shots.
The team members are Scott Wise, Doug Gainer, Quinn Moreau, Pat
Songer, Doug Robb, Terry Jacobs, Dan Clarke, Larry Elford, Doug
Nelson, David Ellis, John J. Harvey and Jamie Harvey.
James Willett had coached the boys to their other five victories in
1968, 1972, 1974, 1977 and 1980, although his son Dwight had been
assistant coach in 1980 after Mr. Willett suffered his heart attack
in January. Western's boys have made their name in basketball
circles throughout the history of the college.
Mustang hockey players won the Red Coat Trail League this year.
Other teams in the league were Avonlea, Milestone, Radville, and
Yellowgrass. The Mustangs lost at the provincials that were held at
Weyburn. The hockey coaches were Harvey Marr and Dave Stockham,
volunteers from the city of Weyburn and friends of J. C. Murray,
the team manager. The team members are Marlon Anderson, Dan
Canfield, Derek McMillan, Leland Morris, Cory Vance, Scott
MacKenzie (manager), Steven McMillan, Curtis Parker, Brad Robinson,
Marvin Zorn, Eric Bailey, Wendall Elford, Randy Murray, Darrin
Pawlak, Dan Penny, Grant Vance, and Trevor Wise.
Hockey award winners are Darrin Pawlak, the most valuable
defenseman; Randy Murray, the most valuable player; and Trevor Wise
won the most improved player award.
There was a new twist to youth rally again this year. Instead of
the usual activities in the gym after dinner, a spring fair and
picnic were held in the skating rink from 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m.
There were fun games and individual sporting activities. Both the
concert band and jazz ensemble performed. As part of an art display
at the Spring Fair, some Chinese students sketched the visitors.
Also there was a booth where the visitors could get the inevitable
cotton candy. Scott Roberts '78, preacher at Swift Current, was the
main guest speaker at the rally and Ron Johnson '79, teacher from
Bienfait was the song leader. You will note that they are both
alumni. It is encouraging to note that alumni are assuming
leadership roles at major events at the college.
The other special guest was Ben Zickefoose from Abilene Christian
University. The musical was "My Fair Lady" directed by Melissa
Hansen and Lisa Morgan.
Western Christian College combines its annual awards
night with an Olympiad featuring events you won't see in
Seoul. The annual year-end party for students given by
the staff featured such events as Catch the Wave (sliding
for distance on a water covered plastic sheet--a very
popular event), My Cup Runneth Over (filling pop bottles
from pitchers at a considerable height), Cross Country
Ski (skiing without snow), the President Spoke (a bicycle
relay race around the campus), Get Me to the Class on
Time (a kind of hallway steeplechase), and Silicon Valley
(attempting to scale a pole that had been lubricated with
silicon).
The students were divided into teams according to place
of home residence. Olympiad events were interspersed with
the giving of regular year-end awards. The citizen of
the year is Kathy Gruell and the four other citizenship
crests went to Steve McMillan, Coralie Jacobs, Randy
Murray, and Stephanie Olson...
Thanks to Eddie Willett of the _Weyburn Review_.
Because of the decreased enrollment and the large deficit, the
board has decided that drastic changes should occur in staffing.
Mr. Wieb felt that with the numerous necessary changes, a younger
man should assume the reins of the presidency. Consequently, he
took early retirement after 28 years in administration at Western.
Vince Anderson, minister of the Weyburn Church of Christ assumed
the office of president on June 1 and on September 1, Dan Wieb will
be the minister of the Weyburn Church of Christ. A unique exchange
of office! Mr. Wieb is assisting Vince Anderson in the transition
process.
During Mr. Wieb's almost three decades at Western Christian
College, the institution grew from being mainly a high school to
include a liberal arts junior college with one full year of
accredited classes at the University of Regina and a Bible
department awarding Bachelor of Theology degrees. As an
administrator/educator, he has left an indelible mark on the staff
and students of Western. He will be remembered for his faith, his
understanding, his tolerance and his wisdom by a whole generation
of students and staff.
Marge Roberts, dean of student life, has resigned her position,
effective July 31. Mrs. R. has been with the college 20 years. She
is responsible for developing the current student life program
which includes an excellent peer facilitator program, a student
service program, life skills program and a comprehensive
counselling program.
She is not resigning because of burn-out but because she is brave
enough and unselfish enough to realize that her resignation will
give the board more freedom in making changes and in planning for
the future.
Another long time employee, J. C. Murray has also resigned
effective July 31, because development plans have practically come
to a standstill, and at present there is little work for a
development director. During his years of service since 1969, Mr.
Murray has transformed the appearance of the campus, organized the
hamlet of North Weyburn and has been responsible for the major
renovations in several campus buildings.
Because of the reorganization in the administration office, Dennis
Quilliams resigned as office manager and bookkeeper. It is reputed
that Dennis had once said that the computers would soon take his
place. He and his wife Karen and children Winona (grade 10) and
Paul have moved to Enderby, B.C.
Stacey Anderson resigned as Morgan Cafeteria manager now that her
husband is president. She is being replaced by Mildred Goodwin.
Carrie Knight and Debbie Roberts Hodgson have been engaged as cooks
for the 1988-89 year.
Will Hart resigns as dormitory director of Hanes Hall to be
replaced by Doug Cox. Will and his wife Nancy and their son
Jonathan are leaving North Weyburn to work with the Wawota
congregation for six months and then go to Camrose, Alberta where
they will serve the church.
Doug Cox, a 1972 graduate worked as a building contractor for six
years in Calgary and then moved to Weyburn in 1980 to engage in the
same vocation. In Weyburn, his wife Cheryl '70 operated Prairie
Florists. At Western, Cheryl will be in charge of the student
centre and canteen. Doug and Cheryl have two children, Jenny and
Brian.
Loreen Husband, manager of the student centre, resigned in order to
operate a play school in Weyburn.
Arbutus Tetreau has been employed by the administration offices
since 1970 except for one year. She is to become a part-time
employee with the post office being her chief care.
It is odd how accidentally some seemingly trivial event takes hold
and from it a valued tradition develops. Traditions are valuable in
a family and also in a school. The regular observance of a custom
creates security, stability and promotes togetherness. The annual
graduation class painting on The Rock, the night before graduation
day is such a tradition.
In 1972, on graduation morning, we were surprised to discover a
huge red "72" painted on The Rock, as the old firing range of the
Commonwealth Air Force Training School is so called.
I understand that Jack Mooney and Doug Cox were the instigators.
They painted the number by the use of car lights and tall ladders.
I have heard that they were reprimanded for their daring. In fact,
one person suggested that Jack Mooney was almost expelled, but I
doubt the authorities had contemplated such severity.
The next graduation morning produced a huge red "1973" and so the
tradition is established. In 1978, the grads painted the first
picture in addition to the number. It was a raring black mustang
against a glowing sunset. The 1981 logo introduced to succeeding
classes the idea of an eye catching emblem often accompanied by its
echoing motto. A huge viking with sword held high and broad shield
with the numbers "81" proclaimed the words "Fight the good fight."
This year the students painted a small white colt beside its large
black mother raring into the sky with the caption "Power to Become"
and also listed the names of all graduates. The main painters were
Stephanie Olson, Brent Petersen, and John J. Harvey.
Dr. John Harvey has calculated that there is space on The Rock for
the grad logos until the year 2021.
1988-1989
Enrollment: High school--84, College and Bible--9
Deficit: $420,000
Donations Required: $382,894
High School Fees: $4,726
College and Bible Program Fees:
Tuition: $64 (per semester hour)
Room Rental: $397 (per semester)
Board: $783 (per semester)
Classes began this fall with the lowest enrollment in high school
for nearly 20 years and practically the lowest (tied with 1975) in
the junior college and Bible department since they began in 1968.
The total deficit had risen $116,604 last year alone. Because the
student enrollment has decreased, the anticipated income is less;
therefore, it will be necessary to find $382,894 in donations in
order to balance the budget during the coming year without even
considering the deficit.
Western is in dire straits as a _Weyburn Review_ headline declares.
The stagnation of our economy because of drought in Saskatchewan is
partly responsible for the low enrollment. In addition, there is
the high cost of fees for attendance.
Possible a new generation of parents is not aware of the value of
Christian education. Our brethren have become middle class
citizens with middle class standards of living and find it
difficult to save and sacrifice to send their children away for
high school. Then too, there are more larger congregations where
the young people have more association with Christian of their own
age than they did in the pioneer days of the church in western
Canada, and consequently parents do not feel the serious need to
send their children to a Christian school. Whatever the reason,
the enrollment is low.
The shareholders and members of Western Christian College received
an urgent letter to attend the annual meeting in October to discuss
the critical financial situation and to hear more regarding the
possibility of relocating the college to Dauphin, Manitoba.
Next we received a news release from chairman Lowell R. Hodgson of
Red Deer, Alberta indicating that the federal government had just
announced that it is now ready to put the MacKay Residential School
up for tender and that the board of directors will hold a meeting
on September 19, in Dauphin and tour the campus there.
This news release aroused further interest in the annual meeting.
More than 300 shareholders and members of the corporation attended
the annual meeting held in the church building in Weyburn, on
Saturday morning, October 8. This is the largest attendance ever
at a college annual meeting.
Chairman Lowell Hodgson outlined the present position of the
college and the challenges of the future. He said, "There is need
for some change in order to be a future...Without significant
change, we are on a collision course...We cannot continue as we
are...Our debt is choking us to death." Then he pointed out that
it costs more than $40,000 in interest charges every year.
No time was given to open discussion on the possibility of a move
to Dauphin but we did gain more information regarding the campus
and its buildings.
The bard has struck a committee to review the tender package and to
consider making a bid. The buildings and equipment have an
estimated value of $8 to $10 million.
Lectureship '88 was a history making event in Western's records
because the college received its largest ever donation--#130,000.
After Harold Hazelip, president of David Lipscomb College had
delivered his lecture, "The Church: Its Present," on gift night
about $70,000 was collected.
On Sunday afternoon, a challenge was issued by a group of thirteen
men who among themselves collected about $29,000 and then appointed
Ron Jacobs of Stoughton to challenge those present to dig deeper in
their pockets. A second collection was taken. With the two public
collections and private ones $130,000 was raised that weekend.
Also on Sunday afternoon, Roger Peterson spoke of the value of
Christian education. He and his wife Helen have been paying tuition
for their children for 24 years and consider that it is the best
investment for the future that they ever made. After lectureship
Roger and Helen sent a letter to over 700 individuals requesting
assistance for the college.
The overwhelming response of the brotherhood during lectureship
almost stunned a grateful and jubilant President Vince Anderson.
Not only the generous gifts of money were welcome but also the
aroused co-operative spirit assured him of broader support in the
future when striving to solve Western's problems.
Surely a more optimistic atmosphere pervaded the campus when we
discovered that previously dormant but very real interest in saving
Western. The clouds did not seem to be hanging so heavily over
Western anymore.
OUR SCHOOL SONG
I consider the words of our school song, written by Principal C. T.
Bailey, among the most courageous and stirring lyrics in the
English language of faith. The arousing first stanza reads:
Ho! my comrades, see our banners
Waving in the sky.
We are marching on to victory;
We cannot say "die."
Since 1958, these words have been sung at various school occasions
here at Western Christian College with the result that staff and
students have been lifted to new heights regardless of what the
current threat may have been. These words continue to be the
"paean" sung before the decisive battles of our school.
Equally as interesting and meaningful is the background of the
Christian hymn from which Brother Bailey took the music for this
school song. The original hymn has its roots in the American Civil
War and the decisive march of General W. T. Sherman across the
South.
Sherman planned to make a military drive from Chattanooga to
Atlanta--a decisive venture. The Confederate government, impatient
with General Joseph E. Johnston because of his evasiveness to
engage in head-on encounters with Sherman, removed Johnston from
his command and gave it to General Hood. Hood was an impetuous
leader whose strategy was to march to the rear of Sherman's
advancing army, threatening to cut off the army from its Northern
supplies at Chattanooga and Nashville.
One important link in these communications was Allatoona, which
commanded the pass through the mountains. At once this important
post was attacked by General Hood's army. The air was tense--the
moment was urgent. Sherman ordered Lt. Corse to march to protect
Allatoona while he withdrew to Kenesaw Mountain to signal his
communications. There, from that commanding height, on the clear
October day, Sherman could see the smoke of battle while his flag
officer made out the words which were flag-signalled from
Allatoona, "Corse is here." That reinforcement of Union Troops
saved Allatoona. In relief, Sherman heliographed back his famous
message, "Hold the fort, I am coming."
A young Union officer, Major Whittle, later recounted this incident
to the evangelist, song writer, P. P. Bliss who wrote the Christian
hymn, "Hold the Fort, For I Am Coming." The song rehearsed the
message of our Lord of Lords who sends encouragement to his
beleaguered church on earth to hold out until His second coming.
This bit of historical information makes our school song even more
meaningful at this time when reinforcements are sorely needed for
our school's survival. In any war there may be a "D day" as well as
a "V-day." "D-day" is the day of some decisive battle on which the
tide of war turns toward one of the contestants. Other battles may
follow, but the outcome is clear in its general outlines. Then,
finally "V-day" arrives when the last battle is fought and arms
are laid down.
October 9, 1988 may be seen as "D-day" in the history of Western
Christian College. On that day, Sunday afternoon of our annual
Bible lectureship, Brother Ron Jacobs came to the speaker's stand
to announce the challenge of several men to the shareholders to
raise the amount given the previous night to a new goal--and a
total of $130,000 was given and/or pledged that day. Surely we can
see this as the turning point for Western Christian College. Signal
that victory to all others.
We are all encouraged that reinforcements are coming! Our Mighty
General will lead us in victory in His own good time. However, we,
the infantry, must keep on marching forward. We who are the
shareholders of Western Christian College and members of churches
of Christ in western Canada, can pay off this debt that hangs over
our school like a death pall. We are not a helpless or hopeless
brotherhood. Hearing the School Song again tells us that we can
save this school.
Out there in the circles of friends and alumni of Western Christian
College, keep singing this song and encouraging the gifts necessary
to set us on our feet again.
(The information about the background of the song on which our
school song is based was submitted by J. E. Pennington, with
gracious assistance from Mike W. Brazle of Hutchinson, Kansas.)
THE SCHOOL SONG
Ho! my comrades, see our banners
Waving in the sky.
We are marching on to victory;
We cannot say "die."
Chorus:
So let the virtue of our mission
Roll from soul to soul;
'Keep the honour of our college'
This shall be our goal.
When in Life's great coliseum
Fades the victory flame,
Hear our coach's admonition,
"Up, and play the game."
What if life be melodramatic--
Courage almost gone!
Though our hearts be bowed and broken
Still, the play goes on.
In our studies, sports and drama
We will do our best;
Never shall we faint or falter
In life's crucial test.
In that day when our great Teacher
Rings the last school bell,
May we hear that gracious welcome,
"Child, thou hast done well."
(Words by C. T. Bailey)
On Saturday night October 8, Chairman Lowell Hodgson presented E.
D. Wieb with a plaque in honour of the 28 years he served Western,
while Marjorie Roberts received a plaque for 20 years of service
and J. C. Murray received one for 17 years of service. The audience
responded by giving the trio a standing ovation.
The bids on the MacKay Residential School at Dauphin closed
November 16. The board had submitted a bid with six conditions in
regard to accreditation, superannuation, agreement with Dauphin for
use of town facilities and ratification of the transaction by the
Western Christian College membership by March 31, 1989.
Before December, the board received word from the Public Works
Department that it was recommending the board's bid of $200,000 to
the Treasury Department of the federal government.
Until then I had not considered that the possibility of the college
moving from the North Weyburn campus would become a reality.
To me, it is unwise to move to Dauphin. Why move away from your
clientele? Since its beginning in 1945, the majority of students
have lived in Saskatchewan and most of the necessary donations have
come from Saskatchewan. There are supposed to be about 300 church
families within a radius of 100 miles of Weyburn and only 30
families within the same radius of Dauphin.
Saskatchewan has one of the best teacher pension plans in Canada
and private school teachers have been eligible for such pensions
since 1965. In Manitoba, Western's teachers will not belong to the
same pension plan as the public school teachers.
Our liberal arts classes have accreditation at the University of
Regina while we have no guarantee when or if we can obtain
accreditation at a Manitoba university. We obtain provincial grants
not only for high school students here but also for our college
students. Our college students are eligible for provincial academic
scholarships.
We have a good skating rink at North Weyburn for recreation and for
large gatherings. At lectureship we often have attendance of 1,200
of the estimated 3,500 membership in western Canada. At Dauphin
there is only an outdoor rink and no auditorium to accommodate
The school plant at North Weyburn is practically tax free. We pay
taxes only on the staff apartments. At Dauphin the taxes were
originally to be an estimated $80,000 but it is hoped that the
province will forgive the taxes up to 10 acres but we don't know if
that change can be obtained.
The mayor of Weyburn, His Worship Ron Barber is making a great
effort to obtain an alternative to the Dauphin move that will
satisfy the board. Mr. Barber believes that Weyburn will suffer a
great loss by the college moving away. Just financially, it will be
a loss because the college staff, students, and visitors to major
college events spend over $1 million annually in the community.
A plan has been worked out by Lorne Hepworth, Weyburn M.L.A. and
Education Minister that has apparently been accepted by other
cabinet ministers.
This plan will be for the college to move into the north-west wing
of the Souris Valley Regional Care Centre. The complex is already
on the government list of facilities to be brought up to 1988
standards, and if Western were to choose to use the building, the
renovations can be completed and ready for the 1990-91 school year.
The renovations will be paid by Western at a cost of $177,000 a
year and the base rent per year for the facilities will be
$475,000. Meals will be prepared in the main cafeteria and served
in the college dining room at additional cost.
A gymnasium will be built by the province and shared with the
South-East Regional College. Other recreational facilities will
also be shared.
The board did not look seriously at this option because of tenancy
shared facilities and the added financial burdens. It would be more
difficult for the college to maintain its separate identity with
sharing facilities and no separately defined campus. I agree with
the board on this decision.
In order to acquaint the membership of the college of the board's
recommendation that Western move to the MacKay Residential School
in Dauphin, the board arranged for town hall meetings to be held in
various centres of western Canada during December and January. Such
meetings were chaired by Bob Andreas '69, a member of the board who
has been appointed Project Manager/Move Co-ordinator.
Such a town hall meeting was held on January 5, 1989, in the annex
of the Weyburn Church of Christ building. It was well attended and
discussions pro and con lasted for three hours. As a result of this
meeting a petition was drawn up and signed by 24 shareholders
requesting a general meeting of the membership prior to the issuing
of the ballots on the proposed move to Dauphin. The request was for
such an update informational meeting regarding the options
available and recommendations of the board be held at homecoming in
February.
The general meeting took place on Saturday, February 4, 1989, at
the Weyburn Church of Christ main auditorium. In spite of the cold
stormy weather, attendance was good.
The meeting lasted all afternoon and held the attention of almost
all the visitors to homecoming.
The number of guests at the tea that afternoon was the smallest in
the history of homecoming teas. Twenty signed the register and
those signatures included the hostesses (Lydia Fawcett and Lillian
M. Torkelson) and Queen Melanie Parker and her princesses Tricia
Seibel and Rebecca Tucker. The Skylarks sang for the appreciative
small group. The hostesses realized that other homecomers were
concerned with more serious business than a tea.
Homecoming was unique in another way that year. Because of the
intensely cold wind and blowing snow neither of the teams engaged
to play Western's basketball teams arrived on Friday night.
Consequently a change of venue occurred that night. The band
concert and the homecoming queen ceremonies were held in the
college gymnasium. After these activities a lunch was served by
Weyburn alumni in Morgan Cafeteria. All alumni and friends enjoyed
such a merry time of fellowship that I decided that Saskatchewan
winter weather need not depress people when they are with friends.
At the banquet on Saturday, Bob Andreas '69 was the speaker and on
Sunday Mike Brazle '69 of Hutchinson, Kansas preached both sermons.
John McMillan '66 of Spring Valley was named Alumnus of the Year.
John is a teacher, a community coach and a church leader. He is the
third member of his family to be chosen Alumnus of the Year (Ray in
1965 and Glen in 1983).
Mickel Jacobs from old Bible School days at Ogema-Radville-Horse
Creek, received a recognition certificate for his generous support
of the college. A comment in his acceptance speech is worthy of
note: "I've never withheld support for the school even if I differ
with what they're doing."
On Saturday night, at the program in the gym following the banquet,
a performance was given by The Blue Moon Boys, so-called because it
is reputed that one member (to remain nameless) would complete his
French assignment punctually only once in a blue moon. This band
(Charles Muller, Mike Brazle, Mark Brazle) sometimes entertained
staff and students 20 years ago.
The Midnight Sun, a singing group from Regina received a warm
welcome. They are all alumni: Dwight Muller, Howard Floyd, Keith
Brankston, Mark Husband, Billy McMillan, Bill Coulter and Eddie
Willett.
Several skits of 20 years ago were presented under the direction of
Bob Andreas. The evening ended with the massed choir of alumni and
students singing the usual thrilling "Hallelujah Chorus" and
"Amen."
The ballots asking the 713 members of the Western Christian College
corporation to vote "yes" or "no" on moving the school to Dauphin
were mailed out the week after homecoming. If 75 percent of the
ballots returned are marked in favour of the proposal, it means
that the proposed move has been ratified.
The ballots were counted on March 1st. 0f the 638 ballots returned
86 percent (550) voted in favour of the proposed move and 13
percent (82) voted against. Six ballots were spoiled.
What does Western get at Dauphin for $200,000?
(1) 14.28 acres of land completely fenced
(2) 86,619 square feet of buildings erected since 1957
(a) most are concrete structures with brick exteriors
(b) centralized fire alarm system includes sprinkler system,
smoke alarms, fire exit doors with panic hardware
(c) steam-heated with oil-fired boilers (top condition)
(d) recently installed double pane windows
(e) some redecoration required
(3) Dormitories for 160-200; dining room seats 204; chapel capable
of seating 204; several large classrooms; gym; recreation/game
room; and miscellaneous other facilities
(4) All equipment and furnishings throughout; 2 buses, van, truck
with topper, industrial tractor with mower and snow blade,
garden tractor with mower and snow blower
(5) The town of Dauphin has approved a cash grant of $30,000 for
each of the first three years in Dauphin.
During the past year, membership in the college corporation has
increased from 443 to 750. It is to be hoped that these new members
realize that their donations must exceed the annual $20 membership
fee in order for the college to function. Because donations have
been short, Western is nearly a half million dollars in debt.
I am not in favour of The Move to Dauphin, but many people,
including myself, have prayed that the Lord's will be done in the
matter. Therefore, I accept the decision and continue to pray for
the prosperity of the college. Christian education is far more
valuable than personal desires or opinions.
Staff members have mixed feelings regarding The Move. Some regret
leaving close friends in the community or pension rights built up
in Saskatchewan. Others consider the Dauphin buildings so superior
to those at North Weyburn that the move will open up a bright
future for Western.
Roger Peterson of North Weyburn has accepted the post of principal-
academic dean on a year to year basis. It is good that he is in
this position, because he believes that the move to Dauphin is
necessary and that the better buildings will renew interest in the
school.
Because I am now retired from teaching at Western, I have no plans
to move to Dauphin. However, if I had been on staff, I would have
likely planned to go there in spite of my opposition to the move.
I have long maintained that if I have rewarding employment I can be
happy and contented anywhere. That is a rather rash statement to
make. Yet, I do recall that when I first moved to the Radville
Christian College campus I thought I was in prison living across
the river from town with no nearby bridge nor motor vehicle. But in
time I grew to love the campus. Then when I moved to North Weyburn
I was almost stunned by this broad, flat empty plain in which the
campus is situated. Now I think it is a beautiful place!
Before Western says farewell to the North Weyburn campus, a note of
appreciation should be given to the Weyburn organizations and
businesses that have sponsored our students to various activities
or extended other courtesies.
--In 1972 about 80 students were involved with local officers and
merchants when they spent a day at various businesses and
administrative offices throughout the city in a practical education
experience called Youth-in-Action Day. In 1973 Western students
participated in Weyburn's Youth-in-Action program again.
--The University Women's Club of Weyburn has presented book awards
in art and French each year since 1970.
--The Weyburn Rotary Club has sponsored students in Adventures in
Citizenship at Ottawa at least three times.
--The same club has sponsored students to the Model United Nations
Assembly in Winnipeg three or four times.
--The local radio station CFSL has asked Western to share in a
weekly radio broadcast with the Comprehensive School.
--The school unit director of education presents an annual academic
award.
--Western students published a weekly article in the _Weyburn
Review_ entitled "Western Round Up."
--The _Weyburn Review_ has given excellent comprehensive coverage for
all major college events for over 30 years.
--Student groups have been frequently invited to sing at club
meetings, nursing homes and senior citizen homes in the city.
--Students have participated annually in the Weyburn Communithon.
Because I gathered these items from available documents without
thorough research, it is probably an incomplete list.
The final college and Bible department class recognition banquet on
the North Weyburn campus was held in the gymnasium on May 12, 1989.
Lowell Troy Hodgson received the Bachelor of Theology degree. He is
the twelfth student to graduate with the Bachelor of Theology
degree since 1984. Certificates of Biblical Studies were given
Lowell Troy Hodgson and Kurt Steven Pippus.
The special award winners are as follows:
Oral Reading of the Scriptures -- Troy Hodgson & Tim Pippus
Janine Annita Farr Bible -- Stephanie Olson of North
Weyburn
Alumni Bible Award -- Tim Pippus of Moose Jaw
Alumni Academic Award -- Troy Hodgson of Red Deer,
Alberta
Mickel Jacobs Bible Award -- Stephanie Olson Taylor
Personal Evangelism Scholarship -- Tim Pippus
Dean's Award -- Troy Hodgson
Velda Coulter received a certificate of recognition for having
completed 37 hours of Bible classes during 15 years to improve her
understanding of the Bible.
The address to the assembled students and guests was given by Dr.
E. D. Wieb of Weyburn. He said that our young people are service-
oriented people and that Christians should be involved in causes
but if they consider the service aspect of Christianity to be its
main aspect, then they have denied the Faith. Christians should put
redemption in first place and then service to mankind will become
an extension of God's love and a means of praising Him.
On the weekend of May 19-21, the college held its final youth rally
on this campus. It was a successful rally with attendance nearing
200.
The function included a spring fair featuring a dunk tank,
contests, performances by the chorus, the concert band, the jazz
ensemble, the musical "Oliver" and guest speaker Michael Bolton.
Mike, an alumnus and former Weyburn Red Wing is at present youth
minister at Marquette, Michigan. The theme for the weekend is "The
Race--Running to Win." Ron Johnson '79 and teacher from Bienfait
led the lively singing sessions.
Chandra Allen and Leah Rodriguez are the student directors of the
musical. Oliver is a repeat of Western's first musical production
in 1974.
On May 30, the college once again held its annual sports banquet in
Morgan Cafeteria. The guest speaker was Cheryl Starnes Elford '82
of Mankota who had been voted the most valuable player the year
Western's basketball girls won the provincials.
An award was presented to Judy Severson '79 of Weyburn in
appreciation of her volunteer service as coach of the girls'
basketball team for the past two years. Bill Earnshaw is the staff
sponsor of the team.
In girls' volleyball, coached by John Harvey, the most improved
award went to Andrea Bourassa, rookie of the year to Jackie
Bellavance, and most valuable player award to Dawn Buckmaster.
In boys' volleyball, coached by Dick Kirkpatrick, the most
consistent player was Curtis Parker (Saskatoon), the rookie of the
year was Mike Reid, and the most valuable player was Brad Robinson.
The team placed in the top six at this year's provincials at
Kelvington.
Coach Bill Earnshaw presented the soccer awards. Western's soccer
team hosted the regionals this year but lost. The rookie of the
year award went to Michael McKinney, most improved player to Jim
Williams, and the most valuable player award to Todd Jacobs.
Coach Dick Kirkpatrick presented the boys' basketball awards. The
rookie of the year was Chris VanDyke, the most improved player was
Dougal Gainer, and the most valuable player, Doug Robb. "Without
Doug, we wouldn't have had the leadership," said the coach.
A new award was created in basketball this year. It is called the
Iron Man!--For the player who runs over chairs, tables, fans and
gets the ball in his face. Jamie Harvey supposedly did all that and
still got 20 points in each game.
In girls' basketball the most improved player was Gigi Poon (never
played before but a quick learner), the most sportsmanlike player
was Jackie Bellavance, rookie of the year was Dawn Buckmaster, and
most valuable player was Heather McMillan.
Team manager J. C. Murray (also a volunteer) presented the awards
to the boys' hockey team. The team plays in the Red Coat Trail
Hockey League. The award winners were chosen by the team itself:
best defenceman was Marvin Zorn, most valuable player was Steve
McMillan, and most improved player was Scott MacKenzie.
The final two awards presented by John Harvey were the spirit
awards given to two students dedicated to uphold the ideals of the
college: Geri Bird and Curtis Parker.
Several staff members are saying farewell to Western at the end of
June.
Sandy Ensley, our first band director and my Scrabble playing
friend, is joining the faculty at Great Lakes Christian College at
Beamsville, Ontario within easier distance of her parents.
Michael Ensley is leaving the J. C. Bailey Resource Centre that he
built up to become possibly one of the best libraries in the
province for a school of this size, to work also at Great Lakes
Christian College.
Mildred Goodwin, our good, long-time cafeteria manager will live in
Weyburn with her husband to be near children and grandchildren in
Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Debbie Roberts Hodgson with her husband Troy will seek new
adventures at Yellowknife, N.W.T.
Dick Kirkpatrick leaves his winning ball teams to coach and teach
at Abilene Christian University.
Carrie Floyd Knight will live with her husband Nelson and small son
in Weyburn and make beautiful corsages at the Prairie Florists.
Lorraine Murray, who has managed the principal's office so very
well for 20 years, will have a well-earned rest and eventually go
with her husband to Salmon Arm, B.C.
Roland Olson who pioneered the teaching of art at the college is
retiring from the teaching profession to live at North Weyburn and
enjoy his art studio.
Arbutus Tetreau who has greeted us at the North Weyburn post office
wicket with a calm, quiet welcome will live in Weyburn and continue
in the postal business.
Weston and Judy Walker will take their youthful vigour and faith to
another field of service at Beamsville, Ontario.
James Willett has laid down his director's baton (figuratively
speaking) after more than 200 performances to retire in Weyburn.
June 10 was high school graduation day. In the afternoon I walked
over to The Rock to view the new grad logo. It is a brilliant
sunset, a fitting symbol with a two-fold meaning, typifying the
ending of high school life for the graduates and also the closing
of the North Weyburn campus.
Does dawn always follow sunset? Yes, it is the consequence of the
natural order of things.
As customary, the graduation banquet and exercises were held in the
skating rink. Parents and friends had assembled from as far east as
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, as far west as Hong Kong and as far north as
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
The guest speaker at the banquet was Matthew Jackson, teacher from
our Bible department. "Today's dreams are the seeds. They're the
foundations. They're the genetic code for what you are to become,"
he told the graduates.
Another speaker at the banquet was Lorne Hepworth, Weyburn M.L.A.
and provincial education minister. Dr. Hepworth said that the
evening was one of mixed emotions--sadness at leaving a place where
roots go deep and excitement at seeing what lies ahead.
"Certainly we will miss you," he said. "May I just say, we wish you
well as you relocate to Dauphin. Good luck to all of you and you
will be missed."
Also at the banquet Dr. Harvey announced that the graduates had
chosen Jackie Bellavance and Bradley Robinson as Miss Grad and Mr.
Grad.
The grads had chosen J. C. Murray, former student and former
employee to be their guest speaker at the exercises which followed
the banquet. Mr. Murray chose the class theme as the theme of his
speech, "Today's dreamers--Tomorrow's achievers." He reviewed some
past history of the college and suggested that the achievements had
been the result of dreamers making their dream come true and then
he urged the graduates to have dreams but not just day dreams but
dreams that translated into achievements.
"Work at your dreams. Some will come true and some you will never
reach, but it may be that your dream can become someone else's
dream too and you can help them reach the dream." Mr. Murray's
closing statement was "May you never lose sight of your dream-
heaven."
The evening concluded with a stirring performance by the college
chorus. This was the "swan song" performance of director James
Willett.
(P.S. The award winners are listed in the Appendix of this Diary.)
The final major school event of each year is farewell. Ever since
1949 when Doris Lewis (later Husband) and I served for the first
course of a special supper an inch square of chocolate cake, one
prune and four pieces of string beans because of the frequent
occurrence of those foods on the regular menus during the year, the
staff has entertained the students annually near the end of June at
what has become known simply as "Farewell."
This year Farewell was held June 16 in the college gymnasium which
was decorated to represent Fagin's Den. The staff members were all
dressed to represent various members of the cast of"Oliver" which
had been presented in May.
Between parodied scenes from "Oliver" and hilarious contests, the
year-end awards were presented. The Citizen of the Year is Curtis
Parker of Saskatoon, son of two alumni. The other four citizen
crest winners are Bonnie McMillan, Mark DeYoung, Steven McMillan
and Rebecca Tucker.
Following the final devotion on the North Weyburn campus the entire
student body and staff participated in the memorable "Torch Run."
This "Torch Run" is a symbolic leaving of the North Weyburn campus
and going toward the new era in Western's experiences.
We proceeded from campus to highway singing favourite hymns while
facing one of Saskatchewan's spectacular sunsets. As we marched
toward this glorious sunset we were saddened by the thought of the
sunset of the North Weyburn campus, but the flaming torch high in
the sky indicated that Christian education is burning brightly in
Western Canada and will light a new dawn in Dauphin.
EPILOGUE
Early on Friday October 6, 1989, after breakfast at Taylor Nooks
and devotion around the bonfire at The Rock, the junior college
students started their torch run in the form of a bicycle relay
from the North Weyburn campus to the new campus at Dauphin,
Manitoba. I passed the lighted torch to Steven McMillan who
transferred the flame to a lantern attached to a bicycle. Steve
then started the relay from the corner to which we had walked with
the lighted torch at Farewell the previous June.
The route taken by the cyclists went through Qu'Appelle and Yorkton
to Dauphin approximately 440 kilometres away. The cyclists rode all
day Friday, through most of the night and arrived in Dauphin
Saturday afternoon. From the Manitoba border, the bicycle rider was
escorted by a member of the R.C.M.P. stationed at Dauphin. Bob and
Sharon Parker ('64, '64) chaperoned the entire torch run.
The other participating junior college students were Chandra Allen,
Geri Bird, Dawn Buckmaster, Mark DeYoung, Kim Dronsfield, Larry
Elford, Cory Gunter-Smith, Curtis Parker, John Pennington, Tim
Pippus, Brad Robinson, Leah Rodriguez, and Rebecca Tucker. From
Roblin to Dauphin, a number of alumni from Saskatoon and a few high
school students enrolled at Western shared in the relay.
Saturday afternoon October 7, on a warm, sunshiny autumn day, the
official opening ceremonies of the college were conducted on the
steps of the administration building in front of several hundred
guests assembled on the college campus. Near the close of the
ceremonies, I met the last rider of the torch run.
Then, followed by students singing the school song, I walked up the
main driveway, holding high the lighted torch to present it to
President Vince Anderson with these words, "May this torch light
the way to a great future."
Sunset at North Weyburn; sunrise at Dauphin.
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