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Centennial CMBS Dinner and History Book

Tabor Centennial History Book Revealed at CMBS Dinner

“A Century of Transformation, 1908-2008,” created by the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies to coincide with the Tabor College Centennial Celebration, made its public debut Saturday, May 10 at the Tabor Centennial Dinner held in the Tabor chapel auditorium.

The book includes 250 pages of stories and photographs, with a CD/DVD containing every Bluejay annual published in the past century, along with vintage recordings of Tabor College musical performances, and radio broadcasts of the Tabor College Chapel Hour.

The book’s four authors, Peggy Goertzen, Director, Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies; Dr. Richard Kyle, Professor of History and Religious Studies; Dr. Lynn Jost, Dean of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary; and David Peters, Coordinator, Special Collections, Oklahoma State University, shared highlights of the book at the dinner.

The book’s editor, Dr. Doug Miller, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, and Dr. Don Isaac, Steering Committee Chairman, also spoke.

The co-creators of “A Century of Transformation, 1908-2008” stand behind their work, unveiled at the Tabor Centennial Dinner Saturday. Shown from left are the book’s editor, Dr. Doug Miller, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies; and the book’s four authors: David Peters, Coordinator, Special Collections, Oklahoma State University ; Dr. Lynn Jost, Dean of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary; Dr. Richard Kyle, Professor of History and Religious Studies; and, Peggy Goertzen, Director, Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies. (Tabor College photo by Vance Frick.)

“We are honored to host this celebration of Tabor’s centennial and the centennial history book which was published. The book has been a long time in the making with many people helping to make it a reality; we are so excited to be able to present a gorgeous well-researched history,” said Peggy Goertzen, Director of CMBS, and a co-author of the book.

The welcome and invocation at the dinner was led by Wilmer Harms, Chairman of the CMBS Advisory Board and a member of the Centennial Book Steering Committee. Introductions were made by Peggy Goertzen, Director of CMBS.

Entertainment was provided by soprano Elise Hiebert (senior, Hillsboro, Kan.), who sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Find Us Faithful,” accompanied on the piano by Sharon Toews.

Past Tabor College President Larry Nikkel, who hosted the event, gave a brief history of the origin of the centennial book project. He praised Steering Committee Chairman, Dr. Don Isaac, for “his Herculean efforts” in managing the book project and his vision for the electronic component to the print version, and to committee members, Peggy Goertzen, Wilmer Harms, Marvin Kroeker, and Aleen Ratzlaff. (Nikkel also was a member of the steering committee.)

Nikkel and Miller participated in the ceremonial unveiling of the book. The first copy was given with deep gratitude to Joel Klaassen, publisher of the centennial book. Thanks also was given to Diane Steiner, Senior Designer, Tabor Communications, for her guidance and support, to Edith Penner, CMBS staff person, for her assistance with photographs; to Malinda Penner Nikkel, for her valuable feedback regarding the manuscript; to Carrol Ediger, for her assistance with proofing; to Aleen Ratzlaff, for her detailed work on the appendix; to Tabor Board Chairman Lyndon Vix, for his legal counsel with copyrights; and Chris Glanzer, for his formatting of the CD/DVD.

In closing, newly-inaugurated Tabor College President Dr. Jules Glanzer asked Wilmer Harms to return to the podium. Harms told the story of his journey to the Ukraine and his purchase of a one-of-a-kind painting of the infamous old oak tree in the former Mennonite colony of Chortitiza, where reportedly Mennonites first gathered upon their arrival in South Russia (now Ukraine) from Prussia (now Poland).

In a moving tribute, Harms presented the painting as a gift to Tabor College.

President Glanzer concluded by affirming the value of the centennial history book.

“This book did more to prepare me for my leadership role here at Tabor than any of the seminars or workshops which I attended,” he said.

A Century of Transformation, 1908-2008 includes stories, photos, a DVD containing scans of Tabor College annuals for an entire century, and presentations by Clarence Hiebert and Jonah Kliewer from the 2003 CMBS Celebration of Tabor College Music; and a CD containing vintage musical performances, and recordings of the Tabor College Chapel Hour, including the voice of P.C. Hiebert.

The book is $45 (Kansas residents must add $3.29 per book for tax) plus $5.00 for postage/handling if shipped. Make checks to Tabor College. Mail to: Tabor College, Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, 400 S. Jefferson, Hillsboro, KS, 67063. For more information, contact CMBS at 620-947-3121 Ex. 1211/1212.