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 coordinator 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 coordinator 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 cooperation 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, coordinated 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.