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 / % of 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 honorary 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.