Memorial garden honors first Tabor president
A garden and two granite markers were dedicated at Tabor College Saturday in honor of H.W. Lohrenz, a founder and first president of Tabor College. The dedication was one of the many homecoming activities held throughout the weekend.
Dr. Henry D. Remple, Lawrence, presented the donation to current Tabor College president Larry Nikkel during the ceremony. The garden was a project he and his wife, Mariana Lohrenz Remple, initiated before her unexpected stroke and death in September 2000. Mariana, Lohrenz's daughter, began working as her father's unpaid secretary at the age of 15.
Looking to "commemorate the past and look toward the future," Dr. Lucy McAllister, daughter of Henry and Mariana, said the garden, just like Tabor College students, is full of growth and the promise of something beautiful.
"It is our hope that for generations to come, members of the Tabor community and campus visitors will stand at the foot of these monuments, to sit in this garden, to reflect upon and to give thanks for the work and service of our founders to the glory of God," said Nikkel. "May those of us here today, and those who will stand in this place for years to come, be thankful for the work and service of those who have preceded us, and may they be inspired to support the mission of 'preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and his kingdom.'"
Additional program participants included Paul Epp, Lewis Hagen and Steve Hanneman, trumpet trio; Rev. Gaylord Goertzen, senior pastor, Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church; and Chris and Christine Dick, guitar and vocal.
Special education co-op board meets Monday
Marion County Special Education Cooperative Board of Directors will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 for the monthly meeting in Marion County Special Education Cooperative conference room, 302 W. Eighth, Florence.
