Bethel College - Graymaroon Yearbook (North Newton, KS)

Page 12 text:

As those pioneer farmers have developed into prosperous agricul- turists, they have cared for that lone- ly gray building. Now it stands with many others in a lovely park that used to be only prairie. Through fifty years, the people who laid its foundation, have built into it a part of themselves: their ideals of loyalty, truth, and action. Today we see Bethel College beautiful and strong. We marvel at the daring of the pioneers of yesterday. These same halls which we now take so much for granted, at one time existed only in the dreams of these men. Their tremendous courage and determination have made these dreams come true. Among the many whom we admire, we remember especially three for their contributions to the growth of Bethel College. Mr. David Goerz, the fiery enthusiast, was the main promoter of the new school when it was moved from Halstead to Newton, Kansas. He was Bethel ' s first business manager and secretary of its first board of directors. The board ' s first president was Mr. J. J. Krehbiel. Discouragements were frequent in those pioneer days, but the president met all trials with a calm, unflurried undercurrent of quiet faith.

Page 11 text:

school : the pioneering spirit, simplicity of life, faith and stability, solidity of character. A year ago almost three hundred students shivered around the Science Hall steps to adopt this homely implement as the emblem of Bethel College. In spite of the chilly November air, three hundred hearts warmed to Mose Stucky ' s words as the student body dedicated the emblem. This happened on a beautiful, tree-clad campus. We students love the soft gray stones of the Adminis- tration Building, the challenging outline of the Science Hall, the dented steps of the Dormitory, the beckon- ing lanes underneath the trees. We love the spirit of simplicity and wholesomeness that envelopes all. Half a century ago one gray stone building rep- resented the hopes for Mennonite education. The men who built this school were primarily farmers. To thresh their wheat, they designed a threshing-stone, the orig- inal of our school emblem. That rugged, sturdy stone typifies the simple, hardy spirit of the pioneers who used it.

Page 13 text:

An intimate friend of both was Mr. Bernharcl War- kentin. As treasurer of the board,, he supervised the construction of the Administration Building. He was the business man, standing by and encouraging the other two in their plans. These three and many others have made possible the school we love today. Their vision, devotion, and loyal co-operation have left Bethel College a legacy to Mennonite youth. To the memory of these men, the founders of Bethel College, this book is dedicated.