Concordia University Chicago - Pillars Yearbook (River Forest, IL)

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DR. EDWARD W. KOEHLEP. f fs 3 I E E E I 3 i AH l 4 'Yi ET'

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ecbcafion To Dr. Edward W. Koehler We dedicate this volume. He has served our school from before the time it Was moved to its present site. To him several generations of parish school teachers owe grati- tude for guidance in matters of faith and doctrine. He is a living Wit- ness of that faith which he teaches. By those who have left our school he will be remembered as an outstanding personality, a keen logician, and a staunch defender of the faith once delivered to the saints. His lectures have stood out as a never-to-be-forgotten experience because of his masterful perception, his decisive arguments, and above all his positive faith. It was this assurance of his which strengthened our decision to devote our lives to the high calling of a parish school teacher. To you, Dr. Koehler, We dedicate this annuall Page6

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.M:5fOl g of Concor id QCLCAQPJ Kofige It is a well known fact that our pious forefathers, the founders of the Missouri Synod, laid great stress on the Christian education and training of their children. They were, moreover, fully convinced that this training could best be accomplished through the agency of a well conducted Christian day school. For this reason an institution was founded in which men could be trained for work in such schools. The first permanent institution was founded in the year 1864 and the site selected was Addison, Illinois. While at Addison the school enjoyed a steady period of growth. The increased enrollment demanded the addition of new buildings. Facilities were meager and conditions were very much unlike those of today. Students had to hoe their own gardens, pump their own water, and chop the wood for their stoves. Comforts of the present day were unknown. In spite of this students came from far and wide to prepare for the work of saving the souls of little children. The curriculum from time to time was expanded to meet the grow- ing demands of teacher training. Previous to 1908, the complete course covered a five year period beyond the elementary school level. In 1908, a two year normal school training beyond the four-year high school was required. While at Addison, Cod truly blessed its growth. The institution was not able to satisfy the needs of the expanding student body. After much deliberation, it was decided to move the institution to a more satisfactory location. A forty-acre plot in River Forest, Illinois, was chosen as the new site. Preparations for the erection of new college buildings were made and the breaking of ground took place on November 12, 1912. On October 12, 1918, the institution was solemnly dedicated to the service of the Triune God. However, only a short time after its dedication a disastrous fire broke out on the roof of the Administration Building, almost destroying it completely. Again restored, the school continued to enjoy asteady growth. In 1988, Synod lengthened the teacher training course to three years of college work. Beginning with 1989, Synod saw fit to operate a four-year teachers college, granting the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education to its graduates. In all this we see Cod,s guidance and direction. May He, who has granted to our school expansion and growth, continue to bless it in the future as He has in the past. P38