Eastern Mennonite School - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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Dorothy C. Kemrer Ernest G. Gehman Ruth M. (Mrs.) Brackbill Latin. New Testament Greek German English J. Mark Stauffer Hubert Pellman Margaret Martin Music English Art, Physical Education Language, Literature, and Fine Arts The instructors in this department believe that an inner life, born of God and depend- ent on Him for its growth and sustenance, is of first importance for everyone. Keeping this in mind, they believe that the proper study of language, literature, art, and music confers some valuable personal and professional benefits. The Christian who has a speak- ing acquaintance with the noblest in these areas of expression can intelligently meet educated people of the world in a more satisfactory way than if he were ignorant of the standard body of knowledge of this kind. Besides, he finds in these fields attitudes and ideals that he can incorporate into his life to make him not more cultured in a worldly sense but more refined and noble in his character. The Word is studied as the paragon of literature as well as the source of all spiritual life, the direct revelation of God to man, and the supreme authority in all matters on which it speaks. Recognizing it as such, the instructors test the purposes and content of all their courses by it and teach according to its evaluation of the materials that make up their areas of study. [15] —Hubert Pellman.

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Chester K. Lehman Bible Menno J. Brunk Bible, New Testament Greek Stanley Shenk Bible, Church History Clarence Fretz Christian Education, Practical Theology Bible and Philosophy In this department Eastern Mennonite College is laying foundations for all of life. Education is incomplete without the training which gives the student a broad outlook on all of life. In philosophy he receives much help in making a logical and safe approach to life's major problems. But basic information he needs. Putting Biblical studies first, the college student is able to approach all other studies with a mind well prepared to discern not only what is true and right, but what is of most value. This department includes the direct study of the Bible by inductive method that un- covers rich stores in this treasury of truth. Help is given in the systematizing of Biblical truth, in buttressing it with external and internal evidences, in applying it to current issues and to personal conduct, and in using it in all forms of Christian work. Church music, missions, and other related subjects further develop Christian perspective and practice. Every student is required to take some subjects in this department. Many specialize in it altogether. A number who are studying liberal arts endeavor to integrate a strong Biblical core into their program of studies. On every hand, we find a truth-seeking student body echoing the convictions of those founders who adopted as the school motto the fundamental verity, [ H] THY WORD IS TRUTH. —Clarence Fretz.

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Maurice T. Brackbill Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy D. Ralph Hostetter Biology, Chemistry Grace B. Lefever Chemistry, Laboratory Assistant Ethel Showalter (Mrs.) Strite Home Economics The Natural Sciences God has written His natural laws in the great book of nature. This book is worthy of study and perusal. “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. . . . He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered” (Psalm 111). ‘‘Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands” (Psalm 92). It is true, I believe, that there is no hint of salvation in nature to one not already con- scious of it. That theme comes revealed in words and not in matter or energy or any of their phenomena. But nature is a necessary complement to the theme of our religion. It enables us to know God better, to understand better His unlimited attributes of wisdom and energy. Nature sits in the amen corner of God’s cathedral and testifies to the teaching of His Word. All through the Bible we have references to nature in figure of speech and illustra- tion, and she can always be a most useful servant in teaching anything. There is a flower by the roadside. God planted it. Why? For you to see. It is just a chickweed, but the magnifying glass makes it glorious. There’s a bird on wing. God sent it. Why? For you to wonder where it goes. It’s just a warbler, but it’s on a long journey if the season is just right for it. There’s a pretty blue dress. God gave man the ability to synthesize the dye from the molecules of coal tar. Why? That men may say: “Marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139). There's a star in the sky. God put it there. Why? For you to name. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names” (Psalm 147). It is said that on one occasion when one of God's natural laws was shaping in Newton’s mind, he exclaimed: “O God, I think Thy thoughts after Thee!” That is what the earnest and devout student really does when he studies natural science. —M. T. Brackbill. [ 16 1