Eastern Mennonite University - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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SD yrth of High Sie ’ eSSAGC Dear Class of 1952, Greetings in Him in whose name you go forth. We are living in a time of turmoil and unrest. Our economic, political, social, educational, and religious structures are infested with doubt, distrust, uncertainty, crime, greed, strife, and hatred, which are gnawing at the very heart of our national life like termites in the foundation logs of a building. The stress and strain of our modern life together with little or no hope of a future lead many to seek relief and comfort in various forms of sin and vice. Innumerable attempts are made to divert the mind from a state of reality into a feeling of apparent indifference toward false security and happiness. Such is the world you are facing! Is not the root of all this confusion a lack of faith? People no longer have faith in the government, in the churches, or in the social order. Can we go forth with a living faith in Christ and thus meet the challenge the world presents us? As Christians our faith rests in Christ Jesus, our Foundation Rock and Cornerstone. Can we make our faith real and living so that lost souls, discouraged individuals, and hopeless mortals can see in us a trust, peace, and hope that lifts us above the present tensions and fears? Should not the life we live radiate the sweet influence of Christ’s presence? This is your task and challenge. First, you will need to know Christ as a living personal Saviour; secondly, you must yield yourself to Him in willing obedience; thirdly, you will need to pray continually for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to show you the way of a Christian missionary. Only then will you be able to help those who do not know Him. May the Lord richly bless you as you leave the campus and go “Forth in His Name.” —D. Ralph Hostetter

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Sa ’ Message Dear Graduates of 1952, I extend sincere congratulations on the achievement of your goal. One more lesson and I shall speed you on your way: make the cross of Christ central in your life. Paul de- termined “not to know any thing... save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” This centrality of the cross gives your pattern for life. The cross is the basis for true belief. As Paul measured all gospels by the Gospel of Christ, so must you. You need to measure views and emphases of faith and works, security of the believer, faith healing, and prophecy, by the Gospel. The truth in these areas does not draw attention away from the sufferings of Christ. It is the basis for victorious Christian living. From Revelation, the Book of conflict, come these words, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.” In the shed blood of Christ lies the power for the defeat of Satan. It is the basis for preaching. The Gospel is still “the power of God unto salvation.” Of this Gospel Paul was not ashamed. It was that which fired him for those great evange- listic campaigns in Antioch, Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. It has given drive to the Evangel ever since. Finally it is the basis for composure in the present strife. We can trust the Lamb who is standing in the midst of the throne. With this sure foundation you can go forward conquering and still to conquer, and I pray you may all be faithful. In love, Chester K. Lehman 11

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Registrar 5 CSSAGE Dear Graduates, Congratulations! Your diploma is evidence that your record is clear. I rejoice with you in this satisfying experience. Your grades have all been turned in to my office. In the next few weeks they will be placed on your permanent record. Your record will remain just as you have made it. It will face you when you are applying for a job or when you are seeking admission into schools of higher learning. Saint Paul, when looking back over his past accomplishments, remarked with a sense of satisfaction, “I have learned.” Learned what? Learned to take the upward way. Learned to dream. Learned to keep perspective in life. Have you learned these same lessons at E.M.C.? If not, I fear someone has failed. The psalmist, the great singer of Israel, once said, “I went into the sanctuary, then un- derstood I.” Evidently Asaph experienced a period of indecision, turmoil of soul, and real danger of losing sight of the true significance of life. Seemingly he viewed only surface facts, and measured life by outward appearances—but only until the rectifying influence of the sanctuary brought him light. He learned that the only place where man can find lasting solutions to his problem is in the presence of God. As the E.M.C. graduating class of 1952, you dare not throw away eternal blessings and meaningful living. You must open your minds and hearts to more than that which appears on the surface of living. You cannot leave God out of the picture without distorting the perspective of life. To be lived well your life must meet your deepest needs, satisfy your deepest longings, grant to you genuine flavor and lasting quality. Thus will you fulfill the Biblical challenge to diffuse the fragrance of Christ everywhere you go. —Ira E. Miller 13