Iowa Mennonite High School - Reverie Yearbook (Kalona, IA)

Page 11 text:

l N l 0'-ftatofzy ofa I. M. S. was conceived in the hearts and minds of many who were in- terested in the Mennonite youth of the Iowa-Nebraska Conference District, Many prayers ascended for guidance and strength in giving her life. The annual Fourth of July meeting in 1945 was built aroundthe theme of Christian education, and the possibilities of opening a church school in southeastern Iowa was seriously discussed. On the same day brethren set stakes marking a building site on the knoll just south of the Timber Church, where a brother had donated two and one half acres tobe used as the campus. A dwelling was moved to this plot during the summer and remodeled so that by September 17th, it was possible to open the school. Thirty-eight students and three teachers met with the severalboards and committees, patrons, and others who were interested in the work. This was a session of consecration and dedication. The first twoyears of high school work was offered. All the students assembled in what is now Room D. In this room the Freshmen stayed throughout the day, with the exception of one period, The first year was fraught with many a test and uncertainity. Be- cause of unavoidable circumstances, Brother S. J. Horst, our principal, could not be with us until Christmas. The work was carried on by Brother S. B. Nafziger and Sister Esther Detwiler. Equipping the school was a task--- -an almost impossible one---be- cause of the war restrictions and priorities. Books ordered in October ar- rived in March. In spite of all the handicaps the first years work was done. We had weathered the storms and reached our achievement day program on May 31st. On September 9, 1946 the second year of school began. Evidences of growth were to be seen. There' was additional housing convenience in the form of a Quonset, a larger faculty fSister Elizabeth Showalter of Virginia joined the teaching force and Brother Richard Culp of Indiana came later for only the second semesterj, a greater variety of courses was, three years work was offered, more equipment was provided, a larger student body was enrolled, more extra-curricular activities were undertaken, the school paper, The Reflector, was inaugurated, and other signs of growth were noticeable. -'I-Te second year was easier than the first had been, but it, too, left many un- solved problems and many unsupplied needs. September 8, 1947, marked the opening date for the thirdyear. Again we see evidences of growth. Four years work is being offered,more stud- ents are enrolled, there is a larger faculty, more equipment is provided, we have a graduating class exceeding in nurnber the first classes of some of our other church schools, and the Reverie was launched. Brother Daniel Diener, of Hutchinson, Kansas joined macher and Sister Martha Duerksen of Newton, Kansas came to serve us as chorus director and office helper. Anticipations for more room are kept alive and fresh by the ever present sight of the new twelve room building that is now under construct- ion. Skills have been gained, equipment has been added, school spirit has wanned, horizons have widened, spiritual life has deepened, Christian test- imony brightened, understandings established, and we feel that God has been glorified through the establishment of I. M. S.

Page 10 text:

Iowa 'Mennonite School Khbnq,kwa To the Seniors: In every life there comes sometime the experience of being out on the far reach es where progress depends on stability, initiative, and simple faith ln God. These characteristics woven early into the fabric of life will have practical value to l1fe's close. To help young people develop these qualities is the motive of I. I. S.A To this end may she faithfully serve those entrusted to her ORPO e Iburs sincerely, JJMJ rrinei smfdb

Page 12 text:

SILAS J. HORST principal -- Minister Bible Geography Sponsor: , 5 AMA5 , A Bible Survey Book Study Music I ELIZABETH A. SHOWALTER B. S. in Ed., Madison College Art Sponsor: English Ill Geography, First Semester Home Economics Methods of Teaching Religion Missions Reflector Camera Club mln , we 1E ego' Chapel Committee Boys' Group Meeting SAMUEL B. NAFZIGER Dean Th. B. Eastern Mennonite College A. B. University of Kansas City Graduate student, Central Baptist Theological Seminary Church History Sponsor: English II, First Semester Star Club Industrial Arts Boys' Group Meeting Public Speaking Senior Class Reverie Girls' Group Meeting II