The Twelve Apostles

One hundred years ago the first class of theological students graduated from Concordia College. This took place on 12 December 1912 – the twelfth day of the twelfth month – and the twelve graduates became known as the ‘Twelve Apostles.’ The occasion was momentous for these young men, a culmination of many years of intensive study.
It was the custom for each class to adopt a Latin motto, and it was certainly fitting that this group chose a quote from the ancient Roman writer Horace: Nil nisi magno labore vita dedit mortalibus which can be translated as Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.
These words would have also have resonated with Director Graebner whose health was suffering from the strain of 8 years of overwork.[1]  There is little doubt that this milestone occasion brought him great relief and joy. Because his substantial valedictory address at the graduation ceremony was delivered in Latin,[2] it is highly probable that many of Graebner’s sentiments were not fully understood by most of those attending!

 

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[1] In the following April, Graebner was granted rest and recreation leave to return to America until the end of 1913.

[2]  Graebner’s handwritten address, as yet only partially translated, is in our archives

 

 

Dr C.F. Graebner

On Sunday morning, June 5 1949, the Concordia community learnt of the death of Dr C.F. Graebner, the first principal of  Concordia in Adelaide, at the age of 86.
Dr Graebner, who was born in Missouri, U.S.A. in 1862, was called to Australia in 1903.  He first worked at Concordia in Murtoa, and from 1905 served at Concordia College, Highgate.  He resigned as principal in 1939 at the age 76, but chose to continue as a lecturer and president of the seminary.

The funeral took place on Tuesday June 7. Lessons ended at the College at 10am. Dr Graebner’s body lay in state before the altar in the chapel, with seminary students standing guard.  During the morning students filed past the coffin to pay their last respects.

There were over 30 cars in the procession to West Terrace cemetery, and students were transported in two special trams. A guard of honour was then formed at the cemetery as Dr Graebner’s remains were carried to their final resting place.

Mathematics Centre

 It was not until 1979 that mathematics at Concordia had a permanent home. For many years the subject was taught either in spare rooms or in a ‘temporary’ building.
The much-awaited opening of a new Mathematics Centre took place on July 22. But it was such a bleak and rainy day, that all ceremonies took place inside the new building itself.
The architect, Mr. N. Drogemuller, formally presented the key to the principal, Rev. T. Reuther. After the principal had opened the doors, Senator Jessop unveiled a plaque with the inscription: Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147:5).
However, the interior was not quite finished, so eager staff and students had to wait three weeks before they could finally occupy the building.

College Badge

The College badge was designed and became official in 1907. The symbolism is straightforward. In brief, the golden rising sun points to Jesus Christ; the central position of the cross makes clear the Christian foundations of the College; and the open book or Bible, together with the lamp indicate that true wisdom and knowledge are found only in God’s word and with his enlightenment.

The reproduction of the badge on blazer pockets, as well as on badges for hats and other parts of the school uniform, has altered slightly over the years. Examples of these variations are on display in the main reception area, together with a unique example of pride in the College badge.

During World War II firms stopped producing monograms for blazer pockets.  Students were free to embroider one for themselves, and this is just what Valda Payne (now Kretschmer) of the class of 1943 decided to do. See the photo!

Godspell

In 1975, almost a third of the school was involved in some aspect of the production of Godspell.  With school chaplain Geoff Burger in the role of Jesus, it was produced by Peter Schmidt and Peter Westhorp.
The performances were a measurable success with full houses and good profits. More importantly, the whole experience was an intangible success in terms of school spirit, fellowship, sharing and spiritual insights.
Student comments about their involvement were overwhelmingly positive.

‘For me the Bible has come alive…. I began to appreciate my faith in a new way… I learned how to be more happy and joyful in my faith.’

‘Two friends of mine who had seen the London and Sydney productions said that ours had something which the others didn’t have, a different feeling.’

The second Concordia production of Godspell, 26 years later in 2001, was also memorable.

In Review for that year Rod Kirk writes, ‘Whether it was the story being told, the fabulous music, the 1970s setting or the energy from everyone, Godspell certainly cast its own spell over all of us!’

Returning to College

Returning to school at the start of a new year was be difficult for some students, particularly boarders.
The cartoon from the 1927 Brown and Gold shows a student packing his bag as his mother calls out that the train is leaving in half an hour. The other bubble shows Concordia.

Here are some memorable experiences of brand new students.
‘During the first week, pillow and towel fights were frequent, and some of the new boys were sent down to the shop to get a tin of striped paint or some waterproof wire netting. One night as I was getting to bed I found my pyjamas tied up in a neat little bundle. When I had untied them, I got ready for bed, but I could not stretch out my legs because my bed had been short-sheeted. The prefect, however, put a stop to our many pranks.’ (Boy boarder, 1935)

‘I felt like a nurse with these big shoes I had on. When we arrived my knees were shaking as though I was cold… I said to Mum. ‘I don’t want to do this.’ The introductory sessions we had with our new class teachers …turned out really well….. Concordia was no longer so strange and scary.’ (Year 8 student on Orientation Night, 1987)

The Crafty 1970s

The Art and Craft Exhibition evening was an annual event at Concordia in the 1970s. A great deal of effort went into impressing visiting relatives and friends, and many of the items displayed have come to represent that particular decade.
In 1970 some of the crafts were copper enamelling (together with jewellery making, this was the most popular) and rya (shag) rug knotting. We are told that students produced ‘copper chains, enamelled cuff links, ash trays (!), cheese hats, woollen rugs and table mats.’

At the 1972 exhibition visitors were invited to enter a blacked-out chamber of horrors with skeleton mobiles swaying under ultraviolet lights, together with piggy banks in weird animal shapes.
The following year those attending were treated to a display of wood and metalwork projects ‘subtly lit by macramé lampshades.’
The 1974 Brown and Gold reports that 1000 people attended that year’s display of student work in leather, macramé and rug knotting, to name just a few.

Photo: Macrame lampshade making (1970)