Concordia University, Nebraska celebrated its 122nd birthday on Founders Day
On Nov. 18, 2016, Concordia University, Nebraska celebrated its 122nd anniversary with a Founders Day celebration that highlighted the school’s rich history and featured the dedication of the refurbished Weller Chapel and Kuhn organ.
Faculty members and students packed the newly renovated Weller Chapel to learn about the changes made to the space that has served as the site of daily chapel since its construction in 1953. The extended stage, stained glass windows, improved seating and refurbished organ allow the Concordia community to gather for worship, plays, concerts and other events held throughout the year.
Dr. Jerry Pfabe, professor and Concordia University archivist, presented “Concordia: 1894 to Today,” which was accompanied by a video that showed the values that have sustained the university, the people who have shaped it and its enduring mission of equipping students for lives of service and leadership in the church and world.
A worship service followed with a message by Concordia’s campus pastor, Rev. Ryan Matthias, and a performance by the University A Cappella Choir accompanied by the refurbished Kuhn Organ. Installed in 1960, Founders Day marked the organ’s first public performance since 2004. The organ is one of only two Kuhn organs remaining in the United States, the other being located at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York City.
The day ended with a German-themed birthday celebration dinner for the campus and community held at Bottle Rocket Brewing Company in Seward, Nebraska.
