Concordia celebrates history of colleges founding with chapel service

Concordia paid tribute to its heritage by celebrating Founders Day on Monday, Nov. 18. A special chapel service and reception commemorated the occasion.

Brad Birtell delivered the chapel message. Birtell graduated from Concordia College in 1988 with a degree in sociology and a pre-seminary endorsement. After graduating from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1992, he began his ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Young America, Minn., serving as associate pastor. In 1996, Birtell began serving at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, Neb. Brad and his wife, Christie, have three children, Porter, Britney and Sawyer, who all attended Concordia.

Dr. Jerrald Pfabe, emeritus professor of history, gave a short overview of the school’s German founding and early curriculum.

Refreshments were offered following the service in the Weller Hall lobby and in academic buildings around campus.