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The MBA Workshop, a plant designed to foster
the development and to meet the needs of the young people of
the Meade community, opened its door in the fall of 1945 to
thirteen new workers—Sarah Friesen, Margaret Friesen, Verna
Isaac, Elizabeth Classen, Wilmer Classen, Herbert Enns,
Walter Friesen, Pete C Loewen, Roy Regier, Willie Rempel,
Edwin Wiens, Raymond Friesen, and Erwin Wiens. This plant
works on a nine month basis to give the workers a rest
during the summer months. Under the production manager Rev.
Orlando Wiebe—our principal—the workers were soon assigned
their tasks which would be their responsibility for the rest
of the year. The Dep’t Manager, Miss Esther Wiens, closely
supervised our work.
Everything was running smoothly until one day
the telephone rang. One of our laborers was calling that he
couldn‘t be there to work for the next few days. The measles
and sore eyes attacked many during the next few weeks, so
that the process of production was hindered considerably.
Another break—this time a welcome one—came to
us in January, our plant was growing and needed more
spacious quarters. The Board of Directors graciously
provided a new building for us. On January 6, 1946, with
united prayer of managers, workers, and friends this
building was dedicated to God.
Before the plant closed for the summer, all
workers gathered for a wiener roast on the plant grounds.
Since all of us had been promoted, thirteen
wise sophomores returned to work in 1945 under a new
production manager, Mr. Homer Sperling. The plant had grown
and for this winter there would be two dep’t managers,
namely, Miss Anna Regier and Rev. Orlando Wiebe.
Everything was running smoothly during most
of the year, Margaret Friesen missed some days when she
submitted to an appendectomy during the month of October. We
closed a successful year at the plant in the month of May.
The Workshop again opened its doors the
following September. To our utter amazement we found that
one of our group, Verna Isaac, wasn’t with us. No, she
wasn’t dismissed but was eager for higher pay and
consequently, she went to work in a different plant. This
year Principal, J J Gerbrandt had come to take up the work
of production manager. It was evident that our plant was
progressing for we had three dep’t managers now—Miss Anna
Regier, Rev. Orlando Wiebe, and Mr. Allan Wiebe. The
foreman, Walter Friesen and Secretary, Elizabeth Classen,
were elected by the Junior workers. Work was now begun in
earnest but not without any halts. “H’m, do I smell smoke?”
All work was sopped and everyone dashed out to fight the
grass fire. After much struggling it was finally under
control and the incident was soon forgotten.
One morning as the workers gathered for work,
word was noised abroad that Sarah Friesen would not be at
her job for a few days: she had chicken pox. Yes, childhood
diseases caught up with our gang.
Even though all members of the plant were
busily engaged in work they still found time to play pranks.
When the Senior workers went on a skip trip it was
impossible to let them “get by”. In order that the books of
the seniors would keep, we preserved them with mothballs,
which, by the way, was just as disagreeable to us as to the
seniors.
The afternoon of April 23 there was great
excitement in the plant. Why had the door of the south room
been locked all afternoon and why could only those with a
pass get through? You guessed right. We were preparing a
banquet for the senior members, who were soon to receive
their final promotion exercises were held for the Senior
workers.
In September 1948, the twelve of us reported
to work again with a new foreman, Willie Rempel, and
secretary, Wilmer Classen. With new vim and vigor we pursued
our assignments for the time of our final promotion was
drawing nearer. However, work was not all drudgery during
the year, for every week the schedule held a pleasant
diversion in one form or another. There were voice lessons
for ten of the group; others tried piano; three were members
of the MBA quartet; four worked on the yearbook.
All machinery needs repair at some time or
another, and our plant was no exception. Production was
hindered and almost came to a halt when one after another of
our workers dropped out for a few weeks because of the
mumps.
On Friday, April 8, when the inexperienced
workmen came on the job they found that our whole section
was missing. Yes, it was our skip trip to Hutchinson,
Topeka, and Lindsborg. On Monday morning we all faithfully
reported back to work weary in body, but richer in
experience.
On April 23, 1949, at 7:30 pm the Juniors
honored us with a banquet at the plant.
As we, the seniors of ’49, look back upon the
years that we labored in the MBA Workshop there are many
other experiences that come to our mind. We are especially
grateful, for the interest the managers have shown in our
spiritual welfare. Every morning at 10:15 all workers would
gather for a devotional service which consisted of inspiring
messages, singing and prayer. Once a week the workers would
render a short program. As we are being promoted we are
thankful for the influence that this organization has been
to us. May we through it find our place of service in this
world that will glorify God and bring others to the saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ.
(NOTE: we don't have the photo of the school,
but wanted to leave in this information)
Pictures above were all made by Backe Studio
in Meade. The cut of picture of the main building of the
Bible Academy was furnished by the Supt. of the Academy.
Walks have been laid about the building and a parking ramp
built in front of the building. A second building has been
set southeast of the main building and it is expected to
have this new structure ready for operation when the fall
term opens in September. The Academy offers a full four-year
state approved high school course and uses four full-time
instructors. Residence on the grounds is maintained for
instructors. The Academy is maintained by contributions |
