A record 270 participants attended the Concordia Seminary Alumni Reunions held May 30 – June 2 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. This amounts to a 25% increase over the normal attendance for reunions. This year’s reunions included classes whose graduating years end in a “0” or a “5” with 1990 being the most recent graduating class invited. Participants included graduates, spouses of graduates and widows of graduates.

“I am delighted with the exceptionally large turnout,” commented Rev. John E. Meyer, Concordia Seminary’s director of alumni activities. “Judging by the evaluations submitted and the comments received, participants had a wonderful time and are looking forward to their next class reunion.”

The theme for this year’s reunions was “Serving Church and World in the New Century,” and activities included presentations by members of the various reunion classes. Rev. Luther C. Brunette (class of 1980) offered the first presentation titled “Serving Church and World in the New Century: In Our Worship Life.” Rev. Carl H. Toelke, Jr. (class of 1965) presented “Serving Church and World in the New Century: In Our Society and Government.” Rev. Lester T. Seto (class of 1985) presented “Serving Church and World in the New Century: In Our Global Challenges.” Rev. Jonathan P. Stein (class of 1960) presented “Serving Church and World in the New Century: In Our Church Activities.”

A special vespers worship service was held on June 1 to celebrate “The Ascension of our Lord.” Dr. L. Dean Hempelmann (class of 1965), director of pastoral education for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Board for Higher Education, served as preacher. The offering at the service was dedicated to the Alumni Book Fund, a fund established to assist Concordia Seminary students with the purchase of textbooks.

Special activities for women included a May 31 breakfast hosted by Ruth Ann Johnson and a trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. On June 1, women attended a special brunch hosted by the Concordia Seminary Guild. The brunch featured a special fashion show titled “Yesterday’s Fashions” which included vintage clothes from the 1840s through the 1860s.

Reunion activities culminated with a June 1 banquet held in the Seminary’s Wartburg Hall. At the banquet, Rev. Henry Hennig (class of 1930) was honored with the Erwin T. Koch Award, an award given to the oldest reunion attendee. Rev. Hennig received a standing ovation from all in attendance after delivering an inspiring summary of this 66 years of active ministry.

Class reunions planned for May 29 – June 1, 2001 will include classes whose graduating years end in a “1” or a “6” with 1991 being the most recent class invited to participate.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting: Alumni Activities, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7370; alumni2@csl.edu.