A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

had been housed in temporary quarters throughout the city. 272 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH Following the dedication of the new building in 1920, Tabor enjoyed several years of prosperity and progress. In 1924 a gymnasium was built. Soon, however, the lack of full accreditation for the college division began to effect a decline in enrollment. Between 1927 and 1930 the college made concerted efforts toward state accreditation. This goal was achieved in 1930 with some reservations regarding the senior college division. In order to preserve this status, President Lohrenz made the proposal to the General Conference of 1930 that Tabor become a conference school. Although the conference agreed to provide a modest subsidy, it was not ready to accept the full responsibility for the operation of the college. Economic insecurity continued to hamper the college program. The situation was further aggravated by the depression and its aftermath, a decline in student enrollment, the resignation of influential teachers, and hesitant support from conference. In 1932-33, with less than 100 students, and only six full-time teachers, the college lost its state accreditation.' 1 - It was now apparent that only a larger supporting constituency could keep the college in operation. In 1933 the Tabor College Corporation made another official offer to the M.B. General Conference to accept Tabor College as a conference school. In the proposal the significance of the college for the brotherhood is pointed out. The following facts and figures from the 1930 report are cited: In the past 22 years, 5212 persons have enrolled at Tabor College. Of these, 649 graduated from one or a number of courses. A good number, really several hundred, have made the decision to live and work for the Lord. . . . Directly engaged in mission or church work are 40 missionaries, 57 evangelists and preachers, 89 high school and Bible school teachers and many Sunday school workers. In addition there are (among the alumni) 19 doctors, 46 nurses, some 400 elementary school teachers, 160 business men, many farmers, etc. J 1 The conference accepted the proposal with the proviso that the matter be referred to the local congregations for ratification by a two-thirds majority vote. Tabor — a Conference School The churches ratified the plan as specified and Tabor College became a General Conference institution. After temporarily closing its doors in 1934-35 for reorganization, the school resumed operation in the fall of 1935. A. E. Janzen succeeded P. C. Hiebert (who had served from 1932 to 1934) as president of the college. Janzen, with his specialization in economics, was the right man to give leadership during this time of economic depression. He introduced the "Thousand Friends Plan" — each friend giving ten dollars annually — which, together with the church contributions, provided a more stable financial basis. The years since 193