Shari Flaming Center for the Arts Dedication

Center for Arts DedicationHILLSBORO, Kan. – Tabor College will host a dedication ceremony for the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and open house to follow.

To celebrate the finishing of the largest building project in school history, Tabor has scheduled an elaborate program for the afternoon.

The dedication address will be delivered by Tabor College Professor Del Gray.

Other events include a performance of the specially designed organ played by Stephen Vincent, who will travel from California to play. Brad Vogel, professor of music at Tabor, has written a special composition for chorus, brass and organ performances.

“For the dedication song I selected as the foundation of the text 1 Chronicles 29:10-14, which is King David’s prayer of thanksgiving for the gifts given by the nation of Israel to build the temple,” Vogel said. “I also incorporated texts from Psalm 127 and 1 Corinthians that speak of God’s involvement in the work of our lives, highlighting that He is the ultimate Builder and that we are both the work of His hands and coworkers with Him.”

The building has involved years of planning, construction and behind the scenes efforts to create a new place for the Tabor community to learn and worship.

“I remember during one of the first dedication planning meetings we unanimously agreed to view the December weekend as a celebration,” said Judy Harder, chair of the dedication planning committee. “Since then, observing extraordinary efforts to complete the building, getting in on inspiring stories and memories from alums touring the building, and anticipating new possibilities in this space–definitely a grand celebration is in order, and one filled with gratitude.”

The dedication of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts is an event of historical significance in Tabor history.

“My heart is full of gratitude to all who helped make it happen,” said Jules Glanzer, president of Tabor College. “So many people have been part of this project. The thousands of donors that have given out of their abundance and sacrificially, those who planned the facility, those who raised the funds, those who designed and built the building, and those who planned the dedication service… all have helped make it happen. The dedication service will be a time of giving glory to God who has made it happen.”

The following day at 7 p.m., the Tabor College Oratorio and Alumni Chorus and Community Orchestra will give the annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”

It will include a hired ensemble comprised mostly of players from the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and more than 90 alumni voices. More than 150 voices will be in the chorus when combined with Tabor choirs, and the orchestra numbers 35 players. To learn more about the weekend activities, please visit tabor.edu/dedication.