From the Archives: Henry W. Lohrenz Sculpture Garden 1979–1980

The view from the back door of the Mennonite Brethren Archives is one very few people ever take in. Not meant for public use, this little side door is tucked away in a corner meant for staff use and emergencies only. Directly opposite this secret entrance to Hiebert Library is a little metal side gate hidden by its own ivy-covered wall. Since the 1979–1980 expansion, it has been the entryway to a garden space directly behind Hiebert Library. All are welcome to enjoy the space, though it is not, the library staff would like to note, an entrance or exit to the library building itself.

Dedicated in memory of Henry W. Lohrenz, first president of Tabor College and secretary of what was then the Board of Foreign Missions, the space has a connection to the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, now known as the Mennonite Library & Archives.*

The Lohrenz Sculpture Garden was originally designed to include a wooden sculpture, a fountain and an olive tree. Over the past decade, the fountain stopped working and the olive tree had to be removed to protect the library building. The sculpture was taken off the wall for safekeeping. The space was slowly taken over by wild weeds and disuse. Plans to restore the sculpture garden were brought up and tabled.

Then, last spring, through the efforts of a dedicated team and a generous legacy gift from the estate of faithful FPU donor Willie Vogt, the long-hoped-for renovation began. Fresh landscaping brought new plants and a new tree. The fountain was carefully restored and the sculpture once again found its place on the wall. The once hidden corner was transformed and is now an open and inviting space.