The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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  • Paul and Becky Woodward admire the interior of the new Oklahoma Bible Academy gymnasium Friday during the new building dedication. OBA is celebrating its centennial with a three-day event.(Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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August 5, 2011

Centennial celebration

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — More than 500 people crowded into the commons and the old gymnasium at Oklahoma Bible Academy Friday evening to catch up with old friends, enjoy a meal, see the Centennial Gymnasium and watch the premier of a video about the school’s history.

Friday was the opening evening of OBA’s centennial celebration. Festivities kicked off with a chuckwagon dinner and tours of the new practice gymnasium, sales of commemorative books and videos and an estate planning presentation.

But the class of 1962 started celebrating early with a Thursday evening dinner at Golden Corral, class member Jerry Regier said. Members of that class came from as far as California for the school’s celebration. Regier and his wife, Sharyn, came from Atlanta.

Even though California is a long trip, Kevin Friesen, OBA board member and coordinator for the centennial celebration, pointed out one guest is here from Italy.

“They’re coming in from all over,” Friesen said.

Many classes have planned special class reunions during the centennial celebration, Friesen said.

The 176-page book, “A Century of Faithfulness: The History of Oklahoma Bible Academy,”  compiled by Lavonne Kroeker, was available for sale along with a video history of the school filmed by Mark Marshall.

Activities swing into full gear today, starting with a 7:30 a.m. pancake and sausage breakfast in the commons. Next are tours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Among them are a walking tour of historical downtown Enid; bus tours of the original Meno campus; Leonardo’s Adventure Quest; shopping at Heritage Hills, downtown Enid and Oakwood Mall; and the Splash Zone or Hoover Splash Pad.

The school will open for tours, class reunions and group get-togethers from noon to 3 p.m.

A reception for past board members and past teachers is scheduled 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The celebration dinner will begin at 7 p.m. Besides a catered dinner, a centennial quilt and other centennial items will be auctioned. Former superintendent Elroy Ratzlaff and former headmaster Dallas Caldwell are featured speakers at the dinner. Wall of Commitment honorees will be recognized, along with past teachers and board members.

On Sunday, cinnamon rolls and coffee will be available for a donation, and a church service is scheduled for 10 a.m. A noon box lunch will be held at Humphrey Heritage Village.

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