In the early years of Christian High School a sincere focus on Christian Service is evident, with the words of the school song, penned by Grace Strodel, ringing true in the lives of the students and faculty; “We’ll do our best, no matter what the test, for Christian High School and the Lord.”
The stated future goals of the majority of the students in the early senior classes reveal a desire to pursue careers in a variety of forms of Christian service such as the missionary field, teaching in Christian Schools, Christian service focussed businesses, and pastorships, with Secretary to Pastor the goal for many young women.
Tributes to, and memories of James D. Gilbert, a much respected commercial arts teacher at Christian High School from 1948-1952 reveal a man whose life exemplified this characteristic of service.
A 1952 yearbook photo shows him at his desk with a large mural of a typewriter keyboard on the wall behind him. Favorite memories from his students include his Shorthand II classes, and “Mr. Gilbert’s little talks.” A Class Will and Testament imagined a constant service award to the “ace typewriter mechanic”, and wished him many more years of service to God in technology. Another wants to instill on him the ability to be teaching two classes in the same period.
The respect and affection of the students was evident in the dedication of the 1952 Yearbook. It reads, “With thankfulness to one whose many deeds of kindness have pointed us to the Master: whose words have inspired us; and whose entire life has been a blessing to us: to Mr. James D. Gilbert we dedicate this book.” This was followed by Romans 11:33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God; how unsearchable are his judgements and his ways past finding out.
James Gilbert’s quiet manner, warmth, sensitive spirit, and keen ability in applying Biblical principles to everyday situations led Mr. Trumbull L. Simmons, Head of School 1953-1959, and his staff to establish a Service Award in his name.
Each year the faculty gives the James D. Gilbert Service Award to an individual student, preferably a senior, who has rendered outstanding service to the school in the unrecognized behind the scenes category. This is a cherished award, and not one that can be applied for, or for which there is a checklist of accomplishments, but rather, recognition of lives exhibiting care and concern for others, in service to God.
JAMES D. GILBERT SERVICE AWARD
This annual award is given in honor of James D. Gilbert, a beloved CHS faculty member from 1948 – 1952. Each year, LCA faculty are pleased to recognize a senior who has consistently rendered outstanding service to the Academy in a behind-the-scenes category.
