Annual grade school tours begin early at the Motherhouse

Every spring brings Concordia fourth-graders to the Nazareth Motherhouse, to learn about the history of the 113-year-old building and the Sisters of St. Joseph who built it.

This year the kids came early, to ensure they had a chance to learn about this important piece of local history despite a change in their school curriculum. One fourth-grade class toured the building today; the remaining classes will have tours later this week and next Monday.

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These special February tours were arranged by fourth-grade teacher Deanna Garlow, who didn’t want her students to miss out. And without the special arrangements, they would have — because this year begins new history material that will include the Motherhouse tour for third-graders rather than fourth. So the kids who will be taking part in the spring tours this year will be a year younger.

Jane Wahlmeier, administrative services coordinator at the Motherhouse, organized the tour program and materials. Helping out as guides were Sisters Julie Christensen, Christine Doman, Rose Beatrice Dreiling, Missy Ljungdahl and Virginia Pearl and candidate Amanda Wahlmeier. Other sisters are scheduled to help later in the week.

The guides focused on the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph, their role in Concordia, their missions wherever they serve and the Motherhouse building itself.