Tabor College and Mennonite Brethren education

Mennonite Brethren and Krimmer Mennonite Brethren supporters established Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, in 1908. The school opened with thirty-nine students and three instructors, seeking to combine Christian formation with broad education and preparation for work and church leadership. Its early curriculum ranged from biblical studies and German to science, mathematics, business, literature, and music. The range of subjects expressed a desire to educate the whole person within a Christian community.

A fire destroyed the original college building in April 1918, forcing supporters to rebuild. New residential and instructional buildings were completed in 1920, including the administration building later named for founding president H. W. Lohrenz. In 1934 ownership passed from the college corporation to Mennonite Brethren conference trustees. The institution subsequently continued under its own charter and Mennonite Brethren oversight. This is a history of an educational institution within the churches, not the founding of another church branch.