Jan Haldeman, front, stands next to
Elise Bridges as they examine a display
of flowers from the Holy Land

Wildflower Workshop Led by Erskine President Emeritus

By: Richard Haldeman

More than 50 persons attended "God's Third Day Creations," a wildflower workshop led by Dr. James W. Strobel, President Emeritus of Erskine College, and held at at Bonclarken, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center in Flat Rock, N.C., May 21-23.

Joining Dr. Strobel as program leaders were his wife, Donna, who assisted with crafts and provided refreshments; Dr. Jan Haldeman, professor of biology at Erskine College, who taught "Nature's Pharmacy—Medicinal Plants"; Erskine Seminary graduate Elise Bridges from the Due West Retirement Center and her husband Fred, who presented devotions centered on God's creation; Orrin Morris, Conyers, Georgia wildflower artist, and his wife, Margaret; Mike Bunce of Rock Hill, landscape architect; and Erskine College graduate Lucy (Mrs. William B.) Patrick, coordinator of program activities.

Program participants became acquainted with plants of the mountains during workshops, a wildflower walk and a visit to the North Carolina State Arboretum at Asheville. Dr. Strobel gave an illustrated overview of some of the plants of the Bible, and Bunce engaged participants in designing and landscaping a meditation garden featuring plants of the Bible. Morris, a Baptist minister as well as an artist, joined with his wife in describing "the magic of wildflowers" at home and in their natural surroundings.

Dr. Strobel, who holds the Ph.D. from Washington State University, taught horticulture at the University of Florida and North Carolina State University before becoming president of Mississippi University for Women. He became president of Erskine College and Seminary in 1990 and retired in 1998.

Strobel explained that the program was designed to give participants "experiences to see and enjoy the Creator's wonder around us and to learn how to use it personally and with others in home, church, school and civic settings." He said the many social and learning activities were designed to provide a "relaxed and enjoyable time to celebrate 'God's Third Day Creations' that He has provided in such abundance–and nowhere more evident than in the North Carolina mountains."

Workshops gave participants hands-on expeirences with creative art, design of landscapes, creative crafts with natural materials, and use of reference materials–all abilities they can continue using at home.

"It was rewarding to spend time with so many persons who were appreciative of nature, its preservation and spiritual value," Haldeman said. "The event was educational enjoyable and meaningful. The presenters and participants learned from each other. All were enthusiastic and receptive."

Lucy Patrick admiring art
work of Suza Jenkins

Jim and Donna Strobel
in front of his Queen Ann's
lace craft area