Recognizing a Lifetime of Service
Harold Horst has had an incredible history of involvement with The Brethren Home Community, a legacy of service, and a devotion that has spanned decades. Earlier this month, we honored the villager and long-time volunteer & board member by naming a new campus road after him.
Harold’s involvement actually began in the 1950s when he started teaching Sunday School for the 15 residents of the home (how we’ve grown since!) in the basement of the former hotel. Harold has witnessed much in the development of this organization and community over the decades, making him a valued historian.
Harold took a volunteer leadership role when he began serving on our board of directors in 1987, which he did – on and off as required by our bylaws – until 2017, a span of 30 years. Harold and his wife Naomi demonstrated joint devotion to this community by becoming villagers, moving to one of our cottages in 2004. Shortly after moving, Harold started more volunteering – initially mowing with the Grounds team, an activity that more than a few new villagers actively miss after downsizing.
CKV’s president CEO Jeff Evans underlines: “Harold became involved with our campus construction projects beginning in the 1970s. This is where his unique talents were especially beneficial to us. As an accomplished carpenter, he was instrumental in the development of our Wood Shop which functions today with almost 80 members. One of his carpentry projects is still benefiting many in the New Hope neighborhood of Health Care, where he created window boxes for 11 of the rooms. Harold served on the Capital Campaign Committee to help raise money for the Wellness Center and served as Clerk of the Works during job meetings with the contractor. He served again on a Capital Campaign Committee when Brookside was envisioned. His presence at the job site was so frequent that he was given an honorary supervisor’s title by the construction company.”
Harold is a man of character, devotion, and humility. His focus always seems to be on others and what’s best for all. His wife Naomi is a volunteering legend in her own right, having contributed mightily to the our Almost New Shop. Harold, Naomi, and their family were visibly moved during the ceremony which ended with a dedication prayer and benediction by Director of Pastoral Care Linda Titzell. With its significant new name, Horst Road will serve as a private, gated entrance to the campus for villagers, offering an alternate to our busy main campus entrances.