August 23, 2021 – West Bend, WI – Residents, family, friends and staff at Cedar Community gathered Sunday for the rededication of the sculpture donated in 1989 as a memorial tribute to Rev. Philip Schowalter.
A writeup from Cedar Community is posted below.
Rev. Louis Riesch, Cedar Community visionary and founder, commissioned the work “Eternal Life” in 1989 as a memorial to Rev. Philip Schowalter in thanks and gratitude for his faithful service.
In 1990, the work was dedicated at the northwest entrance to the Cedar Ridge campus where Philip and his wife, Audrey, served as the first managers of the newly constructed campus.
The abstract work was intended to evoke the strong spiritual legacy of Pastor Schowalter.
Words from the original dedication describe the work this way.
- three steel triangular sections representing the Holy Trinity and a strong spiritual foundation
- two outstretched steel arms representing welcome and service
- one stainless steel ring in the center of the sculpture, representing the fulfilment of Christ’s redeeming work
Audrey Schowalter said she very much appreciated the rededication and was touched by the memorial stone and the large turnout at the ceremony.
“Today, August 22, 2021, we proudly rededicate the work to honor Rev. Philip and Audrey Schowalter for their faithful service, joyful commitment, and legacy of leadership here at Cedar Community,” said Nicole Pretre, CEO at Cedar Community.
A large turnout of the Schowalter family for Sunday’s ceremony.
