Former Faculty Member Says Gift Embodies Christianity

The memories of the Concordia Christmas Choral Vespers performances run deep for former choral director Bob “Jake” Leininger who retired in 1998 after 33 years of service.

He reminisces about performances that gathered faculty, staff, students and community members, often overflowing the chapel. “The worship brought people to the depth of the Christmas message,” said Leininger.Leininger made many contributions to Concordia, most recently in the form of artwork. He and his wife, Phyllis, donated two works by He Qi, the world’s foremost modern Chinese Christian artist. The colorful paintings flank the entrance to the chapel from the fellowship center, what Bob considers to be the entrance to heavenly peace or in Chinese, tian an men. “The Risen Lord” hangs on the right side of the archway and “The Nativity” hangs to the left.

The paintings illustrate the two most significant concepts of the Christian church—Christ’s birth and resurrection. For Leininger, the paintings also represent and honor the chapel choir and other musicians who have served Concordia. Every year the processional was “Once in Royal David City” and the first and last stanzas of this hymn speak of Christ’s birth and resurrection. “It is a most beautiful and profound Christian message,” said Bob.

Leininger has become good friends with the painting’s artist. Qi’s paintings are highly sought after throughout the western world where his works hang in many prestigious locales, including Yale University and Oxford University in England. “It is a very big honor to have this man’s works displayed in our chapel,” said Leininger.

“The paintings aren’t there just because they’re beautiful paintings,” said Bob. “The most important part of this gift is the meaning that I wish to bring to worship at Concordia.”

For more information on the artist He Qi, visit www.heqigallery.com