Grand Rapids Christian High School - Memoir Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

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K 1920 1932 1942 in ml! , ,1- f 'Q r TW

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The Gro wth . The half-century which spans the history of the Grand Rapids Christian High School was a period of rich blessings, consistent progress and steady growth. E.R. Post Five Decades of Dedication by E.R.P. 0 GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN HIGH - 1920 - 1970

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Ielebrate Grand Rapi entral Chri GRAND RAPIDS CENTRAL CHRISTIAN -HIGH was organized in 1920 by a group of concerned Christian parents under the direction of Reverend I. Heimenga. These parents believed that their children should be brought up under the Christian influence and guidance of Christian teachers. They purchased a building on the corner of Franklin and Madison from Calvin College, and school began the following Fall. When the initial enrollment of 260 students under the direction of 10 faculty members jumped to 330 students under 13 teachers, the school realized that it had to expand. On April 5, 1926, Central Christian was ofhcially accredited by the North Central Associa- tion of secondary schools and has been ever since. Finally in September of 1931 the first bricks were laid toward a much needed addition. This building, dedi- cated in March of 1932, included two labs, iive class- rooms and a new boiler. By 1941 there were 574 pupils -enrolled at the school as the enrollment surpassed 500 for the first time. In September of that year the schoo1's second addition became a reality. This build- ing included the chapel, a new office complex, a library, and a music room. Finding that even this addition was not enough to meet the rising demands of a growing school, the board made plans for another addition. At a total cost of just over S400,000, the old school was razed and in its place was built a large portion of the school as we know it today. This addi- tion included more science labs, a better library, more classrooms, session rooms and an enlarged office. During this construction, the school reached its 25th anniversary and a celebration was held at the Civic Auditorium. Here it was noted that already the school had graduated over 2500 students. In February of 1949, the enrollment, steadily climbing, had reached 850 students. By September of the following year, Central Christian was the third largest private school in the state. September 1952 saw the Brst time that Central Christian had over 1000 students under its roof as the enrollment jumped to 1090. Under this increased enrollment, the board purchased the Madi- son Elementary School which lay just across the street. This building was used for the 10th graders. Still lacking a gym, the board set about to relieve this problem in the spring of 1955. Seating over 2000 people, the gym was dedicated in 1957 to 19 of Central Christiarfs graduates who gave their lives on behalf of their country in the second world war. When the enrollment of Central Christian grew to over 1400 in 1963 the school board decided that it should split up. Thus, in 1964, Central Christians enrollment stood at around 900. Today, 775 students report daily to these halls to receive instruction tmder 38 certified teachers with an average of 855 years experience at Central Christian. Over 10,000 high school diploma's have been handed out thus far, and the number rises as about 250 Seniors receive their certificates yearly. a. so . sa- wn. ' Q t. -ui, ss aTi'g.'3.r-' Y .NL rf 1. Q W x rm, 1 . ffl-W, Ve rad' 6.