The History of the Beaverdam Christian School
1909 – 1959
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"O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come." This truism certainly characterizes and evaluates the 50 years of our school. If it were not for the guidance of the Spirit of God through these 50 years we would not be able to pen this historical sketch of our Beaverdam Christian School. In the early years of the Christian school movement in the U.S.A. when antagonism to such a movement was at its height, some of our pioneer, God-fearing fathers, believed it essential that a school be built on the basis of covenantal obligations. In spite of the struggle for natural existence they deemed the spiritual needs the greater. 1908 marked the years when their long cherished ambition began to take root. A few of the members of Beaverdam Church felt constrained to approach the consistory on their intention. Rev. P. Eldersveld and the consistory encouraged them so that early in 1909 a society was formed for the intent of setting up a school for Christian instruction. During May – September of 1909 the wheels of organization began turning. In May, 1909, a board was elected. Shortly following a plot of ground was obtained as a donation from Lubbert Schut. Plans were made for a building. Henry Ponstein was to erect the new building at a cost of $800.00. Each society member was to donated $25.00 to defray expenses. By September things were in order for the doors of Beaverdam School to be opened for the first time. In 1909 the enrollment was 38 pupils with one teacher
in the one-room school. The tuition was freewill and the teacher’s salary was
$50 per month. The pupils walked to school. These comparisons are amusing and yet portray one fact that time certainly changes things. In the years 1909–1912, the school building consisted of but one furnished room. All eight grades were taught by Mr. Martin Ten Hoor. The first graduating class consisted of 5 pupils. The height of success in those days was to get through the 8th grade. Mr. Ten Hoor served as principal-teacher for one year. John Hoffman served in the same capacity in the years 1910-1911. These early years were struggling years financially but also spiritually for not everyone saw the need of Christian instruction. 1912-1918 were years of growth in spite of World War I which prevailed in the years 1914-1918. For in 1912 a second room was finished for use making it a two-room school. During this period the two principals, Mr. H. Lankheet and Mr. B. Roberts taught the upper four grades. 1918-1922 things really began to change. Teachers were difficult to obtain because of shortage of boarding places. Teachers had to remain in the vicinity because of inadequate transportation facilities. The principal, usually being married, also required a home. Thus the board deemed it wise to build a principal’s home. Through the generosity of Mr. H. Smit a parcel fo ground was donated for the home. The present home was erected on it for the sum of $1,700. Mr. Ben Smit was the first occupant of the new home. Mr. Smit served as principal of the school and Mrs. Arie Schreur, nee Helen Seitsma, was the first boarder in the newly erected principal’s home. These two worked harmoniously in the school up to 1922. By 1922 a new school building became necessary for the old building was inadequate. The old building was moved to New Holland Street and serves now as the home of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Dykema. The board showed foresight, for then a four room building, the present building was erected for the sum of $12,500. In these early days of the new school, three rooms were used but in time the four rooms potential proved the wisdom of the board. 1922 marked the arrival of Mr. R. Pettinga as principal. In 1923 it was necessary to revert to a two-room setup. Through the boom years of the 1920’s our school showed stability. 1929-1934. The depression years, our school survived at a sacrifice. For many suffered severe hardship in these years of financial panic. In 1934 our school had been in existence 25 years so a celebration was in order. Smit’s woods was the spot for the celebration. Band music and speeches and group singing was the order of the day. Celebration was appropriate for God surely had blessed our school up to this time. Twenty years Mr. Rhine Pettinga served our school until the year 1943 which marked the second great World War. During the World War II days (1942-1948), Joh R. Bos acted as principal. In this period the school enrollment dropped to 60 pupils, but by 1946 the ninth grade was added thus it became necessary to again use three rooms. By 1948 things began to change. Our young men returned from service and the families again grew. Mr. Jake De Lange was then principal. By 1950 it became necessary, for the first time, to utilize four rooms. Kindergarten was initiated. 1950-1956 Mr. Jack Aren served as principal. Unity Christian High School was born. The ninth graders left the walls of Beaverdam and now became high school students. In spite of this our school operated on a four room unit. New school desks were installed by the Ladies’ Circle. During this period the enrollment was over 100. This is to be attributed to population growth following World War II. During this period also the tornado of the spring of 1956 occurred. Vivid are the memories of this calamity. One of our mothers was taken by death in this tornado. Two of our children were injured. Others suffered severe property damage. The years 1957-1959 our school still operated as a four room school. Improvements were made. A new oil furnace was installed. The last two years we were fortunate in having a stable teaching staff. God has blessed our school throughout these years. |
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Ladies Circle On April 30, 1951, a group of women met to consider forming a society to work for our school. There were 33 ladies present. There was so much interest shown, it was decided to organize immediately. A constitution was drawn up and adopted at the next meeting. The "Beaverdam Christian School Circle" was the name decided upon. At present there are 38 active members. The aim and purpose of the society is to make propaganda for Christian education and to aid our Christian School in every way possible. Throughout the years the ladies have worked diligently to provide money for new furnishings such as desks, playground equipment, a new furnace, mimeograph machine, and a movie projector. Because of the faithfulness of the members and the donations and gifts of friends, the School Circle has been able to contribute a goodly amount of money to the School Board. God has been very gracious and has sustained us through the years. May the Beaverdam Christian School Circle remain true to its purpose and continue its kingdom work and thus glorify our Heavenly Father. |
Left: 1959 School Board - Right: Sipke Grasman, who was secretary of the school board, 1909-1942
School Board Members, 1909 - 1959
