Byron Center Christian School - 1917

The original building was built in the year 1917, and it was used from 1917-1948. It was located in what is now the parking lot of the First Christian Reformed Church on the northeast corner of Freeland Avenue and 85th Street. It was in the first week of August, 1915, that a Society for Christian Instruction was begun in Byron Center. Full credit should be given to Rev. J. J. Holwerda, who was the pastor at that time, for being the prime influence in persuading our people to take this step. A meeting was called and was attended by fifty. At this time more than forty became charter members in the new society. A board was elected, consisting of: Aukema, Dreyer, Faber, Kooienga and VanderHeuvel. Mr. Kooienga became the first president. It also was decided to make an attempt to raise the necessary funds. A committee was then appointed to draw up a constitution. The next year, in August, 1916, the society again had a meeting. The constitution which had been drawn up was approved and accepted. The next spring, in 1917, Mr. kooienga purchased the old parsonage and moved it to a new location so that there was sufficient space for a school. This lot was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Kooienga, as also later a bell for the school. Soon after that, the society decided to build a two-room school. All labor was practically donated. A mortgate of $1,200 from Harry Nagel was placed on the building. The school was opened September 1, 1917, with an enrollment of 68 students. The first teachers were Tracy Hartig, now Mrs. Schults, and Miss Catherine Havinga, now Mrs. Al Van Solkema. In 1918, a third room was added to the north side of the school. Mr. VanTuinen was appointed principal and served until 1924. Dewey Westra succeeded Mr. VanTuinen. In 1919, Rev. Holwerda succeeded in organizing a Ladies’ Aid Society, whose purpose was mainly to work for the school. In 1925, the old board wished to retire, and a new one was chosen, namely: C. Buddingh, P. DeJong, O. Harkema, D. Mulder and John Wustman. In 1926 a drive was made to reduce the debt and $1,800 was collected. In the year of 1926-1927, the school was again overcrowded, so the school board obtained permission of the consistory for the use of the chapel for the primary gardes for the next year. Teachers were Messrs. Westra dn VanderArk, Miss DeRoss and Miss Koeman. In 1929 Mr. Westra left to become Principal of the Detroit Christian School. Mr. VanderArk was appointed principal. In 1930, the school board brought a proposal before the society to enlarge and remodel the school. The proposal was accepted and about $2,00 was pledged. Under Mr. Jake H. Karsten, a modern school was erected, an expense of about $4,000. The building was completed September 1, 1931. A good deal of labor was donated with a mortgage on the school totaling $2,550. Improvements were made from time to time. In 1934, fountains and lavatories were installed and in 1938, another basement room to be used for a playroom. In 1939, another school club came into existence, which was called the Mother’s Club. In 1940, it was decided to add the ninth and tenth grades to our already crowded school. A basement room was arranged for that purpose and consequently added the fifth teacher. Drives were made each year to reduce the debt and in 1941 the entrie debt was paid. The present building was occupied in February, 1948, consisting of eight rooms. In 1952, two more rooms were added to the south side, and in 1956, more classrooms, extra toilets and an all-purpose room 70 x 45 was completed in March. When the present building was completed, the children all moved from the old building into the new building. The old building was torn down. Administration: In 40 years history, the school has been under only five principals; Mr. VanTuinen, 1918-1924; Mr. D. Westra, 1924-1919; Mr. J. VanderArk, 1929-1942; Mr. Rhine C. Pettinga, 1945-1948, and Mr. C. Bonnema, 1948-1957. The teaching staff are all from Calvin College, except one who is from Hope College. They have at the present time, 1957, eleven full time and three part-time teachers. The board members are: Martin Nagel, President; Dewey VanSolkema, Vice-President; Melvin Daining, Secretary; Andrew Dykstra, Treasurer. Enrollment at the present time I 375.

  

Byron Center Christian School - 1918 8th Grade Graduation

Top Row Left to Right - Ralph Miedema, John Buddingh
Middle Row Left to Right - Arthur Potter, Edward Kooienga, John Faber, Dick Dykstra, Benjamin Zuidema
Bottom Row Left to Right - Sadie Pylman, Minnie Beukema, Bertha Buddingh, Miss Tracy Hartigh, Teacher; Johanna VanDerPloeg, Bertha Battjes
 

Byron Center Christian School Band

Byron Center Christian School - 1948

Created: 12 November 2013