The Richmond school was closed nearly 20 years ago. But a group of parents recently approached Pastor Blaine Fults with their desire to re-open it, and the church has moved into action to make it a reality. Photo credit: Colleen Kelly
The Richmond school was closed nearly 20 years ago. But a group of parents recently approached Pastor Blaine Fults with their desire to re-open it, and the church has moved into action to make it a reality.
The lower level of the two-story school building has been used as the church fellowship hall. The upper level, where Sabbath school classes have been held, is now being painted and made ready for the fall opening. The Richmond Church will be joined by the Connersville, Muncie and Richmond Hispanic churches as they work together to make Adventist education available to the children in their congregations.
Ninety miles away, another school is in the process of coming back to life. The Columbus school, previously known as the Lucille Lutz Seventh-day Adventist School, was closed in 2008. Ever since coming to the district, Pastor Thomas Clark and his wife, Angela, a teacher, have felt the need to re-establish the school.
Last fall the former school building was vandalized and later determined to be beyond repair. So the new school will be relocated to another building on the same property. Joining the Columbus Church in this endeavor will be the Columbus Hispanic, North Vernon and Seymour churches.
How fortunate we are in this time of unrest and insecurity to have church schools which can provide a safe, positive environment for children while also meeting their spiritual and educational needs.
Renee Coffee, Indiana Conference Education superintendent
