On Friday, May 16, following the recent completion of our West Campus Campaign, our West Campus students gathered with a group of former Mill Rd. administrators, local officials, Mount Calvary church and school staff, trustees, and supporters to officially dedicate the West Campus to the Lord and thank Him for all He has done.
The rain held off, and students gathered with their teachers outside to pledge together, with the attendees, to the American flag, Christian Flag, and the Bible. The pledges were led by West Campus Principal and K-12 Education Director, Jennifer Garcia.
Superintendent, Jared Griest, began the event with a welcome and prayer. He shared that in 1955, God knew that the Elizabethtown Area School District needed an elementary school in which to entrust the children of its growing population. Men such as Arthur G. Spickler and Vincent O’ Conner whose names are listed on the wall of the school probably couldn’t have imagined that 70 years later their investment would continue through this school.
Jared shared, “Today, we are a group of similar people: fire fighters, philanthropists, civil servants, educators, councilman, and board members – for the Lord and for education.
May our impact far extend the days when our names are inscribed on a wall for passersby to see.”
Matt Watson, Lead Pastor at Mount Calvary Church shared some of the history of our journey to West Campus:
“In 2020, we began to pray as a church and a school — with prayer, we started planning and brainstorming on how to lead this ministry with all that God was doing here. I can tell you, this property wasn’t even on our radar. We had several other ideas on how to build and expand our school. But as those doors closed and we weren’t exactly sure what to do — it was then that God made it abundantly clear that this was the direction he wanted us to go.
As we look back on the past and how we got this campus, I cannot help but be so thankful for God and how he lead us every step of the way.”
Pastor Matt challenged the church and school community in the following areas:
- That we would be a light shining in the darkness.
- That we would be building up families in the name of Jesus.
- That we would be preparing the next generation to love and walk with Jesus.
- That we would even be a blessing in this town and neighborhood.
“With God as our guide, we dedicate this school to His service and to the glory of His kingdom.”
We heard from Mark Hershey, Borough Council President and friend of MCCS, who affirmed his support and gratitude for the school and its role in the Elizabethtown community.
After a prayer of dedication, students resumed their classes, and attendees were invited inside to hear the beginner band, enjoy a light breakfast, receive tours of the school, and share in fellowship with one another.