Pike County believers look

to grow new school by faith

By Barbara Shoun

Contributing Writer

BOWLING GREEN – Pike County Christian School could use some help. The school has acquired its own building, but the building needs a lot of work.

The three-year-old school, with an enrollment of 16 students, was conceived by the Salt River Baptist Association and is currently operating under the umbrella of Peno Baptist Church.

“We spent about three years going around to the public schools trying to teach a Bible class,” said Frank Welch, director of missions for the Salt River association. “When we saw that wasn’t going to happen, we appointed a feasibility committee to look into starting a campground and a Christian school.

“The Christian school came forward. We had the use of Bethel Campground, but we didn’t have a Christian school. We prayed a lot and started seeking teachers who would be available.”

Jim Miller, pastor, Salem Baptist Church, was one of those on the study committee. He echoes Welch’s assessment, “In the process of doing the research, the Lord steered us more toward a Christian school rather than a camp.” Miller now serves as the president of Pike County Christian School (PCCS).

Besides looking for teachers, the committee began looking at real estate. All they saw seemed to be out of the ballpark, said Miller. The committee briefly considered the Curryville Elementary School building, which had been empty for four years. However, when the school district sold the building to a private individual, the legal agreement included a clause specifying that the building could not be used for another school.

Peno Baptist Church in Bowling Green offered the use of its basement, and the fledgling school was soon up and running with classes four days a week. However, there was no room for growth.

The school serves kindergarten through ninth grade, with plans to go all the way through 12th grade in the future. There are four teachers as well as several volunteers who provide instruction in electives such as art, music, home economics, shop, and karate. Welch says they were able to recruit Christian teachers who “love the children and the children know it.”

Each day begins with Scripture reading, the Lord’s Prayer, pledges to the Word of God, the American flag, and the Christian flag. Curriculum is both Christ-centered and challenging.

“If you took time to visit with any of the students, you would be blessed to discover that each one bears great potential as they continue to excel both academically and spiritually,” said Miller.

“Every subject is coupled with the truths of God’s Word, with scripture memorization a common ingredient of everyday learning.”

Besides faculty, the association recruited a school board which currently consists of Miller, Welch, and the following: Pastor Ron and Diana Kunzweiler, vice president, Dover Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church; Barbie Finley, treasurer, Peno Baptist Church; Alice Coss, secretary, Elm Grove Baptist Church; Pastor Paul Lewis, member-at-large, New Hartford Baptist Church; and Pastor George Hinch, member-at-large, Frankford Worship Center, a non-denominational church in the area.

The PCCS school board approached the public school board about eliminating the clause excluding any other school from operating in the old building. After a couple of years, the board agreed to the change. In the meantime, the committee had been talking to the out-of-state owner, who was willing to sell and had come down considerably on the asking price.

Board members pooled their own resources to buy the building, which is structurally sound but in need of renovation. In addition to classrooms, it contains offices, restrooms, a kitchen, gymnasium, and library.

The PCCS board envisions making the building available for community use, youth activities, and special church functions and meetings. Board members are considering suggestions for use of the excess space, but the priority now is to prepare the necessary part of the building for classes.

They must tackle cleaning, replacement of furnace and floor coverings, and other remodeling.

The school is financially supported by tuition, fund-raisers, the Salt River Baptist Association, a half dozen churches, and donations from businesses and individuals. Support continues to grow. “Each year, a couple more churches have come on board,” said Welch. “More churches and individuals are giving.”

Any group or individual interested in offering assistance in the form of work days, materials, or finances may contact Pike County Christians School at 12682 Hwy U, Bowling Green, MO 63334 or may call Jim Miller at 573-822-1145.