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By Dan Dowber
IN the beginning, people prayed. Throughout the lean 1930s, a committee from
Vancouver First Christian Reformed Church planned and prayed for a Christian
school in Vancouver.
These Dutch immigrants had come from a land where Christian schools were well
established and they longed to see Christian schools here in their adopted
country.
They first approached the government to ensure that a Christian school was
legally allowed, and after that turned to the strong Dutch community in Chicago
– which provided advice and loans, and donated the first student desks.
The used desks took four months to arrive and had to be reassembled; brand new
desks would have been cheaper, though perhaps not as meaningful!
In 1948, the Vancouver Christian School Association purchased a house for
$4,500; it was renovated, and Calvin Christian School opened in September 1949.
The first class had 11 students, taught by a woman who lived on site.
In 1965, Calvin Christian School became Vancouver Christian School (VCS). This
was in response to a request from the provincial government, as the number of
Calvin Christian schools was often confusing.
Things have changed quite a bit since the early days – with families now from many different cultures, and representing more than 110
different churches. But one constant over the years has been excellence in
Christ-centered education.
VCS celebrated its 60th anniversary at a gala dinner event this past November.
In attendance at the event were Theo Vandeweg, Assistant Deputy Inspector of
Independent Schools; Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway; and Don Davies, MP
for Vancouver-Kingsway.
As well, there were many former students of VCS, some who attended the first
classes in 1949. Alumni, current families, faculty and staff had the opportunity to share
memories, perspectives and plans for the future.
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One of the highlights of the evening was a video presentation of interviews with
former school board members, staff, and alumni.
There was a sense of appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice it took to
build and develop this school.
Those present were challenged not to rest on past achievements, but to have a
vision for the next 60 years in Christian education.
VCS has been blessed with six decades of focused prayer, meaningful community
and the teaching of God’s word to children.
We are thankful to God for his faithfulness.
Dan Dowber is development director for Vancouver Christian School.
February 2010
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