History of CHS
A HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN HERITAGE– Author unknown
The Edwall HS & Elementary 1920's
A Human Interest Story or how a group of local families started Christian Heritage School which is celebrating its 25th anniversary serving local students and families.
In early 1981 several families in the rural community of Edwall, WA, envisioned a Christ centered education for their children, for they realized the responsibilities laid down in Deuteronomy 6:5-7, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children”
Believing the Biblical mandate was one thing, putting faith into action was another. Edwall, a rural farming community of fewer than seventy residents, nestled among the rolling wheat fields thirty miles west of Spokane. How could a viable Christian school develop in a retirement/farming community where wheat was the primary community and there were no buildings available.
A miracle happened! The local public school building, remodeled in 1978 at a cost of $450,000, closed. This attractive school building became available right in the town of Edwall. There was an immediate obstacle, the
new school could not purchase the buildings for less than 90% of the assessed value, so a rental agreement was drafted to open in 1982 with 45 students.
Parents car pooled from a radius of 45 miles around to Edwall (most students travel the 20 or so miles from Davenport, Cheney, Medical Lake, Harrington, Sprague, Spokane, Airway Heights and Reardan – some from Ritzville too). Most of the initial families were farming people with ties to the small, surrounding communities. In the second year there were 91 students and another rental agreement. But this year was different. Several members of the community formed the Lincoln County Park and Recreation District. This group, now an entity of government that now oversee the town library and park, purchased the Edwall School for 20% of assessed value. The community uses the facility for local clubs, and activities throughout the year and have built and strong bond between the school and community.
The school reflects the commitment to a superior educational opportunity for children in a brief, articulate outline of expectations regarding standards of propriety in dress, behavior, discipline, and academic achievement. Opening words in the parent handbook read; Christian Heritage School was founded to make available to the people of Lincoln, Adams and Spokane counties an educational program which would provide for the total educational needs of the child…Only by a Christian philosophy of life may this be achieved.
As families from these rural communities spread the word of Christian education, the school continued to grow. Parents were encouraged to form transportation cooperative, parent governed and supported, which could transport large groups of students from each surrounding area or community. Today busses serve three primary transportation routes providing convenient, safe and dependable transportation for the students.
Because of their sense of belonging, parents volunteer each day to serve as janitors, recess monitors, school nurse, coaches, drama/art instructors, teacher assistants, tutor and whatever else needs to be done. They willingly serve “as unto the Lord”.
Christian Heritage offers a traditional program of education with a biblically based curriculum that places strong emphasis on reading (phonics) and language skills and adheres to traditional methods of mathematics. Opportunities for extracurricular and social grout also abound. Students attend classes in music and art and participate in dramatic productions in the fall and spring. In the fall all 7-12th grade students attend a camp retreat where they experience spiritual growth and make new and lasting friends.
Christian Heritage view athletics as a tool, not so much to develop character, but to reveal it. The formula for victory in our interscholastic sports program lies in training students to put forth their best effort tin service to the Lord, not merely to please themselves or others. Current competitive sports include; Junior High and Senior High Soccer, Volleyball, Junior High and Senior High Basketball and Tennis in the spring.
The schools leaders have put the financial needs of Christian Heritage School in the hands of the Lord, and He has miraculously fulfilled those needs. The school operates on about $4000 per student (tuition is about $3000) per year compared to about $9000 per student, per year for public schools. Each year Christian Heritage has been in existence the budget has been met. The Christian Heritage Parents Association raise about $11,000 through the annual Bowl a Thon, funding many school needs and initiatives. Further through extensive volunteer leadership another $60,000 is raised through the annual support dinner and auction.
As the school celebrates its 25th year of ministry and service to area families and students the school continues steady growth in enrollment and support. On June 23 from 10-4 pm alumni, community members, current families and prospective families will gather at the school to celebrate 25 years strength and look forward to a strong future. The school is poised to serve the ever increasing populations of Lincoln, Spokane and Adams counties as the area grows in population.
Christian Heritage is a testimony to the power of God and a group of three families that had a bold vision to improve their community and to provide opportunities for their families and neighbors.
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Historic Pictures