Late in 1957, prompted by the enthusiastic encouragement of Pastor Martin Hartenberger, 1955-1971, Holy Cross Lutheran Church authorized planning for a Christian day school. A building committee and a special finance committee convened immediately. In November of 1958, the Voters’ Assembly resolved to open an eight grade Christian day school at Ninth and Oliver by September of 1959. The resolution was based on the belief that a teaching church is a growing church. The congregation consisted of 525 members in 1958. Mr. Raymond Mueller was called as the first principal of Holy Cross Lutheran School. Classes began on September 8, 1959 in the old Adams schoolhouse with an enrollment of 105 students in eight grades. The following year, the staff expanded to six instructors. A Kindergarten class was also added.

Soon after the opening, plans were made to build an education building which would also provide much needed space for Sunday School. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on July 6, 1960. A Service of Dedication for the completed structure was held on March 12, 1961 with more than 500 people in attendance. The new facility featured eight classrooms, offices for the principal and Sunday School superintendent, a library, a health room, a lounge, and a small prayer chapel. The full basement had two large meeting rooms, named the Concordia Room and the Centennial Room, a kitchen, and a nursery. The building was completed at a cost of $261,000.

Immediately, Holy Cross Lutheran School experienced growth in its enrollment. In its second year the school had an enrollment of 136. By 1968 the enrollment had reached 182 students. By 1975 the school and the congregation had grown rapidly and were feeling the need for more space. After long deliberation, the congregation voted to build a Parish Activity Center and remodel the church. On January 25, 1976, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for this project. The cornerstone was placed on May 16, 1976, and the new Parish Activity Center (PAC) and offices were ready for use by November 1, 1976. The new PAC contained a gym, locker rooms, and a small kitchen. The new building was connected to the school by an enclosed corridor. The school offices were moved over into the new building which made space available for a faculty workroom. The congregation was filled with great joy and thanksgiving to see this dream materialize.

 

In 1992, a study was commissioned to consider the future of the church and school. After almost a year of study by the Parish Planning Committee, it was recommended that Holy Cross relocate. The congregation adopted the committee’s recommendation. A twenty-acre site was acquired near Central and Greenwich Road. The congregation renewed its commitment to Christian education by planning to build the school in the first phase. On February 24, 1997, Holy Cross Lutheran School entered the crossroads of the future when it moved into the new $4,600,000 facility. The new facility has classrooms for preschool through eighth grade, a resource room, a regulation-sized gym with bleachers and a stage, a science lab, a computer lab, a spacious library, a music room, a kitchen, and a youth center as well as office areas. The Commons Area contains a lunchroom for the students and a multipurpose room, once again called the Concordia Room. The scenic campus has playground areas and a large athletic field.

The Lord has blessed us with many fine teachers in our school and spirit-filled leaders in our congregation. We go forward into the years ahead with prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the past and for the continued guidance and blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.