The next chapter in Our Redeemer Lutheran School's history began Sunday.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School on Sunday, Aug. 15 celebrated a ribbon cutting and open house for the new Ministry Center. The building features classrooms, a chapel, kitchen and commons area.
Harlan Anson, principal, said work will be done in September, then the school will fully move its functions to the new building.
“We're excited and anxious,” Anson said. “We're hopeful we'll be able to move over in the near future.”
Anson said the building's completion is surreal as he's seen firsthand the project go from a ground breaking to a ribbon cutting.
“It seems like every day something new happens,” he said. “It's been really exciting to see the progression over time and you start visualizing what's going to be in each room and that stuff. I'm excited to see the changes being made.”
The event Sunday, as well as back-to-school programs, have allowed students and parents the chance to see the new facility. Our Redeemer Pastor Shawn Kitzing said the reactions toward the facility have added excitement to the build-up towards a new school year.
“The exciting part is taking the students and parents through it to see the way it is now...because a lot of them haven't seen anything since the end of the school year,” he said. “They're excited about how big and new things look.”
Anson said the reaction has shown that the building will be a positive addition to the school and the community.
“We love to see the look on kids' faces,” he said. “They're excited to be in there. And just thinking about what we can do with that space really solidifies what we're doing.”
The Ministry Center is phase one of a two-part project. Phase two, Anson said, will see the addition of a gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms. Planning and fundraising for phase two is underway, he said.
With the celebration of the Ministry Center and hope of the new gymnasium down the road, Anson said he's excited for Our Redeemer's future in Staplehurst.
“It'll be awesome to see the greater community, Staplehurst and Seward County, let them see it come to fruition and walk them through the new building,” he said. “Being in a new facility has all kinds of benefits. It's going to be awesome.”
