History of Sumter Christian School

Sumter Christian School was founded in August of 1974. However, its true beginnings can be traced much earlier to an increasing burden on the hearts of the members of Sumter Bible Church. The church purchased property on South Pike West in May of 1966 and dedicated the Timmons wing, which was divided into a sanctuary, offices, and a few Sunday School classes, on October 11 of 1970. Within four years the church became convinced of God's guiding them to offer Christian education in a day school context, but the original facilities were clearly inadequate for such an expanded ministry.

Sycamore tree at front of playground

Under Pastor Wes Millard's leadership, construction of the present sanctuary was begun in 1974, with several of the members assuming responsibility for much of the work themselves. The week before school was to begin, they invested many late hours striving to prepare the buildings for the opening of school. It was not until midnight before the first day that all was completed. Provision of the new sanctuary enabled the old auditorium to be partitioned into the needed schoolrooms.
In the early years of the school Miss Violet Phillips labored unselfishly in administration, teaching, curriculum construction, teacher supervision, and other areas too numerous to mention. During her tenure as administrator, the enrollment increased from 109 to 193. The need for a third building (Rogers), which now houses the preschool and lower elementary classes, became obvious. It was completed in the fall of 1976 under the wise direction of Pastor William Gaskell. It was again a labor of love and dedication on the part of Sumter Bible Church members.

Mr. Carl Fennell became principal in the fall of 1978. In the course of his two years of administration, the need for stating purposes, goals, and long-term direction became evident. The character of Sumter Christian School as an integral ministry of Sumter Bible Church was clearly articulated, and the priority of its spiritual mission was stated unequivocally.

1980 and the coming of Mr. Leo Horton provided a period of consolidation and transition. Many of the current policies and practices derive from his spirit-led administration. In perspective, many of these "innovations" proved to be a re-establishment of the school's charter positions.

The appointment in 1981 of a new administrator, Mr. Cecil Beach, ushered in a new phase of development for the school. Renewed emphasis was placed on spiritual growth: a complete Bible curriculum was developed, and high school chapel periods were scheduled on a regular basis. The facilities were further enhanced with innovative decorating schemes, student lockers, a fenced playground area, regulation basketball court, and improved lighting. Academic excellence was emphasized by effective curriculum changes and the purchase of many new books and instructional equipment and materials. Most significantly, faculty recruitment became a year-round, first-priority activity, resulting in the current spiritually mature, academically qualified staff.

In 1985 the need for integrating and upgrading facilities, as well as for providing additional classroom space, reached a critical stage. Again Sumter Bible Church shouldered this responsibility and erected the current high school wing (Morgan). This ambitious project produced beautiful, efficient school and church buildings. Once again, many late nights were necessary in order to have everything in readiness for the opening of school. Just one year later the parking lots were paved and striped.

The full development of a multi-purpose playground as well as soccer, softball, and baseball fields in 1989 broadened the athletic and physical education departments. Mr. Ron Davis, our present administrator, was appointed in 1990 to replace Mr. Beach, who followed the Lord's calling to another school. Two classrooms were added to the Morgan building during the summer of 1991. In 1994 a long-awaited, multi-purpose gymnasium was completed.

Sumter Christian School enjoys a reputation for balanced excellence on a community, state, and even national level. Enrollment inquiries come from across the nation and from military parents in many foreign countries. In this third decade of our history, we have purposed to provide a place where parents can confidently send their children, knowing that they are being taught in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and at the same time ensuring that they are being prepared academically for whatever career the Lord would have them enter.