St. John’s Lutheran Church and School Opens Early Childhood Center After 11-Month Construction

St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Arnold celebrated the opening of its Early Childhood Center on October 18, marking the completion of a 14,277-square-foot addition. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew approximately 500 attendees, who toured the new facility, which includes classrooms and a multipurpose room also serving as a storm shelter. The event featured bounce houses and a barbecue lunch, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the new space.

The construction of the Early Childhood Center was completed just 11 months after the groundbreaking ceremony. Designed by Mission Architects and built by BSI Constructors, the project was made possible through the dedication of many individuals and the support of the congregation. Michael Dean, the church’s executive director, expressed gratitude for the effort and time invested, calling the achievement “overwhelming joy.”

Rev. Jeremy Schultz, the pastor of St. John’s, praised the speed of the project, noting it was “incredible” to see such a large building completed in such a short time. He acknowledged the contributions of the construction teams and emphasized the importance of the Lord’s blessing in making the project possible. The addition cost just over $7 million to build, with more than $4 million in donations from the community.

The Early Childhood Center includes eight classrooms—two for kindergarten and six for preschool. By relocating early childhood classes, the church converted six existing classrooms to accommodate first through eighth grade students. All of the school’s classrooms were renovated, along with the restrooms and science lab, improving overall space and functionality.

Brenda Spieler, head of school at St. John’s, highlighted the benefits of the new center, noting it alleviates congestion and provides greater flexibility. She praised the work of the construction teams and expressed gratitude for the progress made. The school currently serves 102 preschool students and 209 students in grades K through 8.

Parents like Adam Ernst welcomed the new facility, noting that it addresses space limitations and supports the growing needs of the school community. The Early Childhood Center represents a significant investment in the future of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, reflecting the congregation’s commitment to education and community development.

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