Grand Rapids Junior Academy (GRJA) will be 100 years old this fall. In 1904, there was one Seventh-day Adventist church in Grand Rapids. It was a church that was committed to the gospel commission and to God’s ordained plan of Christian Adventist education.

A dedicated church member named Cyrus Clark felt the need for the children to be in church school. As there was no building or money to build or buy one, he pitched a tent in his backyard, and Grand Rapids Jr. Academy was born. When the cold weather came, they moved into his wood shop until a more suitable building could be found. As the “Central” church grew, smaller groups branched out into other surrounding areas and began a work there. Today there are 18 churches in the greater Grand Rapids area that participate in sending children to GRJA.

I wish Cyrus Clark could read some of the essays that were written by our students recently, as they would warm his heart. He would reflect on the humble beginnings of our school. He would be blessed! Here are some of the things our students wrote:

“I love my Grand Rapids Jr. Academy! I learn more about God and how to live the Christian life.”

“I value my Christian education because GRJA has strengthened my relationship with Christ. Christian education not only helps the students, but it also helps the staff with their teaching, attitudes, and their own relationship with Christ.”

“I’m glad to see the school growing. I’ve been here since kindergarten. Now I am in the 10th grade, and there are 100 more students now than when I started to attend. I’m glad to see that there is a new building addition coming together for our school because we are out of space. The GRJA school board, parents, and churches have shown a commitment to having their children get a quality education by supporting a growing program.”

“I’m really happy with our school for both academic reasons and for the religious experience.”

“GRJA not only helps with spirituality, but it also helps with school work. Though our school is growing, we are still small enough to get personal help from our teachers.”

“I appreciate Bible and worship the most.”

These are just a few of the testimonies from children who love their school and love Jesus!

We will celebrate our centennial birthday with a great alumni homecoming, Oct. 1–3. It is of particular significance that we will meet in a large tent on the school property, not only to celebrate our roots, but for the simple fact that we have outgrown our “more suitable building” once again, and we cannot fit in the school anymore.

Nearly 200 children attend GRJA, and there has been an average six percent growth rate over the last several years. We have added grade 11 this year and will add grade 12 next year.

Thank you, Cyrus Clark! Thank you, churches! Thank you, families! Thank you, students! Thank you, Jesus! Please come soon, and take us to the “more suitable building” you have prepared for Cyrus and for us.

Robert Rice is the Grand Rapids Junior Academy development director.