A week before Poulsbo Adventist School (PAS) classes began, the school held a ribbon-cutting, recognition and dedication ceremony for the new facilities. In the 23-year history of the school, this will be the first school year where classes are not taught in the church basement. It’s a dream come true for students, teachers and church members. The more-than-5,700-square-foot facility offers two classrooms, an office, a teacher’s workroom, a commercial kitchen and a multipurpose room/gymnasium.
The building program began in 2004 with a sizable donation and the help of SAGE and local church volunteers. For a while, it seemed this little congregation had taken on Goliath—contractor problems, escalating costs, and weather and permit deadlines taxed their “can-do” spirit. Yet the church persevered, raising funds with the leadership of church member Ray Smith, who recently passed away.
Miracles became a regular occurrence: a non-member school parent volunteered general contractor services for near volunteer wages; a local school district surplus sale yielded $25,000 of school furnishings and equipment for $350; sister churches and schools shared tables and lockers at cost; a pastor who hung drywall; and a plumber who worked to complete the plumbing in time for the open house. The final miracle: getting a conditional occupancy permit on Monday, Aug. 27, the day classes officially began in the new building.
Current students and alumni sing in the new multipurpose room under the direction of Sharon Jones.
Washington Conference president, John Freedman, shares greetings as the choir prepares to sing in the new school's multipurpose room.
New lawn sets off the new Poulsbo Adventist School.
An old-fashioned bell tower tops the new Poulsbo Adventist School facility.
