The Beachy Amish Mennonites   

Mennonites   

Calvary Bible School

Calvary Bible School (CBS) is an unaccredited educational instution under the umbrella of the Beachy Amish Mennonite constituency. The school had its first session in 1969, and has since held annual sessions. The primary attendees are Beachy young people in their late teens and early 20s from moderate to mainstream Beachy congregations, though conservative Mennonite students may also attend. Terms are held annually from January through March.

The following history is taken from the 1970 Clarion, the school's annual yearbook:

Shortly following World War II, several Mennonite missionaries near

Calico Rock, Ark., were inspired to build a Christian Day school. The objective of this school was to teach and train the local young people for Christian growth and service. Consequently a three-story brick structure was erected about seven miles southwest of Calico Rock, named Bethel Springs School.

For eighteen years this building reverberated the noise and prattle of school children from grades one through twelve. In the spring of 1966, school was discontinued here. The institution, with its outlying cabins, then became subject to vandalism, being unoccupied so much of the time. The Sister's Sewing Circle would meet there monthly, and an occasional Mennonite Fellowship meeting or Camp Week was held there. But the original objective for which the institution was erected and dedicated was far from being fulfilled.

In the meantime the Lord was moving in many areas of the Amish Mennonite churches. Among both older and younger members the desire for a more concentrated Bible study was growing. The available facilities in our sister churches were overcrowded. Our own branch of the church, up to this point, had not launched into this field. Therefore a study committee was elected at the annual Beachy Ministers' Fellowship, held near Wellesley, Ont., Can., in April, 1968.

During the following year interest among our churches seemed to increase. As a result at our Ministers' Fellowship, which met near Montgomery, Indiana, in April, 1969, a school board was elected. Special prayer was offered for guidance in locating a suitable institution. Various leads were investigated. It was apparent that the door at Calico Rock was wide open, while all others were barred. Taking this as a direct answer to prayer, a plan was established to have two three-week terms at the Bethel Springs School, now renamed Calvary Bible School.

The friendly welcome that we received from the people of the community, from the small Bethel Springs church, and from the people of Calico Rock was heartwarming.

The board and faculty of Calvary Bible School are dedicated to further Christ's kingdom here on earth. This we do through Bible study, meditation, and prayer, as well as the practical application of being a light to the world and the salt of the earth.

Isn't it also possible that now, twenty-two years after their erection, the purposes for which these facilities were built and dedicated are also being fulfilled?

So, as we listen to the melodious hymns of praise wafting through the campus; as we glance into the dorms teeming with activity; or even as we enjoy a delicious meal in the cafeteria, we must say with Balaam of old- "WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT!"

W. W. Wagler

The Clarion, from which the above excerpt was taken, has since provided an annual look at the school activity: the classes offered, the students and teachers in attendance, and memorable occasions. In 1994 (the 25th anniversary), the Clarion began to move away from a journal-like publication and started resembling a yearbook with an emphasis on photography.  For the first time, the 2006 edition included individual student photographs in place of the traditional group shots, as well as several collages of photos, which is in contrast to the text-based annuals of years before, having only several group student photos. The Clarion is now primarily photo based and resembles a standard yearbook.

Several young men listen to the Sunday message. The plain cut suit is part of the garb for Sunday services and revival meetings.

CBS originally had three, three-week terms, but in 1975 started a fourth three-week term. During the 1990s, there was growing concern within the Beachy constituency about spiritual problems and waywardness taking place at the school and on the travel to and from the school. One minister became aware that several Beachy girls en route to home from CBS removed their coverings and disguised their distinctive clothing when they entered a store.  There also seemed to be an increasing disregard for guidelines and standards while at school, and students did not come to school with the prescribed dress in the guidelines.

The CBS board took the following steps to address concerns: 1) They appealed to home congregations for better teaching and respect for guidelines, as the school feels helpless to address these problems during the short term the student is at the school. One minister said that students are coming with the attitude that standards are recommended. 2) A more rigorous application and screening process was instated, including a more detailed application with a section for the applicant's home bishop, minister, or

Two students converse after chapel.

deacon to fill out. 3) The minimum age for attendance was increased from 16 to 18. 4) The third and fourth terms were more difficult for staff to manage than the first two terms. Thus, the third and fourth terms were combined into one six-week term that included a more intense academic program.

The 2007 term, which took place from Jan 1 to March 23, is the thirty-eighth year of operation. Floyd Stoltzfus is the principle, and the board consists of five ordained Beachy men. Twenty-one men taught a total of 59 classes. A certificate may be obtained after completing 21 credits in select categories. One credit is awarded for each three-week term course, and three credits are awarded for each six-week term course. The following courses were offered in the 2007 term:

CBS students come together for another group meal, cafeteria style. Beachys are accustomed to cooking for large groups.

 Eighty years in God’s service: June 26, 1927 — 2007

Students at CBS sing in the school’s choir