Great Lakes has a rich legacy of delivering exceptional Christian education since 1952

For over 70 years, we have been committed to shaping minds, building character, and nurturing faith in our students.

Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing the Future

Great Lakes Christian High School stands as a lasting testament to the enduring value of Christian education, rooted in the vision of our founders and strengthened by the dedication of all who have contributed to our story. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving more than 3,000 students, each of whom has helped shape the vibrant community we are today. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a nurturing, faith-centered environment that empowers students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally—ensuring that future generations benefit from the same strong foundation laid by those who came before us.

Our Beginnings
1950 – 1959

1950

Great Lakes Christian College (GLCC) is incorporated.

1952

Thirteen acres on the north side of King St. in Beamsville, Ontario are purchased for the school.

Fourteen students are enrolled in Grades 9 and10 at GLCC.

The entire program is run out of the former home of Senator Gibson (built c. 1890).

1953

Grades 11-12 are added; enrolment increases to 36.

Two other buildings are now utilized for the residential program and food services.

The first GLCC Chorus makes its debut, led by Evelyn Perry.

The first annual “Great Lakes Bible Lectureship” is presented.

1957

Huron Hall, originally a student centre and classrooms, is acquired and renovated. This will become the primary boys’ residence until 2002.


Expansion and Diversification
1960 – 1999

1961

The Women’s Association for Vital Educational Support (WAVES), a volunteer auxiliary group, is formed. They will raise over $1,000,000 in the next 50 years.

1965

College Hall, our main academic building, opens.

1969

The Faculty of Bible and Missions, a post-secondary level Bible school, opens on campus.

1972

The “Quonset Hut Athletic Facility” opens.

1973

The first annual Work-A-Thon is held.

1977

The Tallman “Gymnatorium” opens.

1983

After 30 years on staff (23 as President), Geoff Ellis retires.
College Hall is renamed “Ellis Hall” in honour of Geoff and his wife Doreen.

1996

Our post-secondary Bible college is re-located to Waterloo, Ontario.

Great Lakes Christian Preschool welcomes its first students.


New Horizons
2000 – 2022

2002

GLCC celebrates 50 years of service!

Merritt Hall, home to the new Boys’ Dorm and Alumni Student Centre, opens.

2007

More than 3,000 students have attended GLCC

2008

Great Lakes Christian “High School” (versus“College”) is reflected on all promotional materials.

2014

After 45 years of service (20 as Principal), Brian Boden retires from administrative duties.

2017

GLCHS eliminates its computer lab and begins its 1-to-1 program that provides a supported, individual computer to every student.

2020

The Global COVID-19 Pandemic forces students online for their education nine out of the next fifteen academic months.  As a small school with a new technology platform, GLCHS is able to pivot quickly and effectively to meet the new needs.

2021

The Vision 2020 Capital Campaign is completed.  Ellis Hall is now accessible, and makes more effective use of space, with a fresh, new face, inside and out.

2022

Great Lakes Christian High School celebrates 70 years of operation.

The Clean Air Campaign finishes what Vision 2020 started: new HVACs in all classrooms to address concerns of air circulation and purification, and to provide more effective and efficient heating and cooling.

Great Lakes Christian High School fosters excellence in education while equipping learners to seek, serve, and become like Christ.

At Great Lakes we value:

The person and principles of Jesus Christ and the expectation that both are respected and reflected by all members of the Great Lakes community.

The Bible as God’s inspired Word and instilling a lifelong commitment to its teachings.

A comprehensive education that promotes creative, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

The formation of conscientious citizens.

Our students and their families.

Our relationship with members of Churches of Christ who support and govern our school.

The geographic and Christian community in which we are located.

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