Our History | glchs.ca

Founded in 1952, Great Lakes Christian High School has a rich legacy of delivering exceptional Christian education.

For over 70 years, we have been dedicated to shaping students’ minds, character, and faith.

Great Lakes stands as a testament to Christian education’s enduring value, having served over 3,000 students. As we look to the future, we remain committed to providing a nurturing, Christian-based educational environment for generations to come.

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 Christian High School we value:

News & Events

Virtual Open House

Join us online from the comfort of your home to learn how Great Lakes is actively meeting the needs of our students and supporting their education. A Q&A session will follow the discussion. Please send your questions in advance to study@glchs.ca. Date: Monday, February 24thTime: 4:00 p.m. (EST)Pre-registration required.