Cindy Gress, FBCS financial manager and a member of the school’s first high school graduating class, said three main events are planned for the June weekend. On Sat., June 6, 1 to 4pm, a meet-and-greet will be held at the Wilson Intermediate School Gymnasium, 900 Koch St., followed by dinner from 6 to 8pm at the Pekin Country Club ($35 per person, reservations required, childcare available). On Sun., June 7, following 10am Sunday worship services and 11:30am Sunday School, there will be a 1:30pm presentation called “Small School, Big Impact” in the Faith Baptist Church Fireside Room. Alums, former faculty, and friends are invited to learn about the past, present and future of the school.

“We’re looking for a good time of reconnection with the teachers and staff, especially those we have lost touch with,” Gress said. The school has served more than 1,700 students at all grade levels in its 50 years and graduated more than 300. It counts pastors, missionaries, Christian school teachers, doctors, business leaders, politicians, medical professionals, and many others among its graduates. 

FBCS is located at 1501 Howard Ct., as a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, which has been part of the Pekin community since 1954. The three-story building that now houses the secondary school was originally built in 1972 to accommodate a growing Sunday School program. It was upgraded and began to be used for the school in 1976.

Gress said the school was established in response to perceived changes in the public school system in the 1970s. “The pastoral staff of the church at the time saw changes in the public schools that were less supportive of a biblical world view,” she said. “That was what drove the school from the beginning.”

The school initially offered a K-6 curriculum to 125 students. A new grade was added in each succeeding year until the first graduating high school class in 1983. Multiple generations of some families have now benefited from the blend of academic excellence and religious training at FBCS. A number of former students are currently members of the faculty and staff.

FBCS continues to offer education from K3-12th grade. Gress said the school has a robust pre-kindergarten program for three and four-year-olds. Elementary teachers follow the Abeka Curriculum from Pensacola Christian College. Secondary teachers also incorporate Bob Jones University Press and Saxon Math materials. Students in junior high and high school can participate in a rich fine arts program that includes band, choir, speech, and art. The school is a member of the Illinois Association of Christian Schools (IACS) and American Association of Christian Schools (AACS).

Beginning in the upper elementary grades, students at FBCS have the opportunity to compete in athletics, which include volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Competitions are held in conjunction with the IACS.

FBCS is also home to the Faith Music Academy, an independent program offering early childhood music and movement lessons, and individual piano and instrumental lessons. The Music Academy is open to the public.

Jack Herbert, the current administrator at FBCS and a longtime Christian school educator, said, “As we celebrate 50 years for FBCS, we are continuing to offer an academically rigorous, biblically based education as we partner with Christian families in the Pekin community.” 

Past FBCS students, regardless of how many years they attended, are invited to learn more about the reunion weekend, including making reservations for the Saturday dinner, can call 309-347-6178, or email the school secretary, Tonya Bunch, at [email protected].