Lake Center Christian School unveils $1.2 million renovation of historic Kaufman Center

The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce gathered at Lake Center Christian School’s Kaufman Center on Wednesday morning, Oct. 15, 2025, for a MorningConnections ribbon cutting. The Kaufman Center is at 12893 Kaufman Ave. NW in Hartville.

The Kaufman Center has long been remembered as a community gathering place — home to fish dinners, wedding receptions, auctions, concerts, graduations, school plays and countless other events. For nearly 40 years, it has served as a gymnasium, student lounge and hub for fellowship. Howard and Sarah Miller led the volunteers who built the facility, and members of the Miller family attended the ribbon cutting.

The building has now been transformed into an educational space through a $1.2 million renovation funded by private donations. The project features six modern classrooms, collaborative space and offices designed to inspire learning, creativity and spiritual growth in bright, open environments. Before construction began in 2025, students wrote Scripture verses on the beams, grounding the renovation in God’s Word. The new spaces reflect Lake Center’s mission: “To nurture spiritual growth, academic excellence, and the development of God-given talents.”

Dr. Tim McAboy, head of Lake Center Christian School, and Laura Kell, advancement coordinator, shared brief updates on the school’s strategic plans and goals, which will be detailed later this fall and winter. “The Kaufman Center has always been more than a building,” McAboy said. “It’s a place where faith, learning and community come together. This renovation honors our history while preparing students for the future.”

During introductions, chamber member Ted Lawver of Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home noted that five of his eight children and 13 of his 25 grandchildren have attended or currently attend Lake Center Christian Schools — “quite a legacy,” he said.

The celebration continued Thursday, Oct. 16, with a public open house and dedication ceremony at the Kaufman Center. The highlight was the dedication of the Howard and Sarah Miller Commons, honoring the couple whose vision and leadership made the center possible. Howard guided construction and rallied volunteers, while Sarah supported the effort through hospitality and care. A dedication and prayer took place at 6:15 p.m. Guests also viewed the Kaufman Center Timeline Wall, chronicling the building’s journey from its 1987 groundbreaking through decades of milestones and its recent renovations. The display reflects a history of prayer, sacrifice and service that has shaped Lake Center’s mission.

The community is invited to continue the celebration at the return of Lake Center’s beloved Fish Fry on Nov. 22, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 19 at lccs.com/fishfry.

Lake Center Christian School is a private Christian school serving 944 students in kindergarten through 12th grade on its 53-acre campus in Hartville. Now in its 78th year, LCCS assists Christian families and their churches in equipping students for lifelong learning and service to Christ. The school is accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International and Cognia and offers a comprehensive curriculum with a biblical worldview. For more information, visit lccs.com.