Preschool History

In September of 1973 staff members Pat Elton, Peggy Orr, Mary Nelson, Judy Pilley, Sally Moore, and Nini Houck opened the doors of Lord of Life Preschool for the first time. The able planning and support of Board members Betty Fusch, Vicki Aamodt, Sue Carlson, Judy Christian, and Greta Krafsig as well as the vision and wisdom of other early church leaders contributed to the beginning of a place where children can learn and laugh, discover and dream.

A comment is often made by former staff members who were part of the preschool family at the beginning-"I can't believe we had classes in those rooms." The preschool program began in the upper level of the building long before the sanctuary and "undercroft" were developed. As you visit the staff offices along the hall by the kitchen or stop by the LOLY Room in the back, try to imagine those rooms as the original classrooms and "big room."

In the mid '90's the new sanctuary was built and soon after the "undercroft" area was completed to house the preschool. Larger rooms, more storage, and more sinks and bathrooms are just a few of the touches that have made this area a wonderful facility to house a preschool.

The fenced in, beautifully shaded playground located in the rear of the church complex provides hours of enjoyment for the children enrolled in the preschool as well as the older children of the church.

Over the years the preschool and the church have worked together to maintain and enhance both the indoor and outdoor areas to keep them safe, attractive, and comfortable for the children, families and staff.

Lord of Life Lutheran Church is pleased that plans are underway to continue the service to the community and families begun nearly forty years ago in Fairfax will continue at its Clifton site. 40 years after the opening of the preschool on the Fairfax site, history continued with the opening of the Clifton site preschool in the fall of 2013.