Saxony's conquest

From mile marker 105 on Interstate 55, the steel cross is barely visible over the peak of a grassy hill.

Closer to the Fruitland exit, the rolling hills part and the cross and the building below it come into full view -- layers of brick rising from what was once a farmer's field.

The floors of the building have received their final coat of wax. The mud has been sprayed off the newly paved parking lot. Soap-filled dispensers are lined up along the bathroom sinks, waiting to be used.

Today, Saxony Lutheran High School will throw open its doors to the people who brought the new 42,000-square-foot facility to fruition. A dedication ceremony and open house are planned.

Saturday was moving day, with teachers, students and other volunteers making trips from the old campus located in borrowed space in St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau to the new building.

It was also the first time many people, including the school's 86 students, saw inside of the new facility, which stands on 42 acres of land.

The front doors open up into a commons area that will serve as both chapel and cafeteria. The building also includes a library, computer lab, music and health rooms as well as a fully equipped science lab. An art room includes a separate space for a kiln. The school recently received a grant to purchase the kiln.

There's also a classroom wing designated for core-curriculum classes such as English and math. A gymnasium with six basketball goal can seat 1,000.

In short, it looks a bit like heaven compared to the make-shift school that students and teachers have used since fall 2000 at St. Andrews.

Principal Craig Ernstmeyer said the overall theme of the new facility has been multi-purpose use.

Space functions in several ways, such as the combination chapel/cafeteria. A window in the school's kitchen opens up to become a concession stand for outdoor activities. Most of all, the building allows for future growth.

"As the building was designed, we were thinking ahead," Ernstmeyer said.

The currently competed construction is only phase one of the building plan. As more students enroll, additions will be made and programs will be expanded.

This first part of the construction is reason enough for students, parents and staff to celebrate.

It was all paid for through donations to the school's Christ the Cornerstone building campaign.

"So many people have been amazing," Ernstmeyer said. "Two weeks ago I said we needed two pianos, and almost immediately, someone donated a second piano."

A ribbon cutting for the school will take place at 2 p.m. today, followed by an open house and a dedication service at 3 p.m.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128