1930 - 1939 The Great Depression

Then came the Great Depression and the Association could not raise the needed money to purchase the Plymouth property. They had no other choice but to remain in the current building. During the next few years, student enrollment declined to an all-time low of 23; in 1933, Rev. Gielow resigned as director with Principal John Klein taking his place.

However, by 1935, enrollment had increased to 48 students, once again causing very crowded conditions in the old school. At the Association’s annual meeting the delegation resolved to use the funds remaining from the 1928-29 campaign and build on the North Detroit property. In 1936 for $35,000, they built a new 35-pupil residence for girls, Dr. H.A. Hertwig Memorial Hall.

Two years later, as the student population increased to 74, again crowding the facilities, the board faced another decision; either they must stop recruiting more students or they must build. They decided to build.

To raise the needed money, the Association began a capital campaign. Although in the midst of the Great Depression – yet always under God’s grace – their campaign was successful. Donations came from around the Synod, from a school child’s few pennies to General and Mrs. William S. Knudsen’s gift of $60,000 for the Gloria Dei Clara Elizabeth Knudsen Chapel. (Praise to God still resounds from this chapel today, as the students of Cornerstone Schools worship the Lord.