In preparation for the beginning of classes in less than five months, Luther Classical College (LCC) has acquired an academic facility in downtown Casper through a $1,500,000 gift from an anonymous donor. Currently known as the Casper Wedding Chapel, the facility served First Baptist Church of Casper for over 75 years. The chapel building itself was constructed in 1947 and showcases some of the classical design features that LCC will incorporate into its thirteen-acre campus. “This gift is emblematic of our progress as an institution,” says LCC president Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau. “Thanks to the generosity of this donor and over thirteen hundred others, our college is no longer just a dream. It is a living trust from the Lord which He will use to bless His children. I pray that even as our brothers and sisters in Christ find cause for dismay in a society seemingly crumbling around them, they may rejoice in the Father’s providence for the posterity entrusted to us by Him.”

This gift is the largest in the college’s history. The donor, who is an engineer by profession and education, believes LCC’s approach is the answer to many of higher education’s current deficiencies. Though some in the trades and STEM criticize classical education for its lack of practicality and applicability, he reflects, “If I had that kind of education, there would have been a lot of mistakes I wouldn’t have made.” The college’s mission to prepare its students “for godly vocations within family, church, and society” is a primary reason for the donor’s generosity. The purpose of a college education “depends on whether you think college is intended to train people for a specific job or to help people grow,” he states.

Capital planning is one of the most daunting challenges for a nascent institution, especially amidst rising construction costs and economic uncertainty. LCC’s administrators believe this facility is a God-sent solution to these problems. “Even with the most aggressive enrollment projections, this facility provides us excellent options for classroom and office space for the first few academic years of the college,” explains Dr. Ryan MacPherson, academic dean. “We are always considering the short- and long-term benefits of each capital decision. This acquisition was as close as it gets to a no-brainer.”

Since its inception in 2020, the college has received over $7,500,000 from supporters across the nation. Many of LCC’s donors either received their education from Lutheran schools or hope for their children and grandchildren to attend them. Director of Advancement Asa Hoffman shares, “One of the refrains I hear from our supporters is their gratitude for the college’s defiant stand against the devil’s attempts to dispossess us of our children through ungodly indoctrination. We daily are heartened by the encouragement, prayers, and gifts of those who stand beside us as the Lord keeps us in His Word and work.” The college will continue to secure funding for on-campus student residences and academic buildings through its building campaign.

One of the causes of thanksgiving among LCC’s staff is the rechristening of this property. “I am thrilled to return regular Christian worship to this building,” remarks Rev. Joshua Hayes, LCC’s dean of chapel. “As we prepare to welcome our first students, it is fitting that worship and the Word will once again echo within these walls.” The sanctuary’s choir loft amply accommodates hearty singing, a prerequisite for the chorales and cantatas which comprise the Lutheran musical tradition. As the college approaches its May 1 standard admissions deadline, its dean of students, Dr. Caleb Karges, is delighted that “students now have a beautiful and multifaceted space completely dedicated to their instruction.” He continues, “The building also has plenty of space for study and socializing. I am thrilled to teach and build student community here.”

Prior to this development, LCC had decided to partner with Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church for classroom space during its inaugural academic year. Trinity’s Rev. Jon Olson, a regent at the college, encouraged leadership to pursue the purchase of this new facility. “While we at Trinity were happy to provide classroom space for LCC, we are even more thrilled to see God’s hand at work on behalf of the school through this development,” says Olson. “My congregation is looking forward to welcoming these students into our community.” Trinity and Mount Hope Lutheran Church, both Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations, are preparing to offer LCC student’s faithful homes away from home as sponsoring congregations of the college.

Christian stewardship is an imperative for both LCC and the anonymous donor. “The Lord has been good to me. I had a productive career and made very good investments. So, I could say this was my money, but it is not my money: it is the Lord’s money,” he concludes. “There are two things the government can’t take away from you: your faith and your education.” Likewise, the college aims to faithfully invest the many gifts it has received for the benefit of its students and for the good of the nation.