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Reflecting on February 20, 1976
Excerpt from the 1976 yearbook:
“BMS burned last night!” The words flew through Big Valley shocking people, reducing some to tears and causing everyone to wonder “why?” It didn’t seem real, but no one could disprove the ruined remains. After the initial shock had passed, people began to realize the real plight of BMS. Ashes, ruined concrete blocks, broken windows and pile upon pile of charred desks and plaster didn’t disappear into thin air. Manpower came to the rescue, along with Caleb Peachey’s caterpillar and dozens of trucks. Monday, February 23, was declared Clean Up Day. Mennonite Disaster Service and scores of men, boys, women and girls moved in and set to work. Students carried books and numerous other articles to the gym for storage, while men and shoves cleaned out the remaining rubble. Kids rummaged through the ruins, looking for souvenirs of the world that once was theirs, but finding little.
When evening finally fell, the sun sank behind a deep dark hole in the ground and an unsteady, unsupported frame of what had once been known as BMS as patrons and students raised their hearts toward God in search of an answer the unspoken question, “What now, God?”
"On February 20, 1976, my family and I watched in shock as our school burned to the ground, engulfed in flames. It was a night of dread, but it was followed by a season of incredible unity. For many of us, the 14 months spent in temporary classrooms weren't just about making do; they were about the community that was created, supporting one another until we finally moved into our new home in April 1977.
I recently wrote a song to honor that journey—from the "violent yellow sky" of the fire to the victory of building back stronger. I wanted to share this song with you now because the spirit that built our school in 1977 is being called upon again.
The very furnace that was installed as the heartbeat of our new building in the spring of 1977 has served us faithfully for nearly 50 years. Just as the "BMS heart" rose from the embers in '76 to ensure we had a place to graduate, we now have the opportunity to ensure the next generation of students stays warm and focused on their future.
I hope this song reminds you of the foundation we share—one that is deep, wise, and built to last. Please consider joining me in supporting the school’s furnace fund to keep the BMS spirit (and its hallways) warm for years to come."
With gratitude, Betsy Knarr, Class of 1977
Listen to Betsy's song: BMS February Fire GIVE TODAY!
The Strengthen & Secure Campaign includes expanding our Annual Fund budget to include funds that can support an infrastructure update project that will be featured each year. This year's project includes replacing our aging boiler system in the secondary (middle & high school) building, which will cost $250,000. Our Annual Fund goal reflects an increase of $150,000 that will help to fund this critical need.
Starla Fogleman was a junior at BMS when the school burned. “I will never, ever forget it!” she stated, “Every February 20, I remember the fire of 1976.”
She could see the smoke billowing from their house, just 3 miles away. “We got to the school and pulled off along the road and I just started crying because it was devastating. My whole world had just gone up in smoke,” she recounted. “I was crying and crying. I lost all concept of time for a bit from being so upset.”
Later in the day, after pulling herself together, Starla left with the basketball teams for an away basketball game against Harrisburg Academy. They took along basketballs that had black soot on them.
The next day, the BMS community showed up to lend their hands to clean up the area. Men, women, children and even the Mennonite Disaster Service arrived to help. Starla remembers that she and other students combed through the ashes looking to salvage items and mementos. She found three pages of her algebra book while looking for items from her locker.
Irene (Kauffman) Shrock (Class of 1959), was the office secretary during this time, and she recalled searching through the rubble trying to find office papers and files. The temporary office headquarters after the fire was in the elementary building. BMS elementary students were still able to attend school since the elementary building was not damaged from the blaze. The decision was made to have the high school students attend school in the basement of Locust Grove Mennonite Church, just two miles from the BMS campus. School was held here from one week after the fire, until a new building was established and ready for school in April of 1977. During this time, students had gym class at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Belleville and took part in basketball practice at the Belleville Community Hall.
The conditions definitely were not optimal for learning, but everyone pulled together because they knew they needed too. In fact, not only did the BMS community pull together, but the Belleville community and beyond supported the school. The new building went up, thanks to many hours and days of volunteer time. “It not only strengthened the BMS community, but the connection to the local Belleville area.”
Annual Fellowship Dinner & Engaging Testimonies
The Fall Fellowship Dinner is the launching point for the Faith Promise Annual Fund which provides an opportunity for friends, alumni, parents, and teachers to play a critical role in supporting the school’s mission to equip young men and women to develop their minds, build their faith, and be disciples.
2025
Amanda Yoder, 2nd Grade Teacher & Class of 2003
Drex Treaster, Board Member
Joey Gagliardo, Class of 2026
David Yoder, Class of 2020
Brenda Mathews, Class of 1975
2024
Ms. Anne Fisher-Henson HS English Teacher & Class of 2020
Alexis Peachey, Class of 2017
