The History of the M.B. McEachren School Building by Marianne Hansen for the Westminster Historical Society In the early 1900s, Secondary School was not mandatory, so not surprisingly, there was no facility in Lambeth for those students who wanted a Secondary School Education. In 1921, plans were put into motion to provide a high school education for Lambeth area students. By September 1925, the permanent school structure had been completed at a cost of $25,000. The school was called Lambeth Continuation School (LCS) and classes from grades nine to twelve were offered. Imagine, if you can, a high school with two classrooms, a science lab, an office that also served as a library, and two large playrooms in the basement. Music was provided by a music specialist who served several schools. Science was taught in a fully equipped science lab. When money was available, bus trips were planned to broaden what was taught and provide new experiences. This new building also housed the high school for the students of Lambeth who had previously been transported to London for their secondary education. There was no change until 1950 when the building was used for only public school students, as the high school students again travelled to London for their education. It was shortly after this that Lambeth began experiencing growing pains and with this came problems associated with increased population.
Church for the Grade one class. As a result of continued growth, a new wing was added. This wing housed three classrooms, a Principal’s office, a school office, washrooms, a furnace and custodial rooms, plus an auditorium, and was ready for occupancy by the fall of 1963. The official opening was held on November 1, 1963. More students continued to come to Lambeth. This necessitated classes to be held in the school’s auditorium. It was about this time that the initial proposals for a new school were being made. By 1965, the new school, on the north side of Lambeth, was nearly completed and was named A.E. Duffield School after Reverend A. E. Duffield, United Church Minister until 1965. The present public school was renamed M. B. McEachern after Miss Margaret McEachern, a much-loved kindergarten teacher at the school for over 22 years. The most recent addition was made to McEachern School in 1969, with a new library, change rooms and storage facilities being added. In 2010, the Thames Valley District School Board declared the school surplus. It was the end of an era. The school closed its doors and the “last bell rang” on June 29, 2010. So many lives were transformed inside those walls and then graduated into the world. Memories were made, friendships were forged, and experiences were shared. In truth, life itself is a “Continuation School”. We never stop learning because life never stops teaching.
Westminster Township HISTORICAL SOCIETY westminstertwphs.ca
Lambeth Continuation School Class photo, 1949.
To advertise here, please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com Let’s go forward to the 1962-1963 school year. There are now more than 500 pupils and space is being used in the United In 1953, the school section was divided, with the largest school known as Lambeth Public School S.S. No. 17, Westminster, and the smaller school becoming S.S. No. 21. In that same year, the larger school had the first of its additions: five new classrooms, a kindergarten room, a Principal’s office, a supply room, and washrooms. The official opening was held on April 26, 1954. By 1956, several meetings were held in the Lambeth community to discuss additions to the school. These additions came in 1958 with the construction of two more classrooms, which now gave the larger school a total of thirteen classrooms. Growth continued as the 1914 promotional motto, Live in Lovely Lambeth, perpetuated itself.
Looking for a New Shed this Summer?
Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Lambeth Villager • September 2024 • Page 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs