Little School of the Desert

Faith Lutheran Church in Yucaipa was established in September 1949 under Pastor Robert Rismiller. Initially, the congregation met in the Women's Club, and, for a time, in a local mortuary. The first purchase of property on the present site was made in 1951. Over the next decade, additional property was purchased as the congregation utilized the old Parish Hall and other housing on the site. The present sanctuary was completed in 1965 and further construction took place when the first floor of the Parish building was erected in 1979. It was at that time that the Day Care Center was opened in an effort to further serve the community. The second floor of the Parish Building, including the expansive Faith Fellowship Hall, stage, and kitchen, was completed during the next decade. In recent years, Faith Lutheran Church has made a significant impact on the local community with its Food Pantry which provides food for those in need two Saturdays every month. Pastors who have served Faith Lutheran Church as primary or associate pastor include the founder, Rev. Robert Rismiller, Rev. Robert Kerstetter, Rev. Aaron Plueger, Rev. Dr. George Roleder, Rev. Ray Johnson, Rev. Paul Jorstad, Rev. Larry Wagner, Rev. Tim Drom, Rev. Patrice Nordstrand, Rev. Ken Severa, and Rev. Patricia Hoenshell. Many intern pastors trained at Faith Lutheran, as well. Pastor Tim Drom, currently serves as Interim Pastor at Faith while the congregation completes the call process to find its next permanent pastor.

St. Hyacinth Academy, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, was founded in 1945. It serves students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. The school s staff comprises of principal, administrative assistants, office aides and department teachers. St. Hyacinth Academy organizes students council elections, parent-teacher meetings, parents orientation sessions, book fairs, workshops, exhibitions and personal tutoring classes. In addition, it hosts Christmas parties and celebrations on Thanksgiving days. The school also provides community and counseling services, as well as after-school programs. St. Hyacinth Academy supplies a variety of stationery items, such as pencils, pens, books, bags and boxes. It maintains a location in San Jacinto, Calif.