At this year’s high school graduation ceremony, the Southern Maryland Christian Academy (SMCA) administration and Board members had the distinct honor of announcing the dedication of the SMCA gymnasium to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Gaines. In a moment filled with reverence and gratitude, the leadership joined together in prayer, asking the Lord to continue blessing and growing SMCA for generations to come.

As is very evident throughout our history, God has been incredibly gracious to SMCA and has blessed His work abundantly. From the very beginning, there was a deep desire for a gymnasium, and with every new phase of growth, that desire only became stronger. Through continued prayer, and God’s faithfulness and guidance over our campus, the Lord made a way for us to break ground on our gymnasium. It was a very cold day on February 9, 2014, but not a single person complained, as the joy and excitement of what God was doing filled the air. That day, we dedicated the gymnasium to the Lord, asking Him to make it a space where all students could learn, grow, and enjoy their time together. In 2016, that vision was fulfilled as we opened the doors to the completed gymnasium and adjoining classrooms. It was a milestone moment—we had arrived.

To some, the gym may look like just another building. But to those who have been part of SMCA’s journey, it is so much more. It is a visible reminder of God’s provision, His faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His promises. Today, the gym is full of life from morning to night, with activities for our Early Education, Elementary, and Secondary students. This vibrant hub of learning and community would not exist without the faith and determination of SMCA’s founder, Mrs. Colleen Gaines, her husband Mr. Stanley Gaines, their family, and the many others who saw a need in Southern Maryland and got to work—with prayer and faith.

As Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us,
“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”

For 40 years, He has been faithful and has kept His covenant with us. He continues to be faithful even now, as our numbers grow and new needs arise for more space and resources.

Through every season of change in SMCA’s history, one thing has remained constant—our unwavering conviction to provide strong, biblically-based Christian education to the students of Southern Maryland. That vision is just as strong today as it was in 1985. SMCA continues to stand firm in its mission to give each student the loving, godly education they deserve. Education, we believe, should be an extension of the family, and we strive to treat every student as such.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, SMCA stands as a testament to God’s grace and to this unshakable truth: nothing can happen apart from God, but anything is possible when we walk with Him.

Thank you, Mrs. Colleen Gaines, for seeing the Lord’s vision and faithfully carrying it out for 40 years through prayer, dedication, and hard work. And as Mr. Stanley Gaines so often quoted, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalm 103:1-2

-SMCA Administration