In the summer of 1982, a group of women acted on their desire to minister to elementary children and preschoolers by providing a summer day camp of ten designated Thursdays. As recorded in their initial proposal in the May 11, 1982, business meeting, these women hoped to help the children involved learn more about Jesus through Bible stories, nature, and relationships. The cost for participation was $5.00 a day, and the teachers were volunteers.

The program was so successful that a proposal was presented to the church to extend the preschool portion of the camp into a Mother’s Day Out. On August 22, 1982, the church approved the one-day-a-week program, operating from 9AM to 3PM, with Debbie Arnold as the part-time coordinator. The cost of participation remained the same, and students were accepted each day on a first come-first serve basis. Teachers were paid a nominal salary. The teaching curriculum was Southern Baptist Sunday school literature.

From its inception, Mother’s Day Out was considered an “integral part of the overall church ministry” and was developed with a dual purpose. First, the program hoped to serve as an outreach into the community, meeting the need for a safe, loving environment as a support to young families. Second, the program was designed to offer a fun, challenging environment to help children develop in every area – spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally.

An article in the November 18, 1982, O’Fallon Progress says:

“The Mother’s Day Out program is an example of the church playing an active role in the community. It offers a service for the mother who stays home with her children by providing a few hours each week for mother and child to spend a little time away from each other. Mothers picking up their children voice approval of the program.”

Debbie, a military spouse, left the area in the summer of 1983 with her family, and a variety of women have provided leadership throughout the years. In the early 1990’s the program expanded to a two-day a week program and became licensed. Curriculum was also written and refined to include specific learning goals within every developmental domain. Music classes were incorporated as a special class. Mother’s Day Out changed its name to Creation Corner Preschool in 2002, and science and physical education were incorporated as special classes. Children enjoy several “in-house” field trips each year as a part of the community helper curriculum.

While Creation Corner has changed many times over the years, the initial commitment to minister to the families of our community and provide a preschool experience of excellence has never wavered. First Baptist O’Fallon exhibited a heart for children and the community as they committed their resources to begin and continue support of the ministry for these twenty-five years. The church is gracious and generous with the use of facilities and support personnel. Numerous people have volunteered their time, resources, and talents through the years to make Creation Corner a success. Creation Corner and First Baptist are partnering together to influence the future!