On January 22, 2007, Rev. Robert Zollinhofer (Pastor Z to many) went to be with the Lord. His wife, Blanche, died in 2005.

Vision for CHA actually began in Rev. Z's heart and mind several years before the school opened. The UBNC Senior Pastor then, Rev. had allowed Grace Christian Academy to rent some of the church’s facilities for its school. It was this exposure to Christian education that gave Rev. Z the idea of UBNC opening its own school.

He  not only "saw the need" for a school, but he "saw two Christian educators," who could make it happen so he approached Ruth Cox and Connie Glenn, UBNC members, about starting a church school. They envisioned offering "quality education in a Christian atmosphere, so that students are exposed to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and are encouraged to develop their individual abilities." Then and now, that is the CHA Mission.

What started as a small institution with a few students has grown into a thriving school today. As people eulogized Pastor Z at a memorial service February 11, 2007, they all remembered his "You can do anything with God's help" philosophy.

One of the speakers was Leslie Faircloth who was a CHA student in the first years of the school. She recalled that since she didn't still have her own grandparents living, Rev. and Mrs. Zollinhofer became her adoptive grandparents. She said she owes so much to them and to CHA for influencing her life for good and for God.

Part of the memorial service included some PowerPoint slides of Rev. Z's ministry. Craig Zipperer sang "Thank You for Giving to the Lord," while the slides were shown.

All of us at CHA and UBNC want to say "Thank you, Rev. Z" for putting your hard work behind the vision for CHA." Because you did, CHA is here today ministering to students and families. What a blessed "heritage" for Christian Heritage Academy.