Our rich heritage has helped to make the Homestead Village retirement community what it is today. In 1975, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and St. John’s United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, merged to form the Church of the Apostles. The two combined to create a unique, faith-supportive community campus that would eventually include a new church, social service agencies, and a Life Plan Community (formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC).
In 1976, a board of directors was formed for Homestead Village, with plans for a forward-thinking retirement community that would offer senior adults an opportunity to continue leading fulfilling, independent, and meaningful lives. The plans were realized in 1983 when the first cottage was completed, and the first phase of independent living apartments and the skilled nursing center were opened in 1986.
Today, Homestead Village proves that, through dreams and dedication, an idea can be translated into reality. When the two churches merged to form the Church of the Apostles, the beautiful stained glass window from St. Paul’s could not be used. The window was stored away, and plans were to install it at Homestead Village. In 1995, the window was restored, and has found a new home in the chapel of our Lancaster, PA, Life Plan Community. The window serves as a lovely reminder of the past. Since its beginning, the Homestead Village community and its residents have benefited from the kindness and generosity of many supporters. At every important moment, residents, family members, community members, and staff at Homestead Village express their appreciation through financial contributions and donations. We invite you to join us as we endeavor to enhance and build a secure future for Homestead Village. We believe that a well-managed and growing endowment fund will help provide financial security for our residents, provide opportunities to upgrade our facility, and continue to develop staff.