Welsh Mountain Home 100th Anniversary

Home for a Hundred Years

This timeline chronicles the history of what is now Welsh Mountain Home.

There is a broader story of Welsh Mountain, including how it served as a refuge for indigenous peoples, those who had been enslaved and impoverished former indentured servants, who sought sanctuary away from populated areas where they were not often welcome. We acknowledge many of the mountain’s inhabitants bore the brunt of negative stereotypes and their history includes a complex legacy of resilience, survival and hard work to improve the conditions in the area. We are grateful for those who came before the story we now share…

Welsh Mountain Home in the 1800s

1890s

Local Mennonite church leaders began a movement to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the impoverished residents of the Welsh Mountain. Samuel H. Musselman (pictured here) was one of the first to support this mission.

1897

Rev. Melford H. Hagler, an African American pastor, encouraged the group of mission leaders to become involved on Welsh Mountain both in growing faith and teaching trades to residents of the area.

1898

In 1898 an industrial mission board was formed. Ten acres of land was purchased and nearly the entire male population of the mountain was employed. Over the next decade, 56 acres of land was purchased to support the mission.

1899

The mission began to grow. In addition to the farms and produce store, the building, now Mountain Spring Mennonite Church, was erected as a sewing factory and broom making operation. Due to the need for supervision, church members Noah and Elizabeth Mack and their friend Lydia Stauffer moved to the mission.

Welsh Mountain Home in the 1900s

1913

Arthur Moyer became the superintendent of the mission until his untimely passing in 1924.

1917

In 1917 the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities became the official owner of the mission. The industrial mission started to wind down, and there was a question of what to do with the large house where the superintendent lived.

1924

Church leaders in the community identified the need for senior housing. After the death of Arthur Moyer, his widow Anna re-envisioned the location as an “Old People’s Home,” starting the Welsh Mountain Samaritan Home.

1928

Due to increasing need, an addition was built, increasing the capacity.

1940

Growing interest meant more space was needed. Another addition to the east side of the original building, home to the beloved fish pond, enabled the home to care for more residents.

1950s-1970s

Offerings from area Mennonite churches and private donations allowed the home to make repairs and do renovations over the decades. Volunteers at the home helped to keep it operating and ensured that it remained a place where the residents were well cared for.

1973

Local churches that were connected with Welsh Mountain Samaritan Home provided volunteers to help in daily operations and lead efforts with renovations and repairs.

1980

Indoor spaces were expanded. The organization received a licensed personal care home designation.

1992

Welsh Mountain Home was in immediate need of a sewage system to improve water quality. Because of the cost, EMM determined it would need to close the home. Within one week, donations began pouring in to save the home.

1995

Welsh Mountain Home began a new chapter under the ownership of six districts of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.

1999

An elevator was installed to enhance resident safety and mobility.

1999

A celebration of 100 years since the beginning of the industrial mission was held, with 300 people in attendance.

Welsh Mountain Home in the 2000s

2013

WMH becomes a Landis Communities affiliate and that same year, generous donations funded the enclosure of the front porch which is now our beautiful sunroom.

2015

Welsh Mountain Home and Landis Communities opened Mountain View Terrace as a way of extending their mission of serving those in the community.

2019

A brand new identity was launched highlighting the tagline Serving and Growing, Together.

2022

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded over $1 million for the upcoming renovation and expansions.

2024

The Centuries Campaign will be completed. For 100 years, Welsh Mountain Home has been committed to providing compassion and care to all who call this place home. The Centuries Campaign was initiated from the desire and mission to continue enriching the lives of residents.