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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
January 2007 |
Franklin Community turns 50
Franklin United Methodist Community is 50 years old this year and refuse to slow down for the next 50.
In 1948, the Indiana Conference of The Methodist Church suggested in its annual session that the conference satisfy the need for a retirement home to be named the "The Methodist Home for the Aged of the Indiana Conference of The Methodist Church, Inc." The Indiana Conference Woman's Society of Christian Service set aside $3,000 for its establishment.
By 1950, there was more to celebrate. Grace Methodist Church and the Franklin Chamber of Commerce gave the Indiana Conference 40 acres of land adjacent to the city to be used as the site of the Methodist Home.
For more than five decades, the words of the Ralph Hastings, project chairman, would echo for all who have seen and experienced what has become the Franklin United Methodist Community. He said, "Every great institution begins with a great dream. Then by an unwavering faith and sacrificial stewardship, the dream translated into reality."
As the years of fundraising, promotion, design, drawing and building progressed, by the time the doors opened and the first resident moved in on Jan. 11, 1957, more than 300 "people of age" were on the application list, with only 100 vacancies available.
Today, Franklin Community is home to more than 600 residents with more than 300 employees and 200 volunteers. During those years, the campus has expanded to more than 120 acres from its original 40, and 186 independent homes now dot the landscape along with nearly 200 apartments, more than 100 accommodations on the Health Center and 77 dementia suites.
The Franklin Community is the 24th largest single campus continuing care retirement community in the nation, and one of only ten in Indiana to be accredited by CARF/CCAC. Perhaps most significant is the quality reputation and several years of Indiana Department of Health surveys without deficiency.
The party begins
The 50th anniversary celebration begins this month and continues throughout the year as residents, families, staff and volunteers host several events to recognize those who have made this ministry possible, which has now served more than 3,000 residents since its founding.
Events will include:
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A special United Methodist Women's Day will be held. Bishop Coyner and the South Indiana Conference Cabinet.
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Plans to open the 1957 cornerstone are underway.
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A historical display will be at the Johnson County Museum of History during summer months.
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Franklin's Grace United Methodist Church will be honored with an ice cream social and vesper service.
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The Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to host a recognition luncheon on campus for making the ground possible.
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Staff will celebrate with a birthday carnival for employees and their families.
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Board members, church leaders, and supporters will enjoy a dinner in November, with music by the "Templeaires" from Methodist Temple UMC in Evansville.
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Bishop Coyner will conduct a consecration and rededication service Sunday, Nov. 18 in Wright Memorial Chapel.
Expansion and renovation
From the vision of the current Board of Directors with the Rev. David V.W. Owen as president, a multi-faceted expansion and renovation project has been announced. Executive Director Dr. Joe Trueblood, said, "we can't be comfortable resting on our past successes when we know there are more needs to be met and people to serve."
Design discussions with residents and staff and drawings have been completed to expand the Kresge Dining Room. Two additional floors will be added to the Health Center, providing more space for 28 additional residents. The clubhouse, indoor pool in the Brookside gated community of independent homes will be expanded. The Wesley Center apartments also will be renovated.
Keith Van Deman, chief advancement officer says, "watch us now - we are preparing for the next generation. This will include facilities for physical fitness, a coffee and juice bar and the Miller Computer Lab, meeting the wishes of our next retirees."
About half of all residents are United Methodist, people of other denominations and faiths also are welcomed to the community. In response to the myth that people must turn over their assets to move to the community, Sales Director Diane Amari states, "we don't want to take assets or anything else away from residents. We want them to maintain their own finances, independence and hobbies while making new friends."
As a not-for-profit retirement community related to The United Methodist Church, neither the church nor conference owns Franklin Community, but provides strong support through board leadership and by encouraging members to consider Franklin for their retirement. The South Indiana Conference through its Health and Welfare Committee maintains contact with the community as an agency and provides annual financial assistance to help with pastors or pastor's widows who need benevolent care.
The community's first superintendent, Sumner L. Martin, wrote in a 1957 report to the conference: "The Home at Franklin not only adds years to life but life to years … a place where you can go and live creatively."
It's still true today as the Franklin Community turns 50.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008