BHI Senior Living History

BHI Senior Living began with a commitment by Edward and Sarah Crawford on June 27, 1904, for a gift of 185 acres in southeast Boone County, Indiana, to build an orphanage to be managed by a new corporation.

The Crawfords were American Baptists, and local American Baptist churches provided additional funding for the school. Articles of Association were executed on March 15, 1905, for the Crawford Baptist Industrial School, a non-profit ministry with the mission of operating an orphanage and industrial school.

In 1937, the school assumed the name Indiana Baptist Home. That same year, the estate of Emma Downing Wood of Indianapolis came into possession of the home.

In accordance with Mrs. Wood’s will, a girls’ dormitory was erected on the grounds and dedicated in memory of her parents as the Downing Home.

In 1951-52, welfare agencies adopted a policy of placing children with foster families instead of sending them to homes such as the Indiana Baptist Home.

On July 12, 1952, the home officially opened its doors to older adults, and within a short period of time, the home was serving only older adults.

Hoosier Village, the organization’s first Life Plan Community, was founded in southeastern Boone County, Indiana, on the site of the Crawford Baptist Industrial School. With 300 acres of immaculately landscaped grounds and independent living houses, duplexes, and spacious apartments, Hoosier Village also offers Assisted Living and Memory Support programs, specifically designed to maximize the independence of those we serve while offering additional help when needed.

The Towne House, another BHI Life Plan Community, first opened its doors in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1965. It has grown to provide active senior living in spacious apartments and Chapman’s Crossing homes with the security of an on-sight continuum of quality health care services–including assisted living, 24-hour nursing care, and rehabilitative services–should they ever be needed.

The organization completed construction and opened Four Seasons in Columbus, Indiana, in 1967. The stately chapel is part of the nationally renowned Columbus architectural tour.

Four Seasons also offers independent living and assisted living services in its spacious apartments, with 24-hour nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation services available on-sight in a Medicare-certified Health Care Center.

On April 2, 1986, BHI Foundation, a separate charitable organization, was established to enhance the endeavors of the BHI Senior Living communities in the fulfillment of their core missions.

In 1998, BHI joined with 11 other Indiana Life Plan Communities to form the Samaritan Alliance, a limited liability corporation that enables its members to operate more cost-effectively through group purchasing of pharmaceuticals, employee benefits, and other related products, resulting in savings for our residents. In 2002, the alliance was cited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission in its annual “Best Practices” recognition program.

2004 was the centennial anniversary year of the BHI organization. Led by a 12-member board of directors who employed approximately 550 staff members, the BHI communities served approx. 1,000 residents at the time of their centennial celebration.

While the original corporation underwent several name changes throughout its history, it had been known as Baptist Homes of Indiana, Inc., since the 1960s. On September 21, 2011, the name was changed to BHI Senior Living, Inc. The new name was selected to maintain a link to the organization’s faith-based heritage while also trying to convey that the BHI communities are very inclusive and open to individuals of all denominations and backgrounds.

Wesley Manor, our 83-acre Life Plan Community in Frankfort, Indiana, joined the BHI family in January 2016. Originally founded in 1961, Wesley Manor offers a continuum of on-site health care options such as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. The campus also features ten recently updated independent and assisted-living apartments and a modernized rehabilitation wing.

In February 2022, BHI added another affiliate to its family with Clark Retirement, a non-profit senior living organization based in Grand Rapids, MI. Founded in 1906, they are highly regarded with two premier retirement communities – Clark at Keller Lake and Clark at Franklin – offering a wide array of living options, support services, and added comforts and amenities, as well as several innovative community programs.

Continuing our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults, BHI also added Maple Knoll Village in Cincinnati and The Knolls of Oxford in Oxford, Ohio to our family of communities. With a rich, 173-year history, Maple Knoll Communities enjoy a reputation as pioneers serving older adults with innovation, integrity, respect, security, and choice.

Westminster Village North joins the BHI Senior Living family of communities through an affiliation. Becoming part of a larger organization will secure the future financial stability of Westminster Village North.