Our Heritage

Aldersgate Village was developed by United Methodist Homes, Inc. of Topeka. The corporate offices are currently located in Manchester Lodge on the campus of Aldersgate Village.

Chartered in 1904, The United Methodist Home, 1135 College Avenue, moved to its present location in 1914. It provided services to older persons since that time until it closed in May, 2003. During the early 1970's, the Board of Trustees began determining future ways to meet the needs of a growing population of older adults. The concept of Aldersgate Village was developed, and over a period of years plans were made for a new retirement community.

Many dedicated Topekans and others from the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church were involved in the effort. They envisioned a community where retirees could enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The responsibilities of home management would be eased and security and peace of mind would be a daily assurance. More time could then be devoted to personal and leisure activities.

Aldersgate Village became a reality April 30, 1978, when ground was broken on the acreage in southwest Topeka. The first residents moved to Aldersgate in August of 1979. The construction of living units was completed in the Spring of 1980, and the Olive T. Jones Health Services Center finished in June of that same year. This original health center had fifty licensed beds and an outpatient clinic area. An additional eight beds were licensed later when the need for nursing care increased. By November of 1982, all independent living units in the Village were occupied and the health center population was near capacity.

As growth continued during the 80's, it became apparent that there was a need for a level of service where limited assistance could be provided to residents not requiring professional nurse services. In addition, rapidly changing state and federal regulations necessitated a plan for changes in the recently built Olive T. Jones Health Services Center to be licensed for skilled nursing care.

The Board of Trustees, considering these needs in planning for the future, decided to remodel the health center for assisted living and build a new building in which to provide skilled care. A fund drive was begun and enough money raised to add to an earlier gift from the Walter E. & Evan C. Jones Trust for capital improvements. This addition was built and opened in April of 1986. The remodeled health center became an Assisted Living Center which opened in July of 1986.

Along with growing health services, steady expansion continued to take place in independent living. To date, 22 two-bedroom plexes or cottages have been built. With the approach of a new decade, the continued growth in the population of older persons and a long waiting list for Aldersgate Village were indications that health services needed to expand to meet the needs of our community. Studies by two consulting firms revealed that it was indeed time to begin another building project.

In 1991, Aldersgate began to experience a shortage of health care beds and some residents and waiting list members were placed in nearby facilities until an opening occurred in the Olive T. Jones health services center. In October of 1992, ground was broken for expansion of the health services.

This expansion included a Special Care Unit for residents with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, a 60 unit Assisted Living Center, a new Outpatient Clinic, an daycare center for children and remodeled south wing for 54 additional nursing beds.

The children's daycare, Forever Friends Intergenerational Center, brought a new dimension to retirement living. Programs were initiated to provide opportunities for seniors and children to interact on a regular basis.

In October of 1999 the Board of Trustees made a decision to close The United Methodist Home at 1135 S.W. College and to reposition the residents and staff to the campus of Aldersgate Village.

Construction of three additional skilled nursing neighborhood units, a total of 80 beds, began in the spring of 2002 and was completed a year later. This brings the total to 212 skilled nursing beds. Residents and staff of The United Methodist Home moved to Aldersgate Village in May, 2003. A celebration party for residents, staff, family, board of trustees, and friends was held on June 4, 2003.