HistoryThe Artesia Christian Home (formerly the Christian Home for the Aged) is located on E 183rd Street in Artesia. The Home is a corporation organized under the law of the State of California. It is a non- profit organization and has no capital stock. On May 20, 1947, the first official meeting and acts of the Home took place. However, many years prior, different leaders of the churches of the Reformed faith expressed the need of a Christian Home where our elderly members could find a place to reside. Rev. Frank de Jong and Rev. John Niewsma were the outstanding leaders of the group. Many committees were appointed to work on this project for the first few years after the organization was affected, to draw up the constitution and by-laws, to get funds together to purchase the land, and to obtain members. A plot of ground was purchased in early 1950 and the membership decided to build a Home on this plot. Plans were drawn for a building totaling some 17,000 square feet. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held April 21, 1951. On October 26, 1951, the building was dedicated and on November 1, 1951 the first resident moved into the Home. One of the highlights during the first year was a visit to the Home by the Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in April, 1952. It quickly became apparent that the most urgent need was for a Hospital to enable us to provide a degree of medical care for our residents. The dreams eventually became specific plans, and these plans became reality with the opening of a 35 bed convalescent hospital in November of 1958 In 1962, the initial phase of the cottage building program began with one duplex and one cottage, being completed in January of that year. In March 1964, we completed the cottage recreation building, and in September 1964 one more duplex and cottage. Two more duplexes and two cottages were built in October 1965. The cottage building program continued with nine units across the south end of the property being completed in April 1967. The last three duplexes and one cottage were completed in April 1970. In the meantime, it had become apparent that the hospital was not large enough to meet the needs nor to operate efficiently so plans were made to expand. This expansion to 59 beds was completed in 1966. In 1975, the Home and Hospital were physically connected by a building which provides space for offices, employees lounge and staff room. It also includes a large foyer area for resident and family visitation. This foyer overlooks a patio garden area which is used for many outdoor activities and parties. In 1986, a maintenance building was added housing a garage, storage and a shop. In 1987, a bus equipped to transport the handicapped was donated by the Auxiliary of the Artesia Christian Home. At the 1987 Annual Society Meeting, the Society approved the change of the corporate name to "Artesia Christian Home Inc." About Us Links: |