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Our Roots
Simpson House is the oldest existing retirement community which is historically related to the United Methodist Church, and is now well into her second century of ministry to older adults. The roots of this ministry are traced back to the year 1865 and the end of the Civil War. The ladies of Philadelphia were noted for giving care to the sick and wounded from the battlefields. With the return of peace these energies could be channeled into other directions.
 Mrs. Jane Henry, the wife of the Reverend John Henry, became concerned about the needs of older Methodists in the City of Philadelphia. The Henrys served Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, which was founded in 1819 and was located at Lombard and Juniper Streets. Even in 1865, that center city location was an active and well populated area.
Mrs. Henry was mindful of the needs of some of the older persons in Salem Church and in other area churches. It was her concern which created her vision of a home for older people within the Philadelphia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The Simpsons
Mrs. Henry picked two eminently qualified listeners with whom to share her vision when she approached Bishop and Mrs. Matthew Simpson. Not only were they qualified, but they were sympathetic and willing to assist in every way to help Mrs. Henry bring her vision to reality.
 Bishop Matthew Simpson was educated as both a teacher and a physician before he entered the ministry, and was well acquainted with ministering to human need. He was a respected leader and close personal friend and confidant of President Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “The Methodist Church, under the leadership of Bishop Simpson has sent more soldiers to the field, more nurses to the hospital and more prayers to heaven for the success of our cause than any other church.” Mr. Lincoln attributed his decision to make the Emancipation Proclamation to the influence of Bishop Simpson, who told him that God would not bring victory to the Union cause until the slaves had been freed.
Bishop Simpson believed that the destiny of women was closely identified with the church. He was in favor of equal rights for women. He is quoted as saying, “I believe that the full reformation of society will not come until the ballot has been placed in the hands of women.”
Bishop Simpson was asked to substitute for President Lincoln at the Great Central Fair of Philadelphia in 1864. A million-dollar building, the gift of the people of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania was dedicated to the sick and wounded of the army and navy. It was Matthew Simpson who delivered the eulogy at the gravesite of President Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. On June 18, 1884, the Baltimore Sun published Bishop Simpson’s obituary.
 Mrs. Ellen Holmes Simpson, known in her day as Mrs. Bishop Simpson, was educated by parents deeply devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was of great assistance to her husband in his ministry and also maintained her own strong interests in visiting and assisting the sick and poor.
Through the help of Bishop and Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Henry was able to interest many in her dream. At a general meeting held on June 14, 1865, the new facility was born with these words, "And now, at the joyous proclamation of peace where do we find ourselves? Sitting down and folding our hands in quietude? No, we are as ever ready to pour forth rays of light and comfort wherever we can illuminate."
On October 12, 1865, the facility was incorporated under the name of “The Ladies United Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the City of Philadelphia.” It was, however, stated in the constitution of the Society that the institution would be called “The Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged.” Often it was referred to as “Home” or “The Home.” Two silver communion plates which are engraved with only the word “Home” and the date 1868 evidence this. These plates can still be seen at Simpson House today.
Early Locations
The first charter established a Board of Managers and a Board of Trustees to provide management and leadership for the facility. Mrs. Simpson became the first president of the Board of Managers and provided leadership for thirty-five years. Both Bishop and Mrs. Simpson spoke about the project everywhere they went and urged its support as a local Home Missionary Project.
 The first location for the new organization was a rented house on Tenth Street near Poplar. Next was a colonial mansion located on six and one half acres of ground on Lehigh Avenue, bounded by Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets. Renovations to the mansion were required. Upon completion, the house became home to twenty-five “inmates,” as the residents were then called. The original admission cost was $100.00.
A long waiting list soon made it obvious that a larger building was required. A plan was created to raise funds for a new building on the Lehigh Avenue site. In 1870, the cornerstone was laid for a building which was specifically designed as a home for older persons and which would accommodate one hundred residents.
Current Campus
 As time passed it was determined that yet a larger building would be required. Mrs. Simpson was instrumental in securing a gift of land from Colonel J. M. Bennett, near the Belmont Plateau, where a new building was constructed during 1898 and 1899. This building has over the years become lovingly dubbed “Olde Main.”
Olde Main was designed by the architectural firm of Hales and Ballinger in the English Gothic style. It was constructed of granite from the Port Deposit Quarry, with trimmings of Indiana limestone. The structure has repeatedly received the recognition of being among the city’s most notable architecture, as designated by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In all ways, this building was a leader in its time. It had a total lighting system using both gas and electric, with electricity being generated on the premises. Heat was supplied by a central boiler and was distributed by two large blowers located on the ground level through a metal ducting system. This complete system was still in operation over ninety years later. The building was also equipped with a hydraulic elevator.
The water system was also worthy of note. City water was filtered as it entered the building and was then stored in reserve tanks located in two of the turrets of the building. The tanks contained a day’s supply of water in the event that city water service was interrupted.
A large surprise was found in 1989 while the excavator was digging in front of Olde Main in preparation for the new ground level entrance. An old well about five feet in diameter and forty-two feet deep was located. The well was hand laid with stone and still contained the original brass lift pipe. It is unknown whether the well water was used for only certain purposes or whether it was considered as an additional backup for city water.
Over the years the major additions to the complex were:
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| Fountain Room | 1927 |
| Simpson Building (residential) | 1927 |
| Carson Building (residential) | 1959 |
| Barnes Building (now houses Main Dining Room) | 1966 |
| Flanagan Building (126 nursing care beds) | 1972 |
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All buildings are connected with inside walkways. The trip from one end of the complex to the other is nearly a quarter of a mile.
 It is interesting to note that, upon the 100th Anniversary in 1965, the 1870 cornerstone from the Lehigh Avenue building was located in the foundation of a church parsonage and placed into the wall of Olde Main near the 1898 cornerstone.
In 2005, Simpson House received the designation of United Methodist Historic site. This is the first time this designation has been made to a building that is not a church.
Renovation of Olde Main
A major renovation of Olde Main began in 1989. The work started right at the front doors. Where once there was a high and forbidding flight of front steps, there is now a ground level drive up entrance which is sheltered from the elements.
The original residential rooms were small and without private bath facilities. These have been replaced with studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments. The former main lobby, with its lovely terrazzo floor is now a beautiful living room graced with some of the building’s original furnishings. This room has become known as the Terrazzo Room.
The library, which occupies the central portion of the former main dining room, is a room of architectural interest. The focal point of the room is the original leaded glass ceiling which for many years was hidden by a suspended ceiling. Also in this room is an original fireplace and mantel which was a gift in 1898 from Hales and Ballinger, architects from the building.
This renovation also includes a new medical suite for the residents of Independent Living, a walking mall of shops and many other areas for activities and special programs.
Changes of Name and Governance
In July of 1970 the facility name was officially changed to Simpson House. Following this, in 1972, the Board of Managers and Board of Trustees were merged into a single Board of Directors. In the same year, as an outgrowth of the old Board of Managers, the Simpson House Society came into being. Its purposes are to encourage volunteer services to the residents and to contribute to the financial well being of Simpson House. The Simpson House Society continues to meet regularly on the second Wednesday of each month. Through their efforts, the Society continues a seamless tradition of support, both financial and spiritual, that fulfills the legacy of The Ladies United Aid Society.
Junior Auxiliary 1911-1989
In 1911, the Board of Managers became convinced that the younger women of the churches should be organized to work for “The Home.” Mrs. Charles Carson Jones of Centenary Church was appointed to organize the Junior Auxiliary which was to be composed of branches in the various churches. The Auxiliary met once a month at different churches. The monthly dues were 60 cents per person.
The major project of the Junior Auxiliary was the “Rug Fund.” Over the years, the Juniors provided rugs, carpeting and floor covering throughout the buildings. Many times special projects were undertaken as needs arose, and always, the Juniors remembered the residents in special ways.
Simpson House Today
Today, Simpson House is a continuing care retirement community offering independent and assisted living plus a full service nursing and rehabilitation center, respite care and specialized dementia care. Simpson House is one of the oldest retirement communities in the nation.
In the 1990's, the Simpson House Board of Directors sought to expand its mission to older adults into the suburbs. Simpson Senior Services was created to serve as a parent organization and in January 2000, it opened a new community, Simpson Meadows in Downingtown. Situated behind the Downingtown United Methodist Church, on land purchased from the church, Simpson Meadows is a dynamic and much sought after retirement community. An extraordinarily beautiful establishment, Simpson Meadows has attracted active and vibrant adults as residents. Simpson Meadows offers independent and assisted living. It also features a specially designed neighborhood for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory disorders.
In 2002, Simpson Senior Services acquired Jenner’s Pond, a five year old continuing care retirement community in Southern Chester County which was begun by the Southern Chester County Medical Center. Jenner's Pond operates on 88 acres of land and provides independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and specialized dementia care. Jenner's Pond is renowned for its fine delivery of senior services and its vision of offering the best and most progressive lifestyle for seniors.
In 2004, Simpson Senior Services opened Simpson Gardens, an affordable housing community for seniors in Lansdowne. This project is the fulfillment of a dream shared by Simpson Senior Services, The Garden Church and the residents of Lansdowne. Simpson Gardens is a 41-unit, 4-story retirement living facility. It meets the needs of seniors who desire to live in community and share their lives in a caring and active environment. It will also meet the future-care needs of seniors, as it is linked to the full care services of Simpson House.
In 2005, Simpson Senior Services’ dedicated its newest community, Simpson Mid-Town. Inspired by their ministries, Simpson Senior Services and Mid-Town Parish United Methodist Church joined in a collaboration to build and sustain a vital community for seniors. The community is the result of a partnership between Simpson Senior Services, Mid-Town Parish United Methodist Church, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. Simpson Mid-Town is a 40-unit housing residence that fulfills the need for affordable housing in Philadelphia.
What has made Simpson Senior Services unique are the warm, caring communities which have been at the heart of its mission from the beginning. Simpson Senior Services intends to bring compassionate care for older adults into new areas of Eastern Pennsylvania. As America ages, Simpson Senior Services will be poised to provide a variety of housing and health care options for older adults in a spiritual, caring environment.
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