Our History
Humble Beginnings Following the Civil War
Since 1865, Simpson has been meeting the needs of older adults and their families in the Philadelphia area. Simpson House is the oldest existing retirement community in the country historically related to the United Methodist Church, and is now well into its 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. Church women of Philadelphia were noted for providing care to the sick and wounded from the battlefields. With the return of peace, this energy could be channeled elsewhere.
Simpson House, once known as the Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged, was one of the first health and welfare ministries of the Methodist Church in the Philadelphia area. From the beginning, the mission of Simpson House was to offer the highest level of senior care available in a dignified and spiritual setting. Today, Simpson House is a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering independent living and personal care, plus a full-service nursing and rehabilitation center.
Learn more about the rich history of CCRCs and Simpson House.
Expanding Mission to New Communities
In the 1990s, Simpson House sought to expand its mission to older adults into the Philadelphia suburbs. Simpson was formed and, in January 2000, opened Simpson Meadows in Downingtown. Its beautiful campus welcomes residents seeking independent living and assisted living accommodations. Simpson Meadows also features a specially designed neighborhood for memory support.
In 2002, Simpson acquired Jenner’s Pond, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Southern Chester County that had been established by the Southern Chester County Medical Center. Jenner’s Pond provides independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and memory support.
Realizing the Dream of Affordable Housing
In 2004, Simpson Gardens was opened, an affordable housing community in Lansdowne. This senior living residence is the fulfillment of a dream shared by Simpson, The Garden Church, and the residents of Lansdowne.
Inspired by their ministries, Simpson and Midtown Parish United Methodist Church joined in a collaboration to build and sustain a community for seniors in midtown Philadelphia. The vision led to a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to develop Simpson Midtown, a senior housing residence that helps address the need for affordable housing in Philadelphia.