CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN GEORGIA RETIREMENT LIVING
See how one small seed grew into a flourishing ministry.
In 1942, an aging congregant, Anna Corrine Hubert, asked her pastor, Rev. Dr. Frank McElroy Sr., if the church had a place to care for older members. As pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Quitman, Dr. McElroy understood the importance of family. He and his wife, Ina Mae Carpenter McElroy, had nine children of their own. Developing a Christian ministry to serve God’s senior adults became his purpose and his passion. With the first donation of $50 from the widowed Mrs. J.W. “Mother” Allen, a ministry began. On September 1, 1949, The Presbyterian Home opened in Quitman with three residents and Dr. McElroy as the director.
Today, Presbyterian Homes of Georgia is a statewide ministry, serving more than 1,300 residents on six campuses. Even as the ministry grows, our mission to enhance the quality of life for senior adults remains constant. Our tradition of excellence is unchanged, and thanks to the support of many people and congregations across the state, our promise to serve Georgia’s seniors endures.
“At Presbyterian Village Quitman, we have everything we need now and in the future without putting an undue hardship on our families. Activities are planned for residents to enjoy and have fun socializing, and we’re confident in the quality of care available to us. There’s no calling a plumber, painter, or groundskeeper. It’s all taken care of when we need it.”
—Fritz and Dorothy O., residents
75 YEARS AND COUNTING
A strong foundation for a bright future.
Over the past 75 years, Presbyterian Homes of Georgia has seen plenty of change. We invite you to click trough this historical carousel to see how one community grew to six, and how we continue to innovate while always remaining true to our mission of service, excellence, and love.
1942
Anna Corrine Hubert (72) asked her pastor, Rev. Frank H. McElroy Sr. “Does the church have a place to care for older members who don’t want to become a burden to their families and friends?” Mrs. J.W. “Mother” Allen makes the first gift to the building campaign — a $50 check.
1943
Rev. McElroy presented the need for a senior care facility to Presbytery, which later accepted a committee recommendation of a Presbyterian Home for the Useful.
1949
The Presbyterian Home opened with three residents each of whom had been recommended by churches. Rev. McElroy was named director while continuing to serve as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Quitman.
1950-1954
Private gifts retired the debt on the Quitman home and the Director’s residence. Annual gifts were dedicated to the subsidizing residents who could not afford the $75 monthly cost of room and board. That commitment continues today through the Caring Hands Fund.
1954
A second residence opens for 14 new residents.
1957
Capacity is expanded to 75 residents. The first nurses’ station was established. There are four full-time staff on site, with medical assistance provided by the Quitman hospital and volunteers supplementing care.
1959
A facility dedicated to providing round-the-clock care for residents with chronic medical conditions opens.
1963
The first facility in Georgia dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia care opens.
1975
In December 1975, a generous bequest from R.C. McIntosh supported the construction of independent living facilities. He donated $768,000, laying the foundation for the addition of independent living, which remains a focus of Presbyterian Homes. The McIntosh Retirement Center opens in 1978.
1983
John and Bimby Conant lead a capital campaign for improvements to the Quitman campus, raising $1.5 million toward the $5 million project.
1985
Discussions about opening a Presbyterian Homes facility in north Georgia begin with Cobb Hospital and Medical Center. Presbyterian Village Austell, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, will result from these conversations.
1987-1993
Official date of opening/total residents at opening fundraising support for Presbyterian Village in Austell led to the construction of 32 cottages, 49 independent living units, 24 assisted living units, 14 cluster homes and a wellness center.
1997
Calvin Court in Buckhead and Philips Tower in Decatur become part of Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. The two high-rise apartment towers added significant independent living capacity.
2005
The Hearthstone Memory Support Assisted Living Facility opens on the Austell campus. The Board approves the concept for Presbyterian Village Athens.
2007
The Caring Hands Classic golf tournament debuts, with proceeds from registration and sponsorship benefitting residents through the Caring Hands Fund.
2020
Alex Patterson, grandson of the PHGA founder, is named CEO after serving as director of the Quitman campus for six years and as executive vice president for five years.
2021
Presbyterian Village Athens — our third Life Plan Community — opened in Athens, GA.
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