History of Central Baptist Village

The rich history of Central Baptist Village begins in May of 1896. The founder and spiritual leader of the German Baptist people in the western states was Reverend Jacob Meier. Under his determined leadership, his idea of “a home for the aged and helpless among German Baptists of the Western States” became a reality. In 1896, the Western German Baptist Old People’s Home Society was incorporated and the first building, originally a remodeled private residence in Humboldt Park, was home to 12 residents. 

The original residence and its capacity had been made larger through several additions and remodeling efforts. By 1907, over 80 residents were living in the Home. When Rev. Jacob Meier died in 1921, his dream had not only lived on, but flourished. In 1952, the Home’s name was changed to Central Baptist Home for the Aged, reflecting an adjustment in its mission to care for the Christian elderly. During the same time period, there was talk of building a new Home.

In 1956, one of the most momentous events in the history of the Home was its relocation to Norridge, Illinois, leaving behind the corner of Spaulding and Cortland Streets and building a new residence along Lawrence Avenue between Orange and Canfield Avenues. The Home was blessed to acquire 10 acres of land in a northwest suburb of Chicago to build a new facility designed to serve up to 90 residents. State-of-the-art amenities included an attractive lobby, a parlor with a fireplace, a modern kitchen, a spacious dining room, an infirmary and doctor’s office.  The center focus of the new facility was the Chapel providing residents with a place for prayer, worship and fellowship.