Our History
It was the early 1950’s. It was the days before many rural Canadian prairie homes had electric lights, hot and cold running water and gas stoves and furnaces.
It was a spirit of compassion for those living in difficult situations that kindled in the mind of Pastor, Karl Krahenbil, in Middle Lake, Saskatchewan and was shared with Lutheran congregations throughout the prairie Provinces. It became a vision to provide a place for the elderly and others in need of care where peace, love, kindness and compassion was foremost.
1956
It began in the spring of 1956 with the
purchase of 124 acres of park-like land
including a half mile of shore line along
beautiful Lucien Lake. They named this
place Bethany Pioneer Village.
1957
By the spring of 1957 construction began
on three buildings that would house low
cost rental units with utilities included.
Financing came from a Provincial Grant,
a CMHC loan and donations from almost
100 Lutheran congregations.
1958
The first of the three buildings, consisting of
10 self-contained units, was ready for
occupancy by January 1st, 1958.
Today
Today those same three buildings have
been transformed into one and two-bedroom
apartments for independent seniors living
active lives in a quiet, country setting.
1960
Even before the self-contained units were
finished, plans were underway for the
construction of a hostel to meet growing
needs of seniors and others who were
unable to live independently. Loans,
promissory notes and donations received
from Lutheran congregations and surrounding
community members were sufficient for
construction to begin. By July, 1960 the
55-bed capacity hostel was welcoming
its first residents.
Today
Over the years the hostel has been renovated
and expanded. Today the hostel building has
been transformed into Birch Manor and includes
one and two-room suites for elders looking
for stress-free assisted living care.
1985
The opening of our 36-bed Long Term Care
facility, Aspen Manor, in August, 1985
completed Bethany’s ability to provide
compassionate care to all levels of need.
2019
The desire for Bethany’s community to have
a gathering place to facilitate events and
activities for our residents and families was
met in the summer of 2019 with the opening
of the new multipurpose room.
Find out more about Bethany’s unique history in the pages of our book
“Bethany Pioneer Village – A History of Caring”
available at our office.Preview Below:
Where to Next?
WHY BETHANY?
GOVERNANCE
