Our History
Connected to our roots, our values, and our communities.
BHI Senior Living’s story began in 1904 with a generous gift from Edward and Sarah Crawford—laying the foundation for a mission rooted in care, service, and community. From these early beginnings, BHI evolved over the decades, entering a new era in 1952 with the opening of Hoosier Village and the introduction of a forward-thinking approach to senior living centered on dignity, compassion, and resident well-being.
To explore the full journey—from our earliest roots to the communities we serve today—download the complete history of BHI Senior Living.
Important Milestones
1904
BHI Senior Living began with a commitment by Edward and Sarah Crawford on June 27, 1904, for a gift of 185 acres in southeast Boone County, Indiana, to build an orphanage to be managed by a new corporation. The Crawfords were American Baptists, and local American Baptist churches provided additional funding for the school. Articles of Association were executed on March 15, 1905, for the Crawford Baptist Industrial School, a non-profit ministry with the mission of operating an orphanage and industrial school.
1937
In 1937, the school assumed the name “Indiana Baptist Home.” That same year, the estate of Emma Downing Wood of Indianapolis became the possession of the home. In accordance with Mrs. Wood’s will, a girls’ dormitory was erected on the grounds and dedicated in memory of her parents as the Downing Home.
1952
It was approximately 1951-52 when welfare agencies adopted a policy of placing children with foster families instead of sending them to homes such as the Indiana Baptist Home. On July 12, 1952, the home officially opened its doors to older adults, and within a short period of time, the home was serving only older adults.
1956
Hoosier Village, the organization’s first full-service retirement community, was founded in southeastern Boone County, Indiana, on the site of the Crawford Baptist Industrial School. Hoosier Village now boasts 300 acres of immaculately landscaped grounds that include independent living in houses, duplexes, and spacious apartments. As a Life Plan Community, Hoosier Village is also proud to offer Assisted Living and Memory Support programs, specifically designed to maximize the independence of those we serve while offering additional help when needed.
1965
The Towne House, another BHI Life Plan Community, first opened its doors in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1965. Over the years, The Towne House has grown to provide active senior living in its spacious apartments and Chapman’s Crossing homes with the security of an on-sight continuum of quality health care services–including assisted living, 24-hour nursing care, and rehabilitative services–should they ever be needed.
1967
The organization completed construction and opened Four Seasons in Columbus, Indiana, in 1967. The stately chapel is part of the nationally renowned Columbus architectural tour. Four Seasons also offers independent living and assisted living services in its spacious apartments, with 24-hour nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation services available on-sight in its Medicare-certified Health Care Center.
1986
On April 2, 1986, BHI Foundation, a separate charitable organization, was established to enhance the endeavors of the BHI Senior Living communities in the fulfillment of their missions.
1998
In 1998, BHI joined with eleven other Indiana Life Plan Communities to form the Samaritan Alliance, a limited liability corporation that enables its members to operate more cost-effectively through group purchasing of pharmaceuticals, employee benefits, and other related products–resulting in savings for our residents. In 2002 the alliance was cited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission in its annual “Best Practices” recognition program.
2004
2004 was the centennial anniversary year of the BHI organization. Led by a 12-member board of directors who employed approximately 550 staff members, the BHI communities served approximately 1,000 residents at the time of their centennial celebration.
2011
While the original corporation underwent several name changes throughout its history, it had been known as “Baptist Homes of Indiana, Inc.,” since the 1960s. On September 21, 2011, the name was changed to BHI Senior Living, Inc. The new name was selected to maintain a link to the organization’s faith-based heritage while also trying to convey that the BHI communities are very inclusive and open to individuals of all denominations and backgrounds.
2011
Wesley Manor, our 83-acre Life Plan Community in Frankfort, Indiana, joined the BHI family in January 2016. Originally founded in 1961, Wesley Manor offers a continuum of on-site health care options such as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. The campus also features ten recently updated independent and assisted-living apartments and a modernized rehabilitation wing.
2019
BHI added another affiliate in September 2019 with The Barrington of Carmel. The Barrington opened its doors in 2014 and immediately established itself as the best-in-class Life Plan Community in Carmel, Indiana. With assisted living, memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing all under one roof, The Barrington provides seamless direct entry to every level for both current residents and those coming to the community on a month-to-month basis.
2020
In January 2020, The Towne House broke ground on the first luxury neighborhood for highly active adults, 55 and older, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Called Prairie Landing, the neighborhood boasts 60 expansive acres and 100% maintenance-free living in spacious single-family and duplex homes. Prairie Landing is a Life Plan Community that provides a high-quality continuum of care at The Towne House when additional support services may be needed.
2022
Based on the success of the Prairie Landing neighborhood in Fort Wayne, BHI broke ground on Athens Crossing in Columbus, Indiana. Athens Crossing by Four Seasons is a beautiful 40-acre campus with luxury single-family and duplex homes for those interested in neighborhood living without the responsibilities of home maintenance. If and when additional support services become necessary, Athens Crossing is a Life Plan Community that provides a first-class continuum of care at Four Seasons.
2022
In February 2022, BHI added another affiliate to its family of communities with Clark Retirement, a non-profit senior living organization based in Grand Rapids, MI. Founded in 1906, Clark Retirement is highly regarded with two premier retirement communities, Clark at Keller Lake and Clark at Franklin, as well as several innovative community programs. Clark offers a wide array of living options, support services, and added comforts and amenities.
2022
In keeping with our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults, BHI grew once again in July of 2022. This time, we went east to Ohio, where we added Maple Knoll Village in Cincinnati and The Knolls of Oxford in Oxford, Ohio to our family of communities. With a rich, 173-year history, Maple Knoll Communities enjoy a reputation of excellence as pioneers in serving older adults with innovation, integrity, respect, security, and choice.
2024
Westminster Village joined BHI family in January 2024. The beautiful 57-acre campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers a community that combines hospitality, high-tech convenience, and good old-fashioned friendliness. Westminster Village provides services for nearly every need with a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation services.
2025
BHI Senior Living is recognized among the Top 20 not-for-profit senior living organizations nationwide in the 2025 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 Report, affirming the organization’s scale, stability, and mission-driven growth.
2025
The Ageless Explorers Travel Club, offering residents experiential travel, cultural exploration, and lifelong learning opportunities, expanded to Indiana and Michigan.
2025
Hoosier Village hosted the first Indiana Virtual Honor Flight to recognize resident veterans and preserve their legacy.