JOHNSTOWN — On Sunday, the Willing Helpers Home for Women attended the First Presbyterian Church in Johnstown led by the Rev, Leonard Sponaugle.
This service thus began the celebration of the 110th anniversary of the home.
The Willing Helpers Home opened its doors on Nov. 24, 1908. It began as a mission in the Sunday school class of Mrs. Catherine D. Wells at the Presbyterian Church. Her mission began in December of 1883 to service the needs of the elderly women in the community.
In 1904, $100 was given in memory of Wells, who passed away the previous year. The members decided then to incorporate and formed the Willing Helpers’ Society, Inc. They decided to use the money toward a building fund to open a home for elderly women.
On May 22, 1907 Charles and Rose Knox gifted to the corporation the house and extensive grounds known as the Livingston Estate located on “Rose Hill” at 226 W. Madison Ave.
The Willing Helpers Home is still operated by a group of volunteers known as the Willing Helpers Society. It began in the Presbyterian Church as a mission and is still rooted in faith.
Some holiday events have been set at the home: Dec. 2, the Little Angels Children’s Group will be visiting, Dec 3, the Mayfield Methodist Church Youth Choir. On Dec. 4, the reading group will have a special Christmas reading and music program with Nancy Purcell of the Durey Creek Bluegrass Band and her guitar.
Dec. 18 the singing group, the Bobcats, will perform, and on Dec. 20, St. John’s Episcopal Church will be caroling at the home.
The annual Christmas party for the residents put on by the Board of Managers will be held on Dec. 21, including a visit from Santa.
