Bethesda’s History
1897/1898
Bethesda’s journey began with Pastor N. S. Haggerness of Mankato opening his home to three children from a broken home. After bringing those children into his home, he felt called to help more children. In 1898 the Lamberton orphanage opened with a capacity of up to 24 children.
1905
163 acres of land were purchased five miles north of Willmar. A new Home was built that would accommodate 50 children. The name was changed to Bethesda Home and it was dedicated at the Eagle Lake Church on Sunday, November 12, 1905.
1916
In 1905, eight years after the orphanage was formed, Bethesda welcomed two senior men as residents, and in 1906, it was decided to build a home to serve the senior community. The new addition was completed in 1916 at a total cost of $8,230.
1924
Bethesda Homes Day: For several years Bethesda Homes Day was held a Sunday during the summer. The program was comprised of musical numbers and an address by a guest speaker. An offering was lifted for the Homes. This day attracted sizeable crowds and helped to stimulate interest in the work which was carried on at the Homes.
1949
During the difficult years of the Great Depression, Bethesda had a heavy debt of $23,000. By 1949 the debt had been paid off, and a surplus of approximately $90,000 had been accumulated. Many improvements had been made to the institution’s buildings and on the farm. On June 8-12, 1949, the Bethesda Homes committee presented the idea of moving to Willmar and received unanimous approval.
1953
A new nursing home, Bethesda Heritage Center, opened its doors in the city of Willmar.
1979
Bethesda Pleasant View is opened in Willmar and Bethesda Homes closes its doors.
1992
Sunrise Village Independent Living and Assisted Living opens.
1993
Bethesda’s Home Health program began providing medical and personal support to assist people in the comfort of their homes.
1996
Day Break, an adult day-care program is opened. Designed to provide extra support for people who need assistance to maintain their independence in the community, while also giving respite to their caregivers.
1997
Bethesda opened Centennial Square, providing income-based, independent-living apartments in the community.
2002
Bethesda saw the need for its services beyond Willmar, and opened Park View Village, a 20-unit, assisted-living facility in Olivia, Minnesota.
2010
Bethesda’s Wellness Center opened in 2010. The Wellness Center is home to Club Bethesda, a fitness facility available to people 50 and older living in the Willmar area community and to Bethesda residents and tenants. It features state-of-the-art equipment designed for older adults. Our Outpatient Therapy Department also is located in the Wellness Center. In 2011, a warm-water therapy pool was added to the Wellness Center for physical therapy and Club Bethesda aquatic classes.
2016
To better serve residents, Bethesda underwent a major capital project committed to completing a campus expansion and building renovation. This project was completed in 2016 with the completion of a construction project that replaced the outdated 125-bed Bethesda Heritage Center and consolidated our two skilled nursing facilities at Bethesda Heritage Center and Bethesda Pleasant View into one comprehensive campus, Bethesda Grand.
2018/2019
Bethesda remodeled its main entrance and lobby area, which included renovating the cafe and chapel. Our new Town Center includes Brothers Cafe+Bistro, a gift shop, Carrie’s Chapel with floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows, an inter-generational activity center, a private meeting room, and a fireside area for visiting.
2021
Construction was completed in the fall of 2021 at Bethesda North Pointe in New London, a 70-unit, senior lifestyle development. The campus was designed to serve the needs of the area’s aging community through individualized living options, health and wellness services, and modern amenities.
2022
Bethesda celebrated the completion of a $4.2 million renovation at its Willmar, Minnesota location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 22, 2023. The project added 15 private rooms with bathrooms and redesigned the East and West neighborhoods to create a welcoming, community-focused environment. Administrator Baillee Krieger highlighted the new spaces as a testament to Bethesda's dedication to resident comfort, quality care, and innovation.
2024
At the recent groundbreaking for Bethesda’s new senior housing community, StoneRidge, in Willmar, Bethesda announced plans for 208 units, including independent and assisted living options, and amenities like dining, a fitness center, and heated parking. The facility should be complete by late 2025. Additionally, Bethesda is developing a saltwater pool at its North Pointe location in New London, expanding wellness offerings across sites. CEO Michelle Haefner highlighted the positive impact on the local community, with Marcus Construction managing the project.
