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Created
by the Church
Dr. Royal Montgomery served in the ministry for over 40 years,
the last nine years as kSuperintendent for the Congregational-Christian
Conference of Iowa, now part of the United Church of Christ. He
retired in 1948.
A warm, friendly man with generous heart and keen vision, "Monty"
immediately embarked on a new mission. He and his wife, Margaret,
envisioned a retirement residence especially for those who served
the church so well. Though financially independent, they realized
that not all pastors and missionaries were so fortunate.
Within just two years, the Montgomerys moved this dream closer to
realization. He and his wife sold their home in Grinnell and gave
the $19,000 proceeds as seed money for the project. The Iowa Conference
voted to approve the plan and the Mayflower was incorporated in
1950.
Construction was begun on the first building. By May of 1953,
15 residents, (four clergy couples, two clergy widows and five
lay women) moved into the 11 apartments. Their new home was appropriately
named Montgomery Hall.
A new era had begun.
Serving the Church... throughout the years
From this modest dowry five decades ago, the ministry of Mayflower
has grown and prospered. Almost 1,000 persons have lived at the
Mayflower since its beginning. Many of them were members of the
United Church of Christ and this strong tie continues today. All
denominations and faiths are welcome at Maylfower, which has been
embraced by this inclusivity.
Over
100 pastors, missionaries and their spouses, from Iowa and around
the world, have lived at the Mayflower. These persons have received
about $770,000 in endowments from Mayflower. (This program is now
called the Montgomery Church Leaders Fund.)
These endowments provide credit towards the Mayflower entrance fee.
This significant contribution is a tangible expression of the continuing
concern for church and ministry.
Mayflower is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) with
more than 260 residents. There are three primary levels of
care in this continuum: independent living, assisted living and
nursing care. All these living arrangements are provided on one
campus in Grinnell.
Residents want to live independently as long as they are able. When
needed, assisted living is available to help with the daily chores
involved in taking care of oneself. The health center is connected
by skywalk for those requiring nursing care, the level of care beyond
assisted living.
Serving the Church... today and tomorrow
Mayflower offers more than 88 independent living apartments
of various sizes on the main campus in Grinnell.
There are 44 Harwich Terrace duplex and triplex homes located in
the blocks immediately adjacent to the campus. They offer additional
space and a variety of floor plans and sizes. Residents are guaranteed
a refund of no less than 70% of the resale price.
Beebe Hall, our assisted living facility, has 18 licensed residential
care units on the second level. The first floor, formerly the health
center, has been remodeled into 10 assisted living suites.
The new 60-bed health care center opened in March of 1993. One section
has been specially designed as a low-stimulus wing, with 16 memory
support beds.
Mayflower
also serves the church through pulpit supply and provision of speakers
and educational seminars for churches and associations across the
state. . Each presentation can be tailored to the interests and
needs of the participants.
Church groups are welcome to visit Mayflower. Tours, programs and
llunch or refreshments can be arranged.
Mayflower celebrates over 55 years as a UCC health and human
services agency. You are invited to share in this mutual ministry
as we sail into a new century of health and human service to senior
adults.
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