Our history is paramount to the success of our future. The founder's vision for Christian service lives on through our "Renewing the Legacy" initiatives.

From the satisfaction of helping an elderly woman with no family and no money, James Peabody built a dream of establishing a permanent establishment for aged people, who were otherwise alone in the world, as a memorial to his wife, Estelle, who died in 1928.

At the same time, a committee of Presbyterian clergy and laymen of the Synod of Indiana set a goal to begin a ministry to serve older adults by establishing a home for the aging. Upon learning of this project, James offered to donate 26 acres and a building (now known as the South House) to the Church. James, who was living in California at the time, asked his son Thomas to handle the negotiations.

On April 6, 1931, a transfer of property was made to the Presbyterian Church Synod of Indiana and the Reverend Edmund Lindsay became the first superintendent of The Estelle Peabody Memorial Home. Over the years, the Home has grown and adjusted with the ever changing demands of older adult consumers and is now known as Peabody Retirement Community.

The Singing Tower, centrally located on the front of the campus, was built and donated in 1937 by Thomas as a memorial to his father. This carillon, standing 105 feet tall and built of limestone, brick, and polished granite, marks time with Westminster Chimes and provides music each day at 12:00 noon and 6:00PM. It stands as a testimony to the generosity of the Peabody family and a symbol of the great tradition and strength of purpose in Peabody's ministry of serving older adults.

While our name and services may have changed, James Peabody's commitment to providing gracious, compassionate services for older adults continues today and as we prepare for the future.

Since opening its doors in 1931, The Estelle Peabody Memorial Home has been a symbol of lasting quality in the retirement industry. Whether you are more familiar with the historical :old folks" home operated by the Presbyterian Church, or more recently Peabody Retirement Community, a stand-alone not-for-profit organization, there is an impression of warmth, friendliness, dignity and respect in dealing with older adults and their families.

Today, generations of commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the community have contributed to beginning of yet another chapter. The threads of the past are woven together in a strong foundation for the future as Peabody Retirement Community expands to provide additional quality programs and services in a community that so many people already call home.

Peabody has a long-term commitment to true professionalism and sensitivity in care for the elderly. Our founding fathers, James and Thomas Peabody, believed that older adults deserved a life free from fear and worry. Peabody's Board of Trustees, The Peabody Home Foundation, and the Peabody staff are determined to continue this commitment by creating a model campus providing cost-effective individualized care that reaches fay beyond the minimal custodial standards.