| Our History
The Beginnings
There is a long history of providing Christian Science nursing in the Upper Midwest. At a gathering on Christmas Day 1920, students of Abigail Dyer Thompson presented her with $5,000 to build a Christian Science home where the sick could receive care in a Christian Science atmosphere.
Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem Home was incorporated in 1921, and opened in 1927. It was furnished with generous and loving gifts from those in the community who valued the idea of Christian Science nursing. People gave their best (mattresses, furniture, linens, kitchen items, artwork, garden produce, etc.) so that Star of Bethlehem Home was a well-supplied gracious home. It served the community well, especially during the Great Depression, when it provided a healing haven for people who were literally starving. Star of Bethlehem closed in 1961 because it no longer met government codes. The Star of Bethlehem trustees spent the next years working behind the scenes to renovate an office building to create another facility where Christian Science nursing care could be provided.
Clifton House
Clifton House opened in 1974. Again, this facility continued to be a healing haven for many people, providing a strong spiritual atmosphere where those in need could be cared for in loving practical fashion while choosing to rely on Christian Science treatment for healing. After 28 more years of continuous 24-hour Christian Science Nursing care Clifton House closed in 2002. At that time trustees received an offer to purchase the existing building. An offer of land to build on provided an opportunity to carry Christian Science nursing into the future.
Beacon Haven
The spiritual foundation established by participants early on set the tone for planning. Beacon Haven would be a place where one could come to nurse their thought free of outside influences – a place that would provide a more homelike atmosphere for healing and promote a sense of community and fellowship. The trustees worked with our nursing staff, architects, builder, and 21 government agencies to build Beacon Haven. It opened for patients on July 31, 2009, and continues to provide loving Christian Science nursing care to all who enter. We welcome you and invite you to take advantage of our services.
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