Our History

Homestead Village’s rich heritage has shaped the community we are today—one rooted in purpose, mission, and a long‑standing commitment to helping people live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Our story began in 1975, when St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and St. John’s United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, merged to form the Church of the Apostles.  The new church was built on a parcel that was part of the Brubaker Farm, and with it came additional land that the church could use to further their mission.

In 1976, an independent board of directors was formed for Homestead Village. They envisioned turning their newly acquired land into a campus that would serve people across life stages and needs—eventually growing to include the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, Rader Park, and what would become a forward‑thinking Life Plan Community.

That vision became reality in 1986 with the grand opening of the Village Apartments and Apostles Center for Care, as well as the beginning of the Cottage neighborhood construction.  Homestead Village, the newly formed 501 c3 non-profit organization would continue grow independently, separate from the church as a faith-supportive organization not bound to any particular denomination or creed.

Over the past 40 years, Homestead Village leadership has remained intentional about growth—adding one new residential neighborhood roughly every decade. Each expansion reflects a thoughtful response to how aging preferences, lifestyles, and expectations continue to evolve.

This steady, measured approach is a cornerstone of our THRIVE WHERE YOU ARE® philosophy—ensuring that the community grows in ways that support residents where they are, while preparing responsibly for the future.