Michigan Methodists have been a partner with Clark Retirement Community for 116 years. That covenant relationship continues and a new partnership with BHI Senior Living in Indianapolis was recently announced.
KAY DEMOSS
Senior Content Editor
In 1900 the Rev. Dr. James Hamilton, a Methodist minister serving in western Michigan, began a campaign to raise an endowment fund for “the better support” of retired ministers, wives, and widows. Fourteen years later, Hamilton had raised $140,000. He also met important partners along the way. In 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin J. Clark of Grand Rapids offered their large country home and 20 acres to serve “as a home for superannuated ministers [and other worthy persons] of the Michigan Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church.
Thus began a 116-year relationship. Yes, there have been changes along the way. The name on a Covenant renewed on February 1, 2022, is The Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church. And over those decades, the seven buildings christened M. J. Clark Memorial Home (which included cottages, a well house, and barn alongside the main dwelling), have grown into the two campuses of Clark Retirement Community. Clark at Franklin and Clark at Keller Lake today offer a wide array of senior living options.
One goal has remained constant for more than a century, as noted in the restatement of the covenant: “enhancing the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons.” The purpose statement also affirms the “long-standing and valuable relationship” between the church and community, adding, “The parties share the Wesleyan values of respect, compassion, diversity, generosity, partnership, and service … to make a difference in the lives of older adults.”
On February 2, 2022, Clark’s Trustees introduced BHI Senior Living in Indianapolis as a new partner in the senior care of residents at Clark Retirement Community. Affiliation agreements were signed on January 19. The Trustees stated, “Clark and BHI, both premier nonprofit, faith-based senior living organizations, have long histories of providing services and care in independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitative care,”
Brian Pangle, President, and CEO of Clark shared, “Our board conducted an 18-month comprehensive exploratory process and unanimously agreed on affiliation with BHI Senior Living. This will allow Clark to remain a vibrant and relevant pillar in the community well into the future.”
Pangle explained that the BHI affiliation “will give Clark the opportunity to continue expanding, enhancing, and repositioning existing campuses and identify additional ways to serve older adults in West Michigan and throughout the state.”
Board Chair of Clark, Beth Kelly, added, “For over 116 years Clark has been creating communities of dignity, compassion, and respect centered on the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Identifying a partner who shares our mission, vision, and values was of paramount importance. BHI Senior Living checked all the boxes and will align beautifully with Clark’s culture and vision for the future.”
John Dattilo, CEO of BHI, sees a great future together for the two organizations. “Clark’s track record of success in developing thoughtful, innovative approaches to serving seniors aligns perfectly with the future growth of BHI. We look forward to partnering with Clark in Grand Rapids and throughout the State of Michigan and are proud to welcome Clark to the BHI family.”
In the affiliation, Clark Retirement Community will maintain its brand and identity as a subsidiary of BHI. Pangle will continue as President of Clark and all Michigan-based operations. The Clark Foundation will continue to operate independently to fulfill its Clark Promise for current and future residents.
Further, the covenant relationship with The Michigan Conference endures. Bishop David Bard said, “As the environment for retirement communities and senior care facilities has changed in recent years, I recognize the need for faith-based, nonprofit organizations to work together more collaboratively and support this affiliation. I think I speak for the entire Michigan Conference in saying that I am grateful for our relationship with Clark through the years, and we look forward to our continuing relationship for years to come.”
Pangle called the relationship with The United Methodist Church “the cornerstone of our faith-based legacy.” He continued, “I am proud we have maintained it over all these years and look forward to it continuing to influence our approach to serve seniors, and those who care for them, for years to come. Humility, compassion, justice, and a servant’s heart are at the center of the Gospel…that has been the Clark culture for its entire existence. I am confident it will continue to be for generations to come.”
The Rev. Joe Huston, a clergy member of The Michigan Conference, is the Clark Chaplain and heads a team of five part-time persons serving the community’s spiritual needs. Huston said, “At this time, the arrangement for pastoral care through First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids will continue.”
James Hamilton’s dream of a home to shelter and care for God’s people is as alive today as it was in the year 1900. A History of the M. J. Clark Memorial Home revised and reprinted in 1970, reported, “Dr. Hamilton visualized a place of beauty and comfort to which God’s servants could come at the close of the day. He saw worthy, aged persons finding in this Home the dreams, hospitality, refreshment, and loving ministry of the Church.”
Many years later, Bishop David Bard reflects on the timeless nature of that dream. “Care for seniors and the elderly rooted in faith traditions continues to be vitally important as it explicitly acknowledges the deep spiritual dimensions of life, dimensions that often come to the fore as we age and face life’s endings.”
Michigan United Methodists celebrate a new beginning for the Clark Retirement Community, a fresh start that honors all that has come before.
Last Updated on September 20, 2022