The Samaritan Convalescent Hospital and Hotel of Rochester began its operation on March 7, 1922 at 25 7th Street NW, Rochester, Minnesota. It was established and operated by the Men's Fellowship of Peace United Church of Christ of Rochester as an extension of the church to serve those in need. As the need for long-term care for the aged, infirm and chronically ill became more prevalent the facility was remodeled and converted to a nursing home in February of 1956. The modern 113 bed nursing home provided complete nursing care on an around the clock basis and was known as the Samaritan Nursing Home.

In 1970, the Bethany Corporation, whose membership was composed of representatives from five American Lutheran Churches in the Olmsted County area, began merger talks with the Samaritan Nursing Board. The Bethany Corporation was interested in establishing a nursing home and had a large constituency in the area. The Samaritan Board wished to expand its facilities and felt that a merger with the Bethany Corporation would give greater community participation in the operation of the Home.

In 1971, the Samaritan Bethany Corporation was formed and incorporated under the statutes of the State of Minnesota. On October 1, 1973, Samaritan Bethany, Inc. took over the ownership and operation of the Samaritan Nursing Home and changed its name to Samaritan Bethany Home.

In 1973 plans were begun to build a new 122-bed nursing home at 24 8th Street NW, Rochester. The new facility was opened in August of 1976 and residents were transferred from the old facility at 25 7th Street NW. The old facility was remodeled and converted to a board and lodging facility for elderly residents. It was renamed The Samaritan Bethany Manor.

A feasibility study completed in 1978 showed the need for additional nursing home beds in the Rochester area. Twelve acres of land at 1530 11th Avenue NW, Rochester was purchased for the site of a new 120-bed nursing home. In June of 1981 the new facility, named Samaritan Bethany Heights, was opened.

To support the expansion and development of a continuum of services to meet the changing needs of an aging population, the Samaritan Bethany Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 1982. The sole purpose of the Foundation is to support the care and programs of Samaritan Bethany, Inc. In October of 1986 expansion of Samaritan Bethany's services took place with the creation of Samaritan Bethany Home Health Services. Further expansion two years later in 1988 included an Administrative management contract with a nearby municipal nursing home.

In 1989 plans were begun to build a new 66-unit elderly apartment building to replace the aging Manor building of 1922. Arbor Terrace opened in July of 1992 at 700 2nd NW adjacent to the Home on Eighth. Arbor Terrace's user-friendly design for seniors became the new home for many of the residents of the Manor. In the fall of 1992 the Manor was demolished to make room for an addition to the Home on Eighth.

In 1999, it became evident that a bridge between independent living and skilled nursing home care was a relevant need within the community. With that in mind, the Foundation began a fundraising campaign to raise capital for the renovation of the third floor of the Home on Eighth. The renovation was designed to meet the pressing need of area seniors for affordable assisted living units. The 24 new assisted living units were offered to the public in February 2000 and later another five units were made available in February 2001.

In 2004, Arbor Terrace expanded its services to enable the residents to stay longer in their apartments at Arbor Terrace.

Even though we are committed to the values of our past, as a religious affiliated organization, we cannot rest on our successes. We must embrace a future of change if we want to continue to provide quality, compassionate care to our present and future residents.

During the past four years Samaritan Bethany has been working on a strategic plan to develop a "household model" in all of our living arrangements. This model involves comprehensive changes around the transformation of the basic principles of older adult services, based on person-directed values and practices where the voices of our older adults and their care-givers are considered, and respected. These principles include choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living. This model includes private rooms, small kitchens, dining and living rooms similar to a residential private home.

Over 40 staff, board, and community members were involved in researching, discussing, and brainstorming what a "household model" would look like and how it would positively affect the lives of our residents.

On May 3, 2011,our dreams were realized when half of the Heights residents and all of the Home on Eighth residents moved into the new building.  Excitement was palatable as several volunteers, family members and staff worked hard to transfer the residents and their belongings to their new home.  Residents and staff are settling into their new routines.  Residents are enjoying making new friends among the thirteen neighbors in their household.  Each of the 10 households features beautiful artwork by local artists. 

Samaritan Bethany, Inc. is the "owner" of The Home on Eighth, The Heights and Arbor Terrace. Samaritan Bethany Foundation, Inc. remains a separate corporation.

The corporation is affiliated with and sponsored by: *

Bethel Lutheran Church, Rochester

Christ Lutheran Church, Byron

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Rochester

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rochester

Peace United Church of Christ, Rochester

Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester

Hosanna Lutheran Church, Rochester

*While the organization is strictly non-denominational, serving persons across all races and religions, Samaritan Bethany, Inc. retains a connection with the Peace United Church of Christ and with six Lutheran congregations, representatives from which comprise the majority of the organization's board of directors. There is no formal financial relationship between Samaritan Bethany, Inc. and these congregations, although they are free to contribute to the support of the organization as they see fit.