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The notion of building a seniors
complex came out of a conversation over coffee on a sunny afternoon,
not unlike today. As the idea was further discussed, excitement
began to build and inspiration began to spark. A group of like-minded
gentlemen decided to get together and promote their vision. The
first official meeting of the Free Methodist Senior Citizens Home
Study Committee met on December 2, 1971, at the home of Rev. Earl
Bull, on 40 Glen Road in Belleville, Ontario. This Steering Committee
served from 1971 - 1975 when the first Board of Directors was formed
on September 12, 1975. There was much discussion early in the development
of the vision regarding where such a project should be located.
A survey was taken in the Free Methodist Canada East Conference
which resulted in more people favouring Belleville as the most suitable
location for such a development. As the vision began to develop
into preliminary planning, it became evident that it might be necessary
to involve another group to share the vision and help work toward
the goal of a low cost Christian senior citizen housing complex.
On January 19, 1974, representatives from the Wesleyan Methodist
Church participated in one of the planning meetings and under the
initiative of Dr. J.S.A. Spearman, the Wesleyan Church joined with
the Free Methodist Church to work toward realizing their vision
for a seniors complex in Belleville.
Soon after this, on May 6, 1976, the Standard Church also became affiliated with equal representation on the Board of Directors. By action of their General Conference, Rev. George Armstrong and Mr. Arnold Rigby were appointed to the Board. The Board of Directors consisted of two ministers and two laymen from each of the participating denominations. Incorporation of Aldersgate Homes as a nonprofit organization with charitable status, occurred on January 24, 1977, under the direction of a Board of Directors. Once the Board of Directors was in place, plans began to fall into place for the development of a seniors apartment complex and it was evident that their vision had been blessed by the Lord. Once the vision was crystalized, the Board of Directors made efforts to raise the funds to make the project a reality. The federal government was in favour of subsidizing the venture and the three sponsoring churches petitioned their church constituents for support. Any member of these denominations making a donation in excess of twenty-five dollar to the development fund became a member of the Aldersgate Homes Association and may participate in the Annual Association meeting, which is still the case today. It was the original dream of the founders to begin the project with independent living seniors’ apartments and to eventually add on Residential and Nursing Care Phases as the needs of the residents changed, in accordance with the “aging in place” model. This concept was well received by many of the interested supporters. In May of 1975 the original 11 acres were purchased for the project in Sidney Township, just behind Avondale Road. After enough support had been raised, construction of the first building with forty-seven apartments began in November 1981. Construction was completed in December of 1982 with some of the first tenants becoming residents in October of 1982, including one of Aldersgate’s founders, Rev. and Mrs. Earl Bull. Mr. Bull, Chairman of the Board of Directors, was hired as building superintendent and remained in this position until his retirement in February 1989. Mr. Lorne Elliot was also hired about this time as maintenance and technical support personnel. The building reached full occupancy in January 1983 and has carried a good waiting list since that time. An Official Opening and Dedication was held on Saturday, May 28, 1983 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and greetings from many of the dignitaries in attendance on that day. We have seen many changes since that time. Many of our cherished friends and neighbours have come and gone, but the heart of Aldersgate remains strong. A tenants association was formed by the residents to coordinate activities and add to the cohesiveness of the community here at Aldersgate. Rent is based on a “geared-to-income” basis for those who qualify for housing subsidy. Aldersgate continues to provide full mail services, a secure entry system and the convenience of an on-site security tenant for after hours concerns. A local church offered the use of their bus and a driver for a period of time, every Tuesday to take residents to the Quinte Mall, as well as grocery shopping. Chapel services are offered each Wednesday morning with local and area Pastors providing inspiring and thought-provoking messages. People continue to be very content with their home here at Aldersgate and many of these original tenants still reside here today, fifteen years later! As our waiting lists began to swell with very little turnover, along with the changing demographics of the existing tenant population, it became evident that a second Phase would soon be necessary. After Rev. Bull’s retirement, Mr. George Crawford stepped in as acting Superintendent for a period of two years with the aid of Mr. Herb Chatson during parts of the two years. As plans began to formulate for a possible second phase, it became apparent that a full-time Administrator would be needed to commit the time necessary for such an undertaking. Therefore, in January 1991, Mr. Rodney Peterson was hired as the first Administrator for Aldersgate Homes Inc. Initially, the intent for Phase II (as it is now called), was to be a combined residential and care complex. Two applications were made the Ministry of Health for Nursing Home allocation, the first application dating prior to the construction of Phase I, and both were refused. Phase II was originally designed as a one storey residential care complex, which would offer meals and housekeeping services. However, just prior to construction, Government support was altered and would only support a “rent-geared-to-income” complex similar to Phase I, funded by the Provincial Government under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Thus, due to cost and Government restrictions Phase II was redesigned to its present layout. An additional six acres were purchased for the construction of Phase II and another two were added on for the septic system after requests for approval to hook up to the City of Belleville sewage system were turned down. An additional 41 apartments were added onto the original structure. Construction began in March of 1991 and completed in the early fall of 1992 with official opening and dedication on Friday, November 6, 1992. Phase II reached full occupancy by March of 1993 and has had a consistently low vacancy rate since that time. At this time, Mrs. Ann McCann was hired as part-time Administrative Assistant to work in the office three days a week. Also, Mr. Don Fobert was hired as Assistant Maintenance and Technical Support Personnel. After Mr. Lorne Elliot’s retirement, Don became the full-time Custodian and has done a superb job of maintaining the building and the grounds. The addition of Phase II has proven to be a wonderful extension of the Aldersgate family. Since the construction of Phase II, we have benefitted from the addition of a Tuck Shop, Beauty Salon and delicious catered lunches in the new Common Room. The help of many generous resident volunteers has enhanced the atmosphere of Aldersgate by providing many of the extra touches that truly make Aldersgate a unique and wonderful place to call home. One recent adjustment here at Aldersgate was the change in Administration after Mr. Rodney Peterson resigned to follow other pursuits. Miss Amy M. Blakely was hired to take on the role of Administrator on August 1, 1996. During the fall of this same year, the Board of Directors submitted another application to the City of Belleville for connection to the city sewer system, other applications had been submitted prior to the construction of Phase I and were refused. Through hard work and many prayers, permission was finally granted in November of 1996 and construction to connect both Phase I and Phase II to the sewer system began almost immediately. At the time of construction of Phase II, the Ministry of the Environment stated that they would not allow further development of this site unless the existing project and any further projects would be connected to the sewage system. Which brings us to the present. It all began as a dream . . . became a reality . . . and now we are taking a Step of Faith hoping to continue this project to another level in a third Phase. We need your support!
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