The Mary J. Drexel Home has provided a unique, caring residence for older adults since it’s opening over 110 years ago. A tribute to Mary Johanna Drexel Lankenau by her husband, John D. Lankenau, the Home is situated on a beautiful campus in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Lankenau, through his dedicated work as President of the German Hospital (now Lankenau Hospital), became concerned with the problems of older patients. He said, “It has come to my notice when aged patients were ready for discharge from the wards of the Hospital that they often begged to be allowed to remain, for they had no place to go.” In 1878, while on a trip abroad, Mr. Lankenau’s daughter, Elise, suggested establishing a home for older adults as a memorial to his deceased wife. Mr. Lankenau then enlisted the aid of seven Deaconesses from Germany to manage such a home.

In 1886, the cornerstone of the Mary J. Drexel Home was laid at its original location near Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia. Included within the building were a Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Dispensary, and the Deaconess Motherhouse and Training School. It was in 1888 that the Home and the Motherhouse were dedicated.

Mr. Lankenau was particularly concerned with the welfare of German immigrants and people of German descent in the Philadelphia area. Therefore, The Mary J. Drexel Home’s residents were initially restricted to these people. Today, the Home is open to individuals regardless of national origin, race, age, color or religion. The Home is an affiliate of Liberty Lutheran Services, a social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

When Lankenau Hospital moved, The Mary J. Drexel Home also moved to its present location. In 1953, the beautiful estate in Bala Cynwyd was purchased from Percy Clark. The architecture and décor add to the atmosphere, which helps make the Home a unique one for older adults. In the 1960’s, several wings were added to the Home to accommodate more residents.

The Mary J. Drexel Home is currently closed to undergo modernizing renovations. Please check back often for updates as the restoration begins. Part of what makes the Home so special is its close ties with the community and area churches. The non-profit Home has received assistance in the past and continues to seek support through bequests and endowments.

The legacy left by Mr. John D. Lankenau through the founding of The Mary J. Drexel Home was more than a building to house older men and women. His prime concern was to provide for their intellectual, spiritual and physical needs in an environment of family and togetherness while recognizing that the independence of an individual shall remain an indisputable privilege.

For over 110 years the administration and staff of The Mary J. Drexel Home have dedicated themselves to creating a sense of belonging and family for each resident.