The History of Virginia Baptist Homes

A calling by God led Pastor James Thomas Edwards of Culpeper Baptist Church to conceive a vision of creating a Christ-centered home to care for aging adults. 

Dr. Edwards' dream was realized in 1945 when the Baptist General Association of Virginia voted to create a new ministry and open a home to care for seniors. Three years later, the first of four retirement communities opened its doors in Culpeper, Virginia.

This home, albeit a temporary location, represented the keystone for Virginia Baptist Homes' benevolent ministry and set the standard for outstanding care, programs and services for seniors. In 1951, the beautiful Georgian building that today is called Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community was opened under Dr. Edwards' direction.

Word spread quickly throughout Virginia about the exceptional care provided by this ministry. The attention and devotion residents received were second to none. Pastor Edwards' vision of creating a faith-based ministry for senior adults had come to life.

Today, Virginia Baptist Homes operates four exceptional communities that welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. In addition to Culpeper, continuing care retirement communities are located in Newport News, Richmond, and Roanoke, Virginia. While each Virginia Baptist Homes community has a unique setting and features, all share the steadfast mission of providing "Dignity in Living."

During a time in life when seniors may find themselves without a caring support system, residents of Virginia Baptist Homes' continuing care communities have their bodies, minds, and spirits nourished through quality care, faithful service, and the ideals of family.

For this reason, Virginia Baptist Homes is now a recognized leader among retirement community operators for its dedication to quality care, programming and service to seniors.