History of the Flat Rock Children's Home

In March 1864 the "Christliche Botschafter" carried an article written by Rev. L. Scheuerman, pastor of the Fremont Mission, who was a fiery orator. In this moving and inspiring message, he pleaded with the people of the Church to interest themselves in the cause of the orphans of the Church and perhaps donate land to this cause. As a result, George Weiker and wife, Susan, of Bellevue, Ohio, gave farm land in Sandusky County, and another farm in Michigan toward the establishment of an Orphan's Home.

In May 1865, a session of the Ohio Conference at Carey took the first steps toward establishing such an institution. A committee was appointed to look over these lands and report their findings to the conference. This committee composed of John Orwig and George Weiker of Bellevue, John Stull, L. Scheuerman and Lorenz Huber, was taken by Mr. Mook to the Weiker farm to view the possibilities as a future location of the orphanage. They decided to rent the farm for a year until further plans could be made. Later, a building was a purchased in Tiffin, Ohio, and in July 1866, the Home was opened with eight children. Soon four more from Pittsburgh were added.

Rev. J. G. Zinser and wife were chosen to be the first Superintendent and Matron in charge. Teacher Anna Eversole was engaged at the rate of $3.00 per week and Matron Christena Endel at the rate of $2.00 per week. It wasn't long before a seamstress was needed. Rev. Pfeiffer of Perrysburg, having quite a family of daughters, was called upon for help. His eighteen year old daughter, Minnie was selected for the job. Her first task was making suits for the boys. Her assistant was a little boy, Elijah Crouse, who sewed on the buttons. Miss Pfeiffer later became the wife of Rev. W. H. Hammer, son of the second Superintendent of the Home, Rev. Carl Hammer.

With the rapid increase of orphans, the building in Tiffin no longer provided adequate space. It was felt that the city was not suited for an institution. It was apparent a farm would be helpful in providing food in addition to providing training for the children. In 1867, a farm of 170 acres was purchased near Flat Rock, Ohio, twenty miles from Tiffin. This farm was paid for, in part, from proceeds of the land sold in Sandusky County, which had been donated by Mr. & Mrs. George Weiker, of Bellevue, Ohio.

A two story brick building 50' by 85' was built in 1868, at the cost of $12,000. The new home was dedicated the first Sunday in May, 1868, with the new Superintendent, Rev. Carl Hammer conducting the dedicatory services. The Home was to be known as the Ebenezer Orphan Institute of the Evangelical Association, dedicated to "God, Benevolence, Education and Charity."

In general there was much interest in the Home throughout the Church. Orphan Aid Societies were formed. In time, the Home was placed on a firm financial basis. Through farm-income, as well as liberal contributions, the building was enlarged and improvements made from time to time. Additional land was donated and some large parcels of good farm land were purchased. The Ebenezer Church, a two story brick structure, was built just over 1,000 feet from the Home; and dedicated in November, 1871. All services were conducted in English, but occasionally, at prayer meetings, the prayers were offered in German.

With the passing of time, the "Main Building," although well preserved and serviceable for many years to come, was inadequate to house 150 children and workers. Thus, the east wing was added in 1873, but, all too soon that was overcrowded. So, under Daniel Strawman, in 1888 the third story with hip roof, tower and bell was added. The girls were housed in the four front rooms on the third floor, and the boys in the four rear rooms. This meant 65 girls slept in four rooms--three and four beds in a row, sometimes four or five occupying one bed. Space in the boys' quarters was even more congested. In May, 1912, the Girls' Cottage was dedicated. (Now known as Bishop Horn building) The dedication was attended by Mrs. Hammer and Rev. Wm. Yost, both of whom had been present at the first dedication of the Main buildings in 1868.

In 1921, two new Boys' Cottages (now known as Oak Manor and Buckeye Manor) and the School Building (now known as Newby Building) were erected and dedicated. Land was added to the original 170 acres making a 500 acre farm. A large herd of registered Holstein cattle was maintained. A milking parlor, dairy barn and two harvesters were erected. Not only did the farm contribute good working habits and knowledge of animal husbandry to the boys, but the dining room, kitchen and laundry taught the girls to learn the best in Home Economics.

Flat Rock Children's Home in its' various forms served for most of its' history as the national orphanage for the Evangelical Association and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Dr. James Nelson, a well-known historian of the EUB denomination, reminded us that while living in Kansas as a child he remembered gathering pennies from the children of the Sunday School to send to the orphans at Flat Rock.

In 1968, Flat Rock Homes became affiliated with the East Ohio Conference, United Methodist Church, following a merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church. That relationship between Flat Rock Homes and Care Center and The United Methodist Church is now defined as "being in a covenant relationship with the East Ohio Conference, United Methodist Church." Flat Rock Homes, Flat Rock Care Center, and Flat Rock Community Services continue to be members of the United Methodist Association (UMA) which serves as the accreditation source for the United Methodist Church's Health and Welfare Agencies.

Following a severe blizzard in the winter of 1978 which destroyed the main building on the campus of Flat Rock Children's Home, the focus of Flat Rock's ministry transitioned from an orphanage to service to children who are mentally retarded/developmentally disabled(MR/DD) Dr. Donald Bable, the new President/CEO of Flat Rock Children's Home and Mr. Ralph Newby, President of the Board of Trustees, worked closely with Bishop James S. Thomas, presiding Bishop of the East Ohio Conference, to lead the Flat Rock Children's Home through this critical time in history.

During the post-blizzard period, some suggested the closing of the agency and the end to its' long history for the sake of children and families. However, the visionary leaders of the church felt certain that God's work with children who were overlooked in our society should be continued at Flat Rock. Out of that challenge point and the faith commitment which led the leadership came the form of the ministry which continues today to desperate families seeking treatment for their children. Most of those served today are challenged in multiple of ways with MR/DD being their primary diagnosis and physical, emotional and psychological diagnoses as secondary diagnoses. Flat Rock Care Center provides a unique ministry is to children with MR/DD and severe aggression, who are mobile and active. Parents from across the state of Ohio come seeking service for their children.

Until 2004, the children served by Flat Rock lived in five houses on the 500 acre campus. No longer able to work the farm due to their functioning level, the individuals served are given every opportunity to function as fully as their developmental disabilities will allow. Thirty-four individuals live on campus. Twenty-six are children and adolescents. Eight adults who are not yet ready to function in the community live on campus also. All are placed for residential service and therapeutic treatment through the County Board of Mental Retardation in the county where their parents/guardians live.

In 1992 the Flat Rock Community Services Program was born when one of the residents who had lived on our campus for over 10 years was ready to transition into the community. In collaboration with Seneca County , Flat Rock Homes provided funds to move this resident into the community of Tiffin. Staff were hired to provide services to support him in this setting.

Once again, in response to the pressing need, Flat Rock's ministry was expanded to additional counties and additional adult persons with MR/DD. By January, 2005 the Community Services program was serving 46 adults in community settings under the direction of the Director of Community Services, Mr. Jason Grant and the administrative staff of Flat Rock Homes. This program continues to serve adults living in group homes.

In November, 2001 another critical moment in the history of the agency, then known as Flat Rock Homes and Care Center, was faced. The buildings which had been built in the early 1900's and before were rapidly deteriorating. Their many steps, large rooms and dormitory style bedrooms and showers were no longer feasible settings for the ministry being done within them. Knowing that the physical structures on the campus were becoming less and less suitable for the children being served and their multiple handicaps, the Board of Directors of Flat Rock Homes and Care Center, under the leadership of Board President, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ehrman, and with the leadership of the new President/CEO, made the decision to move forward with a building project that would replace all existing buildings on the campus.

Strategic plans had been developed for a rebuilding of the campus during the 22 year tenure of Dr. Don Bable, but funds were not available at that time. During the three-year tenure (1998-2001) of Ms. Jacquie Talbott, Esq. as President/CEO a new strategic planning process was begun. Under Rev. Hull's leadership a Building Committee was named, architects (Martell and Associates, Toledo ) and an Owner's Representative, Mr. Ed Downey (Chesterland, Ohio) were hired to begin the planning and implementation for the project. The Building Committee of the Board included Board members Mr. Harry Askin , Mr. Tim Cullen, Mr. Dan Jones, and Mr. Joe McDonald. Staff members included Rev. Nancy S. Hull, (President/CEO), Richard Peitz, (Vice-President for Operations), Rebecca Brandt (Program Director), and Gail Kerlin (Administrative Assistant to Pres/CEO), Tim Thompson, (Maintenance Director).

Janotta and Herner Inc. of Monroeville were contracted as the Design/Build Construction firm for the project and in October, 2002 ground was broken.

At the same time a Capital Campaign Committee consisting of Dr, Kenneth Ehrman, Board Chairperson, Board Members and lay volunteers was created. This Committee was chaired by Mr. James Ehrman, a lawyer from Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. William McFadden was hired as the Capital Campaign counsel. In addition to Board members Mel Miller, Stan Manbeck, Harry Askin, Joe McDonald, Dan Jones, Leslie Stoneham, and Mickey Muffett. Other volunteers included Mr. Ernie Sheetz, Mr. David Douglass , Ms. Jan Harlamert, Dr. Donald Bable, Dr. Phil Gillis, and others. A capital campaign to raise $2.3 million dollars was commenced in January, 2002. Flat Rock was also able to take advantage of state and federal funds that were available to complete the funding for the project. Ground-breaking celebration was held in October, 2002 for the new facility.

The new $6.2 Million replaces all five of the existing living areas which had housed the ministry, as well as replacing the Newby and Bishop Horn administrative areas.

Construction of the new 50,000 square foot facility which is entirely handicap accessible took 18 months. The first gathering in the new building took place in October, 2003 when former residents of the orphanage returned for a Homecoming in the yet to be completed gymnasium on a chilly Saturday afternoon. This event honored the heritage and history of Flat Rock Children's Home even as the vision for the future began to emerge. This great reunion of children who had been family to each other during their years at Flat Rock, inspired all who currently are in ministry at Flat Rock. There were many hugs, tears and stories that day.

Administrative staff moved into the new building on February 26, 2004 and residents were moved into their new homes on May 19, 2004 after all Licensure and regulatory agency requirements were met.

A Consecration Service for the new facility was held on April 17, 2004 with over 550 persons in attendance in the new gymnasium from across the state. Bishop Jonathan Keaton presided. Dr. Lance Herrick, from the Wisconsin Conference, represented the United Methodist Association. Dr. Kenneth Ehrman was also on the program. Rev. Nancy S. Hull preached.

The new Flat Rock Care Center facility consists of 6 individual homes which are connected by an inner hallway to nursing, dietary, a Therapeutic Center and gymnasium, and a new Administration Center. It is a state of the art facility for the treatment of children with serious mental challenges and physical aggression. Flat Rock has poised itself for ministry for the next 100 years.

Today those who grew up on the Flat Rock campus still return to visit and to remember the unique ministry that gave them hope and allowed children to become productive adults. Flat Rock's ministry continues to grow out of concern for vulnerable children and adolescents. Just as in the days of the orphanage, staff continue to be drawn from those persons who are motivated by faith to serve God's special children.