Our History
Since our founding in 1881, Concordia Lutheran Ministries has answered a simple Christian calling: to care for those in need.
One family’s act of compassion has grown into a faith-based organization serving tens of thousands of people each year through senior living, health care and home and community services. Through generations of change and growth, our commitment to serving God by serving others has remained at the heart of Concordia.
Interested in Concordia’s history?
We’re here to help.
Whether you’re researching a family member, looking for information about someone who once lived at Concordia at Cabot in its early days, interested in our archives or would like a free copy of our history book, We Put Our Faith in Caring, send us a request below.
Where Our Story Began
One Act of Compassion
Concordia’s story began on a small farm in Cabot, Pennsylvania.
In 1881, Christian and Margaretha Oertel opened their home to two orphaned sisters in need of a place to live. Their act of Christian compassion and later donation of their farmland inspired local Lutheran pastors to establish the Evangelical Lutheran Concordia Home for Orphans and the Aged.
From its earliest days, Concordia served people at opposite ends of life: children without homes and older adults who needed care. The organization grew from a commitment not simply to provide shelter, but to serve others in a Christian environment with compassion, dignity and love.
That calling would shape everything that followed.
More Than 140 Years of Caring
Our History at a Glance
1881 – Concordia Is Founded
Christian and Margaretha Oertel’s care for two orphaned sisters inspires the founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Concordia Home for Orphans and the Aged in Cabot, Pennsylvania.
Late 1800s and Early 1900s – A Home for Children and Older Adults
Concordia’s ministry grows as generations of children and older adults find a home, care and Christian community in Cabot.
1958 – A New Chapter
After caring for more than 1,000 children over the course of its history, Concordia’s orphanage closes as society’s approach to caring for children changes. Concordia’s ministry increasingly focuses on the needs of older adults.
1962 – 2008 Concordia at Cabot Campus Established
Concordia at Cabot, our headquarters, saw significant growth throughout the decades and is now comprised of the Oertel Care Center, Lund Care Center and three Haven Retirement Living Apartment buildings.
1997 – Concordia Home and Community Services Begin
Concordia launches ConcordiaCare to provide home care services in the community, laying the foundation for Concordia Visiting Nurses and the broader Home and Community Services network.
2003 – First Acquisitions
Concordia at Ridgewood Place and Concordia at the Orchard join the Concordia family, Concordia’s first acquisitions outside its Cabot campus.
2004 – Concordia at Rebecca Residence and Good Samaritan Hospice
Concordia at Rebecca Residence and Good Samaritan Hospice join the Concordia family.
2007 – Expanding Our Mission Work
Angel Tear Fund established to support domestic and international missions.
2008 – Concordia Medical Equipment
Concordia Medical Equipment joins the Concordia family.
2009 – Concordia of the South Hills
Concordia of the South Hills joins the Concordia family.
2011 – Concordia of Cranberry and Concordia of Fox Chapel
Concordia of Cranberry and Concordia of Fox Chapel join the Concordia family.
2012 – Concordia of Franklin Park and Concordia at Sumner
Concordia of Franklin Park joins the Concordia family and Concordia at Sumner in Copley, Ohio, becomes Concordia’s first location outside Pennsylvania.
2014 – Concordia of Monroeville
Concordia of Monroeville joins the Concordia family.
2015 – Harmony Physical Rehabilitation
Harmony Physical Rehabilitation opens on the Concordia of Monroeville campus.
2016 – Concordia Hospice of Washington
Concordia forms Concordia Hospice of Washington with what is now UPMC Washington.
2017 – Highpointe at Rebecca
Highpointe at Rebecca opens on the Concordia at Rebecca Residence campus.
2018 – Concordia at Villa St. Joseph
Concordia at Villa St. Joseph joins the Concordia family.
2021 – Concordia-IRMC VNA
Concordia forms the home health and hospice agency Concordia-IRMC VNA with Indiana Regional Medical Center.
2023 – Concordia at Bethlen and Concordia Home Health and Hospice of Bethlen
Concordia at Bethlen and Concordia Home Health and Hospice of Bethlen join the Concordia family.
2024 – Concordia of Bridgeville and Concordia at Weatherwood
Concordia of Bridgeville and Concordia at Weatherwood join the Concordia family.
2026 – Concordia Expands Across Pennsylvania
Concordia acquires three single-site locations, Concordia at Arbutus Park, Concordia at Kennedy and Concordia at RP Home, as well as SpiriTrust Lutheran Communities, which is comprised of six communities: Concordia at SpiriTrust Gettysburg, Concordia at SpiriTrust Kelly Drive, Concordia at SpiriTrust Luther Ridge, Concordia at SpiriTrust Shrewsbury, Concordia at SpiriTrust Sprenkle Drive and Concordia at SpiriTrust Utz Terrace.
Today – The Mission Continues
From one small farm to a network of senior living communities and home and community services, Concordia now serves more than 50,000 people each year. Our services span retirement living, personal care and assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, home health, hospice, outpatient rehabilitation, adult day services, medical equipment and more.
Through every generation, our purpose remains rooted in serving the Triune God by providing for the needs of His people.
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Looking for Someone Who Lived at Concordia?
For more than a century, thousands of people have called Concordia home. Today, descendants, relatives and researchers continue to contact us looking for information about former residents and children who lived at Concordia in its earliest days.
Our historical records may include names, dates and other information that can help tell their stories.
If you’re researching an ancestor or another individual with a connection to Concordia, submit a history request. The more information you can provide – such as the person’s full name, approximate dates and known family connections – the better we may be able to assist.
Notice: The information available varies considerably by individual and time period. Submission of a request does not guarantee that records are available.
Read the Concordia Story
We Put Our Faith in Caring
Want to learn more?
Concordia’s history book, We Put Our Faith in Caring, tells the story of the people, faith and events that shaped Concordia from its beginnings in 1881 through generations of growth and change.
Copies are available free of charge upon request.
