In The Beginning

In 1922, the members of the Men’s Brotherhood of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Los Angeles, led by A. Larson, Sr., were motivated by their concern for “Good Old Folks” with no money and nowhere to go.  Insurance statistics cited at the time stated that 82 out of 100 men died in poverty.  There was no safety net; Social Security was not adopted until 1935, and few company pensions were offered.  The complete care of those who came to reside at Solheim was part of the original vision and early reality of the place, including charitable care if need be.

The appeal came to “join in such an Undertaking of Blessed Charity…Come help us build a cozy Christian Home in which to rest when the sun goeth down.”  The appeal was so successful that within a year, a house was selected. By-Laws were passed on November 11, 1923, to establish “The Norwegian Lutheran Society for the Aged.”  By spring of 1924, the house was dedicated, and the name was changed to Solheim Lutheran Home. 

Source: “Solheim Lutheran Home, Its Life and Times, 1923-1996” by Elizabeth Batchelder and Joyce Dohlin, 1996