Residents, family members, and staff of Baptist Retirement Community came together to celebrate the senior living community’s 70th anniversary. The party included lunch, live entertainment and tours of the historic campus and its recently renovated Henley-Mabee High Rise.
 
“Being able to celebrate 70 years of serving senior adults in San Angelo is even more special after last year,” said Aaron Hargett, who has served as the community’s executive director since 2017. “We overcame so much together, and we did it through faith, compassion and perseverance.”

Residents of Baptist Retirement Community celebrate its 70th anniversary. With the updated CDC guidance, Buckner senior living communities allow fully vaccinated residents to go without masks. 

Baptist Retirement Community began during an epidemic

Baptist Retirement Community opened its doors in 1951 as the Baptist Memorials Geriatric Hospital. Hargett said the hospital was founded to serve those suffering from tuberculosis, a disease that was considered an epidemic in the 19th century. 

The hospital transitioned to senior residential living in the 50s and 60s, and in 2010, Baptist Retirement Community became affiliated with Buckner Retirement Services.

Today, Baptist Retirement Community is home to more than 500 senior adults in its independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing residences and helping residents navigate through another medical crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Residents of Baptist Retirement Community were able to gather with family and staff to celebrate the senior community's 70th anniversary. With the updated CDC guidance, Buckner senior living communities allow fully vaccinated residents to go without masks. 

The senior living community continues to serve seniors 

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available, relief is starting to come, causing even more celebration during the 70th anniversary festivities. With the updated CDC guidance, Buckner senior living communities allow fully vaccinated residents to go without masks. 
  
“I like to think of today’s party as a reawakening for Baptist Retirement Community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our history and our future and to finally showcase the beautiful renovations made to the campus, especially our high-rise,” said Hargett.
 
Last year, Baptist Retirement Community completed renovations on 21,000-square feet of amenity spaces within the Henley-Mabee High Rise, part of the community’s $8.4 million renovation project. The renovation transformed the building’s main lobby and dining spaces to improve efficiencies, enhance wayfinding and create elevated environments where residents can socialize and connect. 

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