Our First Building

The First Groundbreaking – July 17, 1924 – 7:00am

Beacon Haven was originally incorporated in 1922 as Star of Bethlehem Home in Minnesota to serve those who rely on Christian Science for healing. Groundbreaking for its first facility providing Christian Science nursing care commenced at 7AM on Thursday, July 17, 1924.

Participants at a celebration in August 1924, one month after the groundbreaking for Star of Bethlehem Home on July 17, 1924.

After first considering a site overlooking Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis, MN, the Star of Bethlehem Board of Trustees acquired a 12-acre property known as the McCarty residence on Fern Hill, St Louis Park, Minnesota for its first facility.

In the 1920s, this site overlooked Calhoun and Cedar Lakes and Lake of the Isles, about a half mile from the Minneapolis city limits. Located on Minnetonka Boulevard, the location contains 12 acres situated on a high rise of ground that overlooks beautiful surrounding country and lakes, and the city of Minneapolis in the distance.

The light of the summer morning was still soft and beautiful when Miss Thompson met with the Trustees, two of the construction engineers, and one of the architects to break ground for the Star of Bethlehem Home building.

After the Shepherd hymn (Hymn 304) had been sung, Miss Thompson read the following selections from the Bible and Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy: Matthew 2:1-11 and Miscellaneous Writings 320:4-18. These readings were followed by a silent prayer and the audible repetition of the Daily Prayer from The Manual of The Mother Church.

Then Miss Thompson took the shovel, presented by Mr. McCosker (husband of one of the Trustees), and turned the first sod as the beginning of the erection of the new Home, -saying, “May it fulfill our Leader’s wish.”

Abigail Dyer Thompson is the first to break ground at the July 1924 ceremony for the start of construction for Star of Bethlehem Home.

“Sweeter than the balm of Gilead, richer than the diamonds of Golconda, dear as the friendship of those we love, are justice, fraternity, and Christian charity. The song of my soul must remain so long as I remain. Let brotherly love continue.”
Miscellany 175:22

The building to be constructed was designed by architect Frederick Mann, founder of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota. The design was in the American Colonial style. Sited atop Fern Hill, the building was set back 100 feet back from Minnetonka Boulevard and at the time was a prominent sight on the north side of the street, being easily visible to any drivers heading east or west as well as to any riders on the streetcars that traveled the route in those years. The Manhattan Park streetcar stop was located nearby at the intersection of Minnetonka Boulevard and Monterey Avenue, with a small brick waiting pavilion on the north side of the street.

Miss Thompson and other trustees of Star of Bethlehem at the Star of Bethlehem Home groundbreaking celebration in July 1924.

Coverage in the leading newspaper of the time, The Minneapolis Tribune, reported on July 6, 1924 that the original design for Star of Bethlehem Home would have accommodation for 12 guests. At the time of the groundbreaking, total cost of this first facility was expected to be $75,000. By the time the building opened three years later, the cost of construction would have nearly doubled.

Original Trustees for Star of Bethlehem Home at time of incorporation in 1922.

Miss Abigail Dyer Thompson, Mrs. Alta M. Harrison, Mrs. May H. Bratnober, Mrs. Grace V. McCosker, Mr. John E. Fritschie, and Mr. Henry Deutsch

Trustees for Star of Bethlehem Home at time of groundbreaking in July, 1924.

Miss Abigail Dyer Thompson (President), Mr. Charles H. Dennison (Secretary), Mr. Henry Deutsch, (Treasurer), Mrs. Grace V. McCosker, Mrs. Louise W. Chapman, Mrs. May Bratnober, and Mr. John E. Fritschie.

Views of the McCarty farm and residence site of Star of Bethlehem Home in July 1924 before construction of the home begins.