Water Street Mission history

Ford introduces the Model-T in 1908.

In 1916, the small group grew and began meeting the needs of the homeless and hungry in Lancaster, with the opening of temporary shelter for families.

While operating a Mission on Water St a men’s dormitory was established on W. King Street in 1921.

The United States Alcoholics Anonymous is founded in 1935.

The Mission began handing out baskets of food and other supplies to local families living in poverty in the city, and the first Christmas Dinner was served in 1937.

Car seat belts introduced in 1952.

In 1953, the Mission purchased The Conestoga Cotton Mill at 210 South Prince Street.

NASA is founded in 1958.

By April 1962, the renovated cotton mill was dedicated as Water Street Rescue Mission.

Computer floppy disks are introduced in 1970.

During the 70’s the Mission letterhead held the tagline, “Preaching the Gospel, Feeding the Hungry, Sheltering the Homeless and Feeding the Needy.” In 1975 the mission celebrated 70 years of serving the homeless and the hungry in Lancaster County.

In 1981 the Mission provided shelter to a girl for the first time in decades.

Wreck of the Titanic found in 1985.

In 1993, the Mission opened a free medical clinic on campus, under the direction of Doctor Charles “Chip” Mershon, for people living in extreme poverty.

In 2002 Water Street opened the Lydia Center in Wrightsville, PA to provide a recovery program for women.

Then in May 2003, the Mission opened the city’s first dental clinic for low-income residents.