About
History of fernecrest
The property of Fernecrest holds rich history as the former farm owned by the Hetrick family since the 1940s. The matriarch of the family, Ferne Hetrick—Fernecrest’s namesake—her husband, Horace, and their two sons, Bruce and Homer, long lived in the three-story stone and white clapboard farmhouse that overlooked the acres of land. The land was used to harvest crops, and also housed a wide array of animals, including chickens, sheep, Shetland ponies, and most notably, peacocks.
Today, homage to the farm and the Hetrick family is not only seen in our name, but furthermore in the wood beams—reclaimed from the family barn—that add visual interest and a piece of history to the on-campus restaurant, and countless other tasteful touches that blend the old and new. Through these purposeful elements, and a shared appreciation for the tranquility of nature, the land of the Fernecrest community remains a place where history is cherished and memories are made.
About Messiah Lifeways
Messiah Lifeways is a non-profit organization based in Mechanicsburg, PA, that provides a network of services for adults 55 and better living in South Central PA. Our roots trace back to 1896, when the Brethren in Christ Church founded Messiah Home in Harrisburg, PA to serve older adults with Christ-like love.
From the beginning, Messiah Lifeways has been dedicated to transforming the narrative around aging.
We, as an organization and as a community, see the journey of aging a time to live with intention, to grow in faith, and to experience life in meaningful and fulfilling ways.
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