Dorothy Love Presbyterian Home was founded in Sidney.

The history of Dorothy Love Presbyterian Home – the first of Ohio Living’s twelve life plan communities, located in Sidney – is rooted in faith, compassion and community.

The story began in the Sarah Kyle Bible Class for Women, part of the First Presbyterian Church in Troy. An elderly member of the class had grown ill and found herself nearly depleted of funds. The other members, concerned about their friend and aware that her choices were limited, petitioned the Dayton Presbytery to establish a home for the aged in central Ohio as a better option for those in similar situations. Other presbyteries were encouraged to join the effort and eventually approached the Synod of Ohio.

One of the ministers who supported this cause was Rev. W. Blake Love, minister of the Sidney Presbyterian Church. He began speaking to his congregation about the importance of meeting this need, encouraging members to find a way to find some way to help.

Rev. Love had a young daughter, Dorothy. She was beloved by many in the congregation, but especially by the Russell family. The little girl had enchanted them all, but especially Moses, who was also a ruling elder in the church. Moses Russell was so charmed by Dorothy’s joy and innocence he determined that, when the time was right, he would sell the bulk of his property to fund her education.

When Dorothy Love was fatally struck by a car in May of 1921, the entire congregation was shaken, but none more than the Russell family. Ruth Ann Emmons, who knew Dorothy and the Russell family well, later said, “When Dorothy was killed, it almost killed the Russells too. They loved their farm and church, but they wanted to remember Dorothy, so they gave away everything and moved off the farm.” Moved with grief, the three Russell siblings donated a 294-acre tract of land to the Synod in Dorothy’s honor. They only proposed one caveat to the project Rev. Love had spoken of so passionately: that the Synod build not only a home for the aged on the donated land, but one for homeless children as well.

The proposal was accepted by the Synod, who began to move forward researching the feasibility of the project. This research showed little need for a home for children but increasing need on behalf of seniors, so with the articles of incorporation, the mission returned to its original scope.

Requests to live in the proposed home began pouring in, so in 1922 a temporary home was purchased in Sidney, with a capacity of 11 residents. And in 1923, the trustees acquired the Orrmont estate near Piqua to accommodate 23 more until construction on the home could be completed.

Ground was broken on Russell Hall, which would be part of the Dorothy Love Retirement Home, on March 24, 1924. Moses Russell had passed two weeks prior to the ceremony, so his sister Elizabeth was invited to turn the first spade of dirt. Instead, she bequeathed the honor to Rev. Love. The cornerstone was laid only a few weeks later, on June 12. Governor A. Victor Donahey gave the keystone address at the ceremony and stated, “The founding of Dorothy Love Presbyterian Home as a result of the goodness of the members of a Bible Class, the tragic death of an innocent girl and the generosity of Moses, Elisabeth and Martha Russell is a wonderful story.”

When Russell Hall was completed in 1925, it contained 20 dormitory rooms, each with built-in dressers and wardrobe closets. There were 35 original residents, and each had a set of appointed tasks each day to assist with running the home.

By 1928, demand had increased such that the Dorothy Love Presbyterian Home presented its case to the Ohio Synod for an endowment and current needs fund of $750,000. This sum allowed them to admit 11 additional residents and reopen the Orrmant home, bringing its capacity up to 69 people.

Each resident deeded to the home whatever property or savings they had, and was paid 4% interest on any amount over the $600 entrance fee. As the home was originally owned by the Synod of Ohio, it was supported largely by contributions from Presbyterian churches. However, during the Depression, it was forced to rely primarily on entrance fees to support operating expenses.

Mrs. Pearl Burress was the first matron of Dorothy Love, a position that eventually transitioned into that of administrator. Rev. Dr. E.H. Montgomery served alongside her as Superintendent, a role he held until his retirement in 1941.