On November 11, 1959 the Florida Baptist Retirement Center was chartered as an agency of the Florida Baptist State Convention. The retirement center was started in response to a growing need for a senior ministry.
In April, 1960 Walter and Elvira Buckingham donated their homestead with 23 acres of land in Vero Beach, to the state convention to build the senior ministry. Construction began later that year. In March 1961 phase one of the building was completed and the first residents were received. By 1963 the congregate living facility was completed and construction of the independent cottages had begun.
By 1966 plans were in place to construct a skilled nursing unit. The skilled nursing unit would allow the ministry to enter into a new phase of Kingdom work. In August 1968 the nursing home opened its doors.
Finally, in 1992 the final expansion project was completed. At that time 30 independent living villas and a 17 bed assisted living facility were added.
On March 1st, 2022 Florida Baptist Retirement Center was sold but still offers a complete continuum of care with 42 independent living units, studio and 1 bedroom apartments, a 17 bed assisted living facility and a 24 bed skilled nursing unit.
The history of the community was about providing a secure, enriching and Christian living environment for senior adults where freedom and independence are encouraged with quality care assured at the time and to the degree needed. Today, our mission is to make a difference in the lives of Residents, families & staff by serving daily with compassion first.