A Tradition of Caring

Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) has a rich history on Chicago's north side. Over the years, CMSS has expanded its community and residential services to include rehabilitative and subacute care, skilled memory support, memory support assisted living, supportive living, home care, home improvement, and low-income housing services for seniors.

Beginning in 1896, Mrs. E.E. Hartwell decided to assist older adults in meeting their housing and health care needs. Driven by her desire to help, Mrs. Hartwell rented a six-room flat in Chicago to provide housing for six elderly women. To further her mission, she received a generous gift from the Methodist Episcopal Church and a local philanthropist named William H. Bush, enabling her to build the original Methodist Home, the precursor to today's Wesley Place. In 1898, the organization known today as Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services was incorporated.

CMSS Timeline

1886 - Home of Mercy (precursor to Covenant Home of Chicago) is established

1896 - Mrs. E.E. Hartwell establishes a home for elderly

1898 - The Methodist Home is established

1901 - The Methodist Home's Bush Hall opens on Foster Avenue

1923 - Swift Hall is added to The Methodist Home

1928 - Home of Mercy is rebuilt as Covenant Home of Chicago

1951 - Miller Hall is added to The Methodist Home

1974 - A new Bush Hall at 1415 W. Foster is dedicated featuring a Medical Center and skilled nursing wing

1990 - Winwood Apartments opens, providing affordable housing to older adults

1994 - Glenwood Apartments opens, offering more affordable housing options for older adults

1997 - Covenant Home of Chicago is rebuilt at 2720 W. Foster Avenue

1997 - Methodist Senior Home Care is established

1997 - Collaboration with White Crane Wellness Center begins

2000 - The Hartwell opens at 5520 N. Paulina Street

2004 - Methodist Senior Home Maintenance is established

2005 - United Methodist Healthcare Recruitment is established

2006 - CMSS begins managing Covenant Home of Chicago, a Covenant Retirement Community

2009 - White Crane Adult Day Wellness Program relocates to Covenant Home of Chicago

2012 - The Methodist Home changes its name to Wesley Place