Good Samaritan Society - About the Society

A Brief History

Good Samaritan began in Arthur, North Dakota in 1922. It began in response both to human need and God's abundant provision.

A young boy, Christian, who lived in the area had polio. The nearest treatment available was in St. Louis. Several Lutheran pastors sent out a plea to their parishioners to send in two pennies to help pay for Christian's trip to St. Louis and his treatment there. The pennies came pouring in, enough to take care of Christian with $2000 left over. With that extra money the pastors decided to begin a place-a Christian home-that could care for crippled children and others in need. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society was born.

One of the Lutheran pastors, Rev. August Hoeger, became the president and driving force behind Good Samaritan for the next 50 years. This work of caring for people in need in a Christian setting grew first of all in Arthur, and then began to spread to other communities around the country. People would hear of Good Samaritan and invite Rev. Hoeger to come to their town and build a nursing home there.

Although Good Samaritan continues to grow, seeking new ways and new places to share God's love, it remains true to the vision of those Lutheran pastors-each Good Samaritan Community seeks to be a Christian home where people find meaningful lives and fulfilling work.

The first Good Samaritan Home

The first residents

Rev. August Hoeger

ABOUT \| FIND A COMMUNITY \| SERVICES \| JOB OPPORTUNITIES \| LATEST NEWS \| LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES \| FOUNDATION \| FINANCES \| LINKS \| CONTACT US
© Copyright 2008 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society - All Rights Reserved Privacy \| Internet Privacy
	The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. All faiths or beliefs are welcome.