Learn about the history of our work

When six Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in Richmond on October 13, 1874, their work of caring for the elderly poor was desperately needed due to the poverty and hardships caused by the Civil War. They carried with them the humble yet confident spirit of Saint Jeanne Jugan. Like their foundress, they knew they were coming to do God’s work—to establish a home where they could take in the elderly poor, care for them, feed them, and love them as though they were Christ himself. And more than 143 years later, the same work and loving spirit of Saint Jeanne Jugan is still very much alive here in Virginia!!

MILESTONES

Wednesday, October 13, 1874—Little Sisters arrive in Richmond and establish a Home downtown

According to The Richmond Daily Dispatch, “a little band of six ladies, members of that charitable order known as the ‘Little Sisters of the Poor,’ [arrived] on the 1:30 p.m. train from the North…. They were met at the depot by Bishop Gibbons, who escorted them to their new home [on the corner of Ninth and Marshal Streets.] The house can accommodate about twenty-five besides the Sisters."

March 6, 1877—Bishop Gibbons gives the Little Sisters a larger building, located on Harvie Street in the Fan District

Because the Little Sisters had outgrown that first house, Bishop Gibbons gave them the property, formerly known as “Warsaw," which was bounded by Main, Harvie, Floyd, and Plumb streets in the Fan District of Richmond. Ten days later, on the feast of St. Sophie, construction commenced on an addition on the north side of the property, which would be named St. Sophia’s Home for the Aged.

June 26, 1877—Cornerstone is laid for addition to new building

The Richmond Daily Dispatch reported that the ceremonies for the laying of the cornerstone of the new building of St. Sophia’s “were witnessed by a concourse of spectators numbering several thousand. The Catholic societies participating formed in line at Cathedral Hall at half-past 4 o’clock, and with two bands of music proceeded to ‘Warsaw’ via Marshall, Third, and Franklin streets…. The procession was very long, and attracted much attention along the line of march."

November 28, 1877—Residents move into St. Sophia’s

The Little Sisters began caring for the elderly poor at St. Sophia’s. Over their 99 year history on that property, kind benefactors throughout the Commonwealth helped them enlarge, renovate, and modify the buildings to meet the needs of all they welcomed.

Depression and World War II—Onsite gardens and livestock help provide sustenance

When food was scarce, “the Sisters were able to maintain cows, horses and vegetable gardens at Saint Sophia’s that provided for the needs of the Residents. Since the Residents were often too poor to live on their own, but healthy enough to help with the Sisters’ work, they did as much as they could at home while the Sisters went ‘collecting.’ Thus, it was the Residents who helped to care for these animals and the gardens, in addition to their usual work of caring for the house itself." (Walter S. Griggs, Jr., Richmond Guide, 1999.)

1971—Time for a New Home

When Richmond Fire and Health Departments declared the building at 16 N. Harvie Street, known as St. Sophia’s, to be unsafe, the Little Sisters were given 24 hours to evacuate the infirmary on the second floor. Every available space on the first floor was quickly converted into makeshift dormitories. St. Sophia’s was allowed to remain open on a provisional license until a new home could be built.

November 11, 1971—Purchase of Land

With funds donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dunstan, a 9.5-acre site at the northeast corner of Three Chopt and Michaels Roads near Franklin Farms was purchased for $142,800.

March 19, 1973—Groundbreaking

St. Joseph’s Feast Day - Bishop John J. Russell turned the first shovel of earth at a Groundbreaking Ceremony. Construction was scheduled to begin in July.

April 12, 1973—Acquisition of the Cottage

Mr. Herman F. Blake donated the house on the corner of Michaels and Three Chopt Roads.

June 11-13, 1976—Construction Complete for new Home, located in Henrico County in Richmond’s West End

Members of several Knights of Columbus councils and cadets from Benedictine High School helped move furniture and supplies to the new home.

July 11, 1976—Dedication and Blessing of the Cornerstone

To show their appreciation for the daily interventions by St. Joseph on their behalf, the Little Sisters named its new $5 million Home for him during a dedication service attended by well over 1,000. Bishop Walter F. Sullivan presided at the blessing of the cornerstone.

July 18, 1976—Residents Move into St. Joseph’s Home

Residents of the old St. Sophia’s Home move to their new St. Joseph’s Home.

July 2001 – Groundbreaking and Construction Begins For New Independent Living Apartments

To meet the changing needs of the elderly, the Little Sisters expanded their services to include an Independent Living level of care. Construction began on a new 24-unit, handicap-accessible apartment building

July 2002 – Construction Complete on Independent Living Apartments

The first Residents begin moving into Independent Living addition.

September 15, 2002—Dedication and Blessing of the Cornerstone

The Little Sisters named their new Independent Living apartment building Jeanne Jugan Pavilion. Bishop Walter F. Sullivan presided at the blessing of the cornerstone and dedication ceremony.