Presbyterian Childrens Home of the Highlands
    • Mission Statement
    • Our Core Values
    • PCHH History
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • PCHH FAQ
    • Life Skills
    • Faith Development
    • Residential Services
    • Admissions
    • Admissions Packet
    • Pray for Us
    • Immediate Needs
    • Financial Support
    • In-kind Gifts & Services
    • New Dawn Society
    • PCHH Church Covenant
    • Employment Opportunities
    • From Our Children
    • Email Signup
    • Newsletters
    • PCHH Alumni
    • Contact By Email
    • Mailing Address
    • Driving Directions




History

In The Beginning…

The Children’s Home of Highlands Presbytery was first envisioned and organized by Dr. George H. Gilmer, Superintendent of Home Missions of Abingdon Presbytery in the early 1900’s. The Girls’ Industrial School was opened September 3, 1919 under the direction of Miss Charlotte Webb at Foster Falls. A large brick building, originally built as a summer resort hotel for the mining officials, served the Girls’ Industrial School for many years.

Mission Expanded…

In the early 1930’s, it was decided to include boys in the program so that families would not have to be separated and so the Girls’ Industrial School became the Children’s Home of Abingdon Presbytery. The boys and girls attended public schools in Wythe County and worshipped at the Galena Presbyterian Church at Max Meadows. In September, 1939, one floor of the main building was destroyed by fire. This was a terrific financial blow to the Home and only because of the sacrificial gifts from laymen in the area was the institution saved at this time. The necessary funds were secured, the building restored and the Home continued at Foster Falls until the 1960’s.

In the late 1950’s, the Board determined that the buildings were deteriorated beyond remodeling. The home was located several miles from shopping and medical services and it was felt that relocation in a larger community would enable more participation in school and community activities. After consultation with Group Child Care Consultant Services of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the Board was convinced that relocation was the most practical course. Funds were raised to purchase the 89-acre Green Meadows Farm on the southwest edge of Wytheville.

Moved to Wytheville…

We moved to our current campus in 1962 and continue our mission of “Giving Children’s Hope and Purpose for the Future” as we reach out to help children and families in need.

  • 1919 Home began at Foster Falls as a Refining School for Girls
  • 1930’s Changed from school to Children’s Home for both girls and boys
  • 1939 Main Building Burned at Foster Falls 1962 Moved Children’s Home to Wytheville Campus
  • 1964 Expanded Program to include another cottage and Administration Building
  • 1967 Built Eckman Chapel 1974 Built Manse 1992 Began On-Campus School Program
  • 1993 Built Lamb Center
  • 1994 Celebrated 75th Anniversary
  • 1998 Purchased the former Family Resource Building (which was built on our campus)
  • 2000 Partnered with Minnick School Program for our campus 2003 Fire in Gilmer Cottage — rebuilt same year
  • 2003 McGavock Center built for educational, recreational and food services programs
  • 2004 Launched New Dawn Society Program
  • 2009 90th Anniversary of PCHH of the Highlands
  • 2009 Launched Church Covenant and Guardian Angel Programs

The Home has suffered its share of hurdles over the years, but the love and passion to help our children who have been abused and neglected has never waivered. Over the years, PCHH has been blessed with dedicated staff, board of directors and donors. We count our blessings daily as we continue to provide the best care possible to the children God has entrusted to us.


  • © 2009 Presbyterian Childrens Home of the Highlands