Pastor Ken Smith moved into his spacious two-bedroom apartment in August 2016 after a yearlong search for the right community. A native Philadelphian, the Lawndale Building resident, 80, grew up in the Tacony and Mayfair sections of Philadelphia and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. But, after three decades living in his suburban Rockledge, Montgomery County home while he served the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School on Cottman Avenue as Senior Pastor, he knew it was time for a change.
“I investigated several other suburban communities, but so many of my parishioners and their families raved about this place, in particular,” says the retired pastor. “I just kept coming back to PPH.”
Two months after settling into his new home, Pastor Ken suffered a stroke that rendered him so weak, he required nearly two months of physical rehabilitation in Pathways. And while he gives much of the credit for his full recovery to his dedicated and compassionate physical and occupational therapists there, especially Miss Jennifer and Miss Olga, he is quick to acknowledge his stroke’s ironic timing.
“Providence,” says Pastor Ken. “God works in our lives to ensure we’re exactly where we need to be. Who knows what might have happened, had I still been living alone in my home at the time of my stroke?”
A bright future at PPH
Fast forward to today, and Pastor Ken lives a fulfilling and robust life thanks to the ease, convenience and access to amenities at PPH. The lifelong history buff and antique collector even works hand-in-hand with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and his alma mater, Shippensburg University, to contribute to historical projects. His days are free to pursue his passions, without the worry of home ownership and the endless upkeep of a property.
This year, as Pastor Ken continued to settle in, he decided to join the Heritage Society. Inspired by PPH’s best-in-class staff, and wishing to protect the futures of residents for years to come, Pastor Ken worked hand-in-hand with the Fund Development Department to establish an annuity that both worked for his lifestyle and also enabled him to give back to the community that has become his home.
As he reflects on his rich, faith-filled life and his time so far at PPH, Pastor Smith stops to think, and then smiles. “I have had – and continue to have – a wonderful life, and I’m blessed to reside in what I consider a blue ribbon in the industry.” He continues, “I tell all my friends that I have one foot in heaven already, but my other foot is in PPH and I love it.”
To learn more about The Heritage Society or to inquire about joining, or to learn about the other ways to contribute to the PPH legacy, please contact the Fund Development Department at 215-697-8586.