The Beginning
The tradition of caring began when Dr. Ezra and Mrs. Seiber, an optometrist and his wife, started a Mission in a store front at 207-209 Coral Street. Early on, Dr. Seiber realized that more could be done, and so he searched for a more central location. William P. Jackson, a born again Christian, offered his Ice Cream Garden at 116 N. Queen Street for worship services. People continued to pack the services, and in two years the Mission moved to the Zahm building on the corner of Penn Square.
Rev. Paul G Hayes became the Mission’s first official superintendent in 1915 and led the Mission through some definitive steps as the ministry established its permanent identity. Shortly thereafter, a building was purchased at 18-20 Water Street -- hence the name Water Street Rescue Mission. The Mission was incorporated and chartered on April 11, 1917.
A Period of Growth
More growth prompted the Mission to buy another property at 214-216 W. King Street. In 1953, the Mission purchased the "old cotton mill" complex at 210-230 South Prince Street, its current location. Over the years, continued conversion of these facilities has made the complex ideal for rescue mission work. In 1987, after its first "Capital Campaign", the Mission renovated one building and constructed another to increase space for housing men, women, and children and create a large modern kitchen and dining room. In 1995, renovations were completed on the chapel building to make room for offices. At the same time a former convenience store located at the end of the block was purchased and converted into a food and clothing outreach distribution center.
Reaching more Teens
In 1998, the 30+ year-old ministry of Teen Haven merged with Water Street Rescue Mission to expand its youth division. Today, Teen Haven serves urban youth, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, at youth centers in Lancaster, York and Philadelphia, and at their camp in Southern York County.
Expanding Boundaries to Rescue Lives
Another capital campaign from 2002 to 2006 led to the renovations of several buildings at the Lancaster campus. After completing renovations in early 2007, the changes included an expanded Learning and Career Center and Water Street Health Services; a renovated men's dormitory; and the addition of a Family Shelter.
This capital campaign also allowed for the purchase of Lydia Center, a 152-acre property housing the women’s long-term recovery program.
New Season in Mission Life
With the partnership of the generous community, the Water Street Rescue Mission has grown in response to the needs in our community over the last 20 years. We expanded services deepening our community impact to include youth, health, recovery, and early learning programs. Therefore, in order to clearly define our focus and community services, the historical name of Water Street Rescue Mission changed in March 2009 to Water Street Ministries. The ministry divisions, which include Teen Haven, Water Street Mission, Wonder Club Early Learning Centers, Water Street Health Services, and Lydia Center, serve a common purpose as agents of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing in the lives of people. The vision of Water Street Ministries is to create healing communities where lives are transformed.
Water Street Ministries Purpose Statement
Since 1917 our purpose: To advance the kingdom of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ and to do missionary, relief, and rescue work of all kinds.