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When ground was broken  40 years ago for the Point Pleasant Heights senior living community March 25, 1986, the Rev. A. B. Walfrid, who was Point Pleasant’s first resident, said, “We’re hoping to find genuine fellowship—social, physical and spiritual—that will glow and grow and last forever.” 

Those words would prove prophetic. 

Walfrid’s vision of “genuine social, physical and spiritual fellowship” was clearly apparent at Ecumen Point Pleasant’s 40th anniversary celebration Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Chisago City.

The brilliant sun beaming down on the outdoor event couldn’t outshine the smiles, laughter, and camaraderie that rose from the residents and visitors attending. More than a nice party, the gathering demonstrated the facility’s success in achieving the people-focused approach to aging with dignity, that was envisioned when ground was broken. 

Former Parmly/Point Pleasant administrator Chuck Zimmerman said, “In developing Point Pleasant Heights, we aren’t emphasizing the construction of housing as much as we are emphasizing the creation of a lifestyle for the retiring person.” 

The now well-established  lifestyle generates a sense of belonging through a network of friends, neighbors, family, staff, faith and community. All of those influences were on hand for the  anniversary celebration. 

Residents of Ecumen Point Pleasant townhomes and apartments received anniversary hats and caps as they arrived at the event. They listened for their name to be called for a score of donated door prizes. A series of speakers praised present-day successes and shared stories of the past before refreshments were served.

The history 

In 1920, the land beneath Point Pleasant Heights was to become the Chisago City Municipal Golf Course, promoted as the only golf course between the Twin Cities and the St. Croix River at that time. Golfers paid the greenskeeper 25 cents. The six-hole, sand and greens course provided scenic views of Green Lake and was expanded to nine holes before ceasing to exist in the 1940s.  Ghosts of the old course survive in Point Pleasant’s street names: Fairway Lane, Eagle, Greenway and Ironwood Drive.

The golf course land was acquired by Bethesda Lutheran Homes, predecessor of the Lutheran Board of Social Ministry of the Minnesota Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, the same group which operated  Parmly Nursing Home and nearby Parmly Lakeview Apartments for the elderly. 

In the mid-1980s, a plan to build rental townhomes and apartments for the elderly on the former golf course property took shape. The project was a cooperative effort of the Board of Social Ministry and Chisago County, which facilitated the sale of $990,000 in tax increment financing bonds, to help finance the $8 million Point Pleasant development (more than $24 million in today’s dollars).

It was decided that construction would not begin until a significant number of townhomes and apartments had been reserved in advance. 

On April 3, 1986, the Chisago County Press reported that 13 of 22 townhomes and 34 of 62 apartments had been reserved by the time of the official groundbreaking ceremony on March 25, 1986. The facility opened in 1987.

In 2004, the Lutheran Board of Social Ministry,  changed its name to Ecumen. from the Greek word which means “home.” 

In 2018, Monarch Healthcare Management LLC purchased the group of facilities now known as Parmly on the Lake, while Ecumen continues to operate Point Pleasant Heights.    

Speakers focus on 

resident lifestyle

Anniversary celebration speakers shared stories about resident lifestyle and activities laced with loads of good humor. After describing many of Point Pleasant’s resident events, Housing Director Mara Krinke said, “This is more than a place to live, it’s a place to belong.”

Long-time Resident Council President Marion Anderson explained why new interest groups are added frequently, saying,“New people have new ideas, and we like to help everybody.”  

The residents here the longest, Bob and Nancy Butte, were honored for their “longevity, loyalty and dedication” and “shaping a welcoming and enduring neighborhood.” Looking back on their 28 years of life at Point Pleasant, the Buttes said, “The time went really fast.”

Dr. Cyrus Batheja, the new president and CEO of Ecumen, was making his first visit to Point Pleasant Heights. He praised the beauty of the community and the power of teamwork by volunteers and staff. He said  “personality and spirit” make more of a difference than a building, in crafting a successful senior living setting. Aging well, he said, is “about people, relationships and community.” He also thanked Chisago City and faith partners.

Mayor Jeremy Dresel’s proclamation:

Whereas, Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights has been a cherished part of the Chisago City community for 40 years, providing compassionate care and enriching the lives of its residents; and

Whereas, this milestone celebrates four decades of dedication, connection and a strong commitment to dignity, joy and quality of life; and

Whereas, the staff, volunteers and supporters of Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights reflect the very best of community spirit and service;

Now, therefore, I Jeremy Dresel, mayor of the City of Chisago City, Minn., do hereby proclaim May 14, 2026, as “Point Pleasant Heights Day” in the City of Chisago City and encourage all residents to join in celebrating this meaningful 40th anniversary

In closing the program, Pastor Sarah Kerkes of nearby Zion Lutheran Church told the crowd that relationships make a house into a home. “Home is being present for each other, sharing joy and sorrow, saying hello, and saying goodbye.” 

Ecumen Point Pleasant, she said is not merely a house or a facility but, embodies the word ecumen, meaning “home” for those who live there.

 

 

  

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