The History of St. Vincent's Home (Lincoln Hill, & Christian Shelticenter)

The 1800's &
The 1900's

The original St. Vincent's Home dates back to 1884  when a Catholic order of nuns called the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ created and ran the facility.  St. Vincent's was operated under their direct care until 1968. 

The building and grounds that we know as the St. Vincent's Home of today was constructed in 1968 adjacent to the old St. Vincent's Home of 1884 at 10th & Sycamore in Quincy, Illinois. 

A pictoral history of the facility can be found here.

Many might ask, "Why was a new facility built in 1968?" The answer is because, in 1968 new guidelines regarding nursing home building construction were implemented. Subsequently, the original St. Vincent's Home had to be shut down since it wouldn't have been cost effective to remodel the building according to the new code. That original St. Vincent's building might be known to many as The Christian Shelticenter.  

From 1968 until 1990 various owners ran what was then called Lincoln Hill Nursing Home.  In 1990, the current owners went bankrupt and Wayne Messick, M.P.H.

purchased the home and changed the name back to St. Vincent's Home.  Wayne dedicated his life to the healthcare industry serving as director of the Adams County Illinois Health Department from 1950 until 1969.  In 1969 he purchased Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle, Illinois which was also operated under the Poor Handmaids Of Jesus Christ. 

Wayne owned and managed St. Vincent's Home from 1990 and Carlyle Healthcare Center from 1969 until his death in 1999, it was his life's passion to serve in the healthcare industry.   

In the nine years Wayne managed St. Vincent's Home, he completely renovated the facility, added a new wing to the nursing home, laid the groundwork for  Casita Catherine Assisted Living, demolished the old and condemned St. Vincent's Building (The Christian Shelticenter), and added Catherine Kasper Independent Living duplexes in its place. 

Wayne instilled a tradition of excellence and a return to a faith based facility under his leadership. He passed that torch and vision on to his wife and daughters' families upon his demise.  They continue to  own and manage St. Vincent's Home today. 

As a tribute to our 17 year tradition of excellence, a showcase of special events and articles has been assembled and can be viewed here.