Episcopal Square Towers in Shippensburg has been a cornerstone of affordable senior housing for nearly four decades. This 95-unit apartment complex was designed to provide safe and comfortable living conditions for elderly and disabled residents. In May 2024, Episcopal Towers was sold with the expectation that the property will continue to serve its original mission of housing low-income elderly and disabled residents. The proceeds from this sale created the Episcopal Towers Legacy Fund, an endowment from which distributions will be made available through a granting process for diocesan churches and ministries supporting the aging and disabled.
The story of Episcopal Square Towers began in 1982 with a vision inspired by Doris Quier Stevenson, wife of Bishop Dean Stevenson. With the original Shippensburg High School slated for demolition, she saw an opportunity to repurpose the site for the greater good through the creation of the Episcopal Square Towers. This project was a part of a broader initiative by The Episcopal Church to provide housing and essential services to those in need. While ownership of the property changed in 2024, the commitment to providing vital housing for vulnerable populations in this facility remains.
The proceeds from the sale of the Episcopal Square Towers created the Episcopal Towers Legacy Fund, an endowment fund managed in alignment with the Diocese’s investment policies, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable growth. Distributions from the fund will be allocated to support ministries in housing-related services, as well as the health, education, and welfare of elderly and disabled individuals. Churches located within the geographic boundaries of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania as of January 1, 2024, and diocesan ministries will be eligible to apply for grants from this fund.
After the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania reunifies with the Diocese of Bethlehem on January 1, 2026, a granting body composed of members from the Diocese of the Susquehanna will be created to administer the grant distributions.
Although direct ministry with Episcopal Square Towers has shifted outside of diocesan hands, its mission continues. Through the Episcopal Towers Legacy Fund, churches and ministries will have the opportunity to grow programs essential to fulfilling the baptismal call to seek and serve Christ in all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.
