History

October, 1930
Rev. Eddie Thomas opened a Mission with a religious service and warm meal in the basement of the old First Baptist Church. The first clients were men, some women and children seeking food during the Great Depression.

1934
With Rev. Thomas' death in 1934, his wife Chloe became Mission Superintendent.

1935
The Alva Kitselman building on South Mulberry was acquired as a housing location for the Mission. In that same year, the Eddie Thomas Memorial Mission was incorporated and a Board of Directors was elected.

1950
The Dixie House was purchased and the Mission had a new location for both housing and feeding homeless men.

1962
Mr. Charles Reece became the third Mission Superintendent in 1962.

1969
The Eagles Lodge Building at 520 South High Street was purchased and became the location of the current Mission building.

1985
Reverend Ray Raines was called to be the Executive Director.

1987
The Muncie Attic Window store moved from 528 S High St into a rented facility at 400 W Memorial.

1994
The Attic Window store in Winchester was opened.

1997-1998
The property at 400 West Memorial Drive was purchased and after a short construction phase, the new Attic Window store and New Life Center were relocated to this new site in 1998, debt free.

1999
The Attic Window store in Hartford City was opened.

2005
The Mission began a Capital Campaign to raise the funds to build a new facility to better accommodate the needs of the lost and hurting people in East Central Indiana. The property adjacent to the New Life Center is the location of this new facility.

2006
Ground breaking ceremonies for the new mission facility were held in September.

2008
November 19 was the move in date for the residential men's program.

2009
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the public was held on January 22.
The Attic Window store on Broadway was opened.

2010
July 4th fire and resulting water damage render the entire residential side of the building uninhabitable. Rebuilding begins.
Mid-September the kitchen reopens and the residents are able cook & serve their own meals.
Late October the residents are able to move back into the building to live. Things slowly get back to 'normal'. The annual Thaksgiving Feast is able to be served to the residents and the community. We ended this very eventful year celebrating Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with decorations, gifts and great food.

2011
A 20' x 30' garage is added to the north end of the property to house larger outdoor maintenance equipment.