Canterbury Manor is one of three retirement communities owned and operated by Episcopal Retirement Communities (ERC). Helen Long of Tacoma set up a trust in 1977 that provided for a generous bequest to the Diocese of Olympia’s Episcopal Fund for the Aged – a fund that could be used for any form of work with the aged. Helen wanted to see the Diocese establish an Episcopal Retirement Home for Episcopalians and others who have moderate incomes. That bequest provided the seed money to plan and build Canterbury Manor in 1944, offering residential living, adjacent to St. Paul’s Church in Bremerton.

ERC currently owns and operates three nondenominational retirement communities. St. Andrews Place was developed in concert with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Port Angeles, opening in 1998 offering assisted living. Golden Sands at Klipsan Beach was developed in partnership with Ocean Beach Hospital; opening in 2000 offering assisted living. ERC’s philosophy is to develop market-driven retirement communities unique to each location. They continue to explore more possibilities for retirement or assisted living facilities in Western Washington.

There are a variety of tastefully designed apartments at Canterbury Manor featuring fully equipped kitchens, a wireless emergency response system and more amenities. The community rooms offer various recreational options, including computer and Internet use, programs and Nautilus equipment, music, crafts, billiards, table games and cards, and a large screen television. There is a richly stocked library in the Oxford Room, and the Bainbridge Room is a beautiful parlor and music room used by residents and their guests for entertaining. The Activity Coordinator plans a full schedule of events including outings to areas of interest, crafts, card games, billiards, music, Bible discussion, a monthly Resident meeting and more. When dining in the Rainer Room, residents are offered deliciously prepared entrees, served by wait staff, while enjoying views of Mount Rainier.

One activity of particular interest is the yearly John Olerud Fan Club contest. Residents make predictions as to his batting average, number of walks, home runs, etc. John Olerud visited Canterbury Manor and gave them autographed pictures that are proudly displayed. He donated a number of signed baseballs for them to use as prizes for the contest. On opening day of baseball season they have a big party with hotdogs, peanuts and all the trimmings. Canterbury Manor also hosts a number of barbecues and concerts throughout the year that are open to resident and community members.

Canterbury Manor has over 50 percent Medicaid census, with many of the residents being retired military, predominately from the navy. The organization received low interest rate bonds from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, in return   for agreeing to meet certain income requirements: nine units are charged in line with 50 percent of the median income in Kitsap County, and seven units are at the 80 percent level. Canterbury Manor is in the process of applying for grants to assist with funding.

When asked what it means to be a nonprofit organization, President/CEO, Ray Westeren said, “We are all about providing quality service to our residents. Most are faith-based sponsored groups. We put our hearts into our work and find it richly rewarding.” 

Canterbury Manor is a member of WAHSA, a state association serving primarily not-for-profit organizations, dedicated to providing quality housing, health, community and related services to older persons. WAHSA is affiliated with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). When asked what it means to be a WAHSA member, Ray Westeren, President/CEO at Canterbury Manor stated, “I enjoy the fellowship, collegiality, and congeniality – we are like a warm, friendly family. We believe in being involved, and when working with legislation, we work on the issues for the right reasons.”