The Emmaus Home near Marthasville, known for its long history of caring for developmentally disabled adults, is under new ownership. Mandy and Ben Johnson have taken on the enormous responsibility of pursuing a new direction for the property, while preserving the rich history of Emmaus Homes.

Mandy Johnson, the owner of the property, said her journey is unique and contributes to her desire to create a place of peace and solitude. A single mother of six children, Johnson said she survived an abusive relationship with only a dollar to her name. She often walked the Emmaus property and fell in love with it. She saw its potential and through a journey of coincidence, hard work and providence, found herself the new owner.

“I tried to rent near work, but no one would rent to someone with six children and no pay stubs,” she said. “I was sitting on the porch of the stone house across the street from Emmaus when the Emmaus Circle property was being auctioned. I had no credit, nothing. On my knees in prayer, I hit bid. I was the winning bidder with no money.”

Johnson said the property in Emmaus Circle, which contains six houses, would be hers if she could only figure out a way to pay for it. Two individuals stepped up to cover the mortgage. One became her husband, adding three more children to their family and a way to move forward. Coincidentally, Ben’s mother worked at Emmaus for 30 years and gave him a wealth of knowledge and commitment to its legacy.

Ben and Mandy have renovated the Emmaus Circle properties, which are all fully occupied. True to her mission, she has provided housing to women who share a similar background.

While the Johnsons were settling in, the Emmaus Home campus across the street was purchased by Hoffmann Properties. In 2023, the property had experienced a great deal of damage from vandals. 

“We were physically running off kids,” said Mandy. “The property was gradually being demolished. We were very emotionally attached to the property and felt a growing desire to be the stewards of it.”

When the property came up for sale again, the Johnsons made a bid and it was accepted. They were now owners of a place that carried significant value for the families it served and the surrounding community who had been a part of its rich history. It is now known as Emmaus Village.

Johnson said it’s a common misconception that a rich couple bought the property and have lots of money to repair and manage it. She was quick to dispel that myth, saying they are doing their best to fulfill a five-year plan, but will need to be creative to fulfill those dreams.

The short-term plan was to renovate the Emmaus Chapel and offer it as a wedding venue. They used their own wedding as a test, finding it to be a beautiful and unique site with a great view. They also tested out shuttling the wedding party up to the chapel since it offers little parking. The original pews and church bell add to the atmosphere.

Johnson said offering the chapel for weddings is the first step to bringing in some revenue to help fund future projects. There will be an Open House featuring a new business collaboration Events at Emmaus LLC on Saturday, Sept. 7. Tours will be at 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. People interested in using the chapel for weddings or other special events are encouraged to sign up for a tour.

Johnson said to be watching for information regarding an event dubbed as “The Emmaus Asylum — Let History Speak Its Own Truth,” which will begin Friday, Sept. 13 and will be held each Friday and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. through Saturday, Nov. 9. Emmaus Home was once known as the “Asylum for Epileptics and Feeble-Minded” in the late 1800s. It was also known as Eden Seminary from 1850-83.

When the information was first posted on their Facebook page, Johnson said it immediately became a topic for discussion, including disappointment from some of the readers. The couple thought long and hard, but decided to go ahead with the event. Participants must be 14 or older. Tickets will be $40. The couple is inviting local food trucks to join the event.

“We have been contacted by so many people interested in the property, some of which were paranormal investigators,” said Mandy.

“We can provide an entertainment attraction and educate them as well,” said Ben. “We can present what we know to be factual and send them all home with the Emmaus legacy and hope they will come back to support other events. We don’t want to rewrite the history, but we want to give meaning and purpose to everyone’s stories.”

The mid-term plan is to offer the Emmaus Village grounds for the public, with outdoor recreational spaces and a community center.

Mandy said the five-year plan is to offer the restored property as a historical heritage center, assisting and supporting small business, such as rural healthcare, trades and services. The chapel could be used for church services. Other buildings could provide space for offices or alternative school functions. They plan to offer sustainable farming and a year-round farmers market.

To find out more about Emmaus Village, visit their Facebook page (EventsAtEmmausLLC) or by calling 636-744-3483.