A Legacy of Faith and Compassion —
The History of the Lebanon Rescue Mission
“My prayer was that I would be an instrument in God’s hands to help people. I knew what poverty was.”
-Rev. Lester Miller, Founder of the Lebanon Rescue Mission
The story of the Lebanon Rescue Mission is deeply intertwined with the lives of its founders, Rev. Lester Miller and his wife, Dorothy Ritzman Miller. Their unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication laid the foundation for a ministry that continues to transform lives today.
In the early 1940s, Lester and Dorothy were united not only in marriage but in purpose. Having survived the Great Depression, Lester carried a deep understanding of hardship and a calling from God to serve those in need. Dorothy shared his conviction, and together they began their journey of faith and service.
In 1945, the couple established the first Lebanon Rescue Mission in a rented room on North Lincoln Avenue, near Cumberland Street. While Lester worked tirelessly to build the Mission, Dorothy kept a factory job to provide for their household. Dorothy’s mother, Sarah, became a full-time volunteer, dedicating her time to cooking, cleaning, and caring for those seeking refuge.
The Lebanon Rescue Mission was soon registered with the International Union of Gospel Missions (IUGM), and a Board of Directors was formed. Over the next four years, the Mission moved from location to location, but its reputation for offering hope and help grew steadily.
On Palm Sunday in 1949, the Mission found what would then be a permanent home at the corner of Sixth & Elm Streets. Despite financial challenges, construction began on a new building — a project fueled by faith and the generosity of the Lebanon community. The Millers prayed for the resources to complete the building, and God answered their prayers little by little. Donations trickled in, volunteers stepped forward, and the Millers’ vision, inspired by God, became a reality.
The Lebanon Rescue Mission became a sanctuary — a place with clean, soft beds for the homeless, bountiful Thanksgiving dinners for those with nowhere else to go, a place where mothers could feed and clothe their children, and a space for worship and spiritual renewal.
On May 2, 1984, the Lebanon Rescue Mission mourned the loss of Rev. Lester Miller, as he went home to be with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully. Yet, the work of the Mission pressed on.
In December 1984, William C. “Bill” Coleman was named Executive Director of the Lebanon Rescue Mission. Having served as a Board member for over 30 years, Bill and his wife Elsie poured their hearts into the Mission’s work. Bill led the ministry for nearly two decades, building strong relationships with staff and the men in the program. Even after his retirement in 2006, Bill visited the Men’s Campus daily — sharing coffee, prayers, words of encouragement, and stories of his time with the ministry.
In 2013, Bill served as the Honorary Campaign Chairman to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of a new building at 1223 Bittner Blvd. This expansion increased the Men’s Program capacity to 52 beds and provided space for the administrative offices supporting the entire ministry. Bill and Elsie were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating yet another milestone in the Mission’s history.
Bill and Elsie are remembered and missed every day. For those who had the privilege of knowing him, Bill’s oft spoken words still echo in their hearts: “GOD is ENOUGH.” Today, the Lebanon Rescue Mission continues to carry the torch lit by the Millers’ faith. The Mission remains a place of hope and transformation:
More than meals and beds
- The Men’s Program assisting men who are experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives through job training, education, care management and spiritual growth.
- Agape Family Shelter provides a safe, supportive environment for women and their children, offering resources for stability and empowerment.
- The Lebanon Free Clinic delivers medical care to individuals who would otherwise not have access to care, meeting their physical, mental and spiritual needs.
- Agape Christmas ensures seniors in Community Homes of Lebanon County and Lebanon Housing Authority senior communities receive food, personal care items, devotionals, and handmade gifts from local churches and community groups.
- Back Dock Ministry provides food, clothing, and essential supplies to those in need, offering a tangible expression of Christ’s love to others in our community.
- Mobile Senior Pantry delivering food and other necessities on a bi-monthly basis to seniors in Community Homes and Lebanon Housing Authority senior buildings, ensuring ongoing support and nourishment.
All of this work is guided by the Mission’s founding creed:
“To provide Christ-centered sanctuary to ‘rescue the perishing and care for the dying.’ To serve the whosoever through shelter, nourishment, clothing, education, and healthcare…”
What began with Lester and Dorothy Miller’s steadfast faith has grown into a ministry that touches countless lives — a living testimony to God’s grace and the power of a community united in love and service.
