About The Willows
In 1956 founder Rex Hodges established The Willows Foundation, Inc. in Garden Grove, California. In 1972, The Willows moved to its present 20-acre site in Laguna Hills. Located in the midst of rolling hills, it is nine miles inland from Laguna Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
The residents at The Willows comprise an active adult community of Christian Scientists. They desire to contribute a healing atmosphere to the world by bringing beauty and joy to daily life through avenues such as painting, photography, music, writing, decorating and cuisine. Of course, the study and practice of Christian Science is our basic foundation, and many of our residents are active members in local branch churches.
How The Willows got its name...
from an article by Barbara Fox in The Willows Newsletter
Lee Wackman recorded The Willows story in "The Story of The Willows Foundation By One Who Was There". On the first page of his account, Wackman wrote that The Willows was named for two large willow trees which stood near the adobe house.
When the Willows moved to its present location, it was to a barren landscape. As the trees and shrubs were planted, one of the newly planted trees was a willow tree. Over the years, The Willows grounds supervisor, Rosalia Cuevas, has taken many branches from the original "grandfather" tree and planted them on Willows ground. Through his foresight, eight additional willow trees flourish on our grounds.
"According to both Biblical and Native American lore, the willow has been traditionally associated with healing and comfort... And isn't this what The Willows is all about?"
"I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring, and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses." Isaiah 44
"The shady trees cover him with their shadows, the willows of the brook compass him about." Job 40:22
