History of The House

Malcolm McDonald built the original Craftsman style house in 1909 and the house is currently 8500 square feet.  The house began as a showplace in the heart of the Tualatin valley and the garden spot of the Willamette Valley, with over 1200 acres dedicated to a nursery.  This residence has been used for several different purposes since McDonald was the owner and remains as a testament to an earlier thriving Oregon nursery (Orenco Heritage article 1991). 

In 1995, Jeff and Jeannie Kramer of Hillsboro Calvary Chapel had been contemplating opening The House of Ruth for unsupported teenage pregnant mothers for some time.  Finally, in 1995 that the Lord opened the opportunity for them.  Jeff had been golfing at the Orenco Woods golf course when he saw the dilapidated house of McDonald.  In fact, at that time the Hillsboro Elks club was seriously contemplating demolishing the house.  Jeff approached the Elks with a ministry proposal and asked if they could lease the house if they restored it to its near original condition.  The Elks gave them a lease of just $1 per year for the next ten years.

This began three and one half years of restoration.  Loving hands and hearts that have had a desire for a positive alternative to abortion and supporting young mothers who have been discarded by their families and society have restored each room.

Now the House of Ruth continues in its original ministry, the goal of “letting these young women know we care and that they make a difference to us and to society” (Hillsboro Argus, 1996).  The House of Ruth delightfully continues to use the Family Model in presenting life skills to young women who may never have had the opportunity to experience a loving family environment.  The Family Model remains the centerpiece of this organization.

As we watch God at work, may we ever be mindful of His loving protection as we lift each young woman and her child up in prayer.  The generations to follow will be impacted by redemption and restoration as we see Ruth redeemed and restored by Boaz in the book of Ruth.  May God be glorified!