Nazareth Orphans’ Home was founded by the Reformed Church in 1906, to serve orphaned and half-orphaned children ages six to twelve years.

Rev. J. M. L. Lyerly, who operated the Crescent Academy, was the moving power behind the decision of the North Carolina Synod of the Reformed Church to open a home.

The McNairy farm of eighty-five acres in the Crescent Community, along with a ten-room house, was purchased July 10, 1906. The Home opened December 1, 1906, with Miss Mary P. Abbott of Pennsylvania as manager and four children as residents.

By the time 1956 rolled around, the Home had served 360 children. At this time the plant included dormitories for boys and girls, a superintendent’s home, a farm manager’s home, a steam-operated laundry, and an array of farm buildings. The first floor of the girl’s dorm had two parlors, a library and music room, an apartment for the dietitian, a central dining hall, kitchen and walk-in refrigerator and deep-freeze unit.