Visiting Ministry at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ
From BrethrenPedia
Disclaimer: This list also includes ministry at the assembly that was in Longport, as well as news reports (excluding obits). The months that precede the reports reference the month of the issue of the assembly magazine reported in. See "Sources" for additional information.
Visiting Itinerants
- Tom Bentley 1983
- Benjamin Bradford 1947
- John P. Conaway 1947, 1950 (d. 1951)
- Philadelphia, PA; Margate, NJ
- also see Florence Conaway's obit, 1989
- Robert A. Crawford 1947, 1950
- San Francisco, CA
- Davis 1950
- possibly Duane C. Davis of Redfield, Iowa?
- Jim Dickson 1992
- John T. Dickson 1950
- Barrington, R.I.
- John Elliott 1961-1962
- Springfield, IL
- W.H. Ferguson 1955
- Bro. Glasgow 1947
- Hathaway 1950
- Oswald MacLeod 1986-1988, 1992
- H. Marshall 1947
- Lorne McBain 1950
- Oglesby
- Frank Pearcey 1992
- Paul Plubell 1947
- Gordon Reager 1947, 1950
- Atlanta, GA
- Ernest Sprunt 1947
- Gilbert Stewart 1988
- Robert Surgenor 1988
- Edwin J. Tharp 1950
- Rockport, MA
- Waugh 1950
Conferences and News
1940's
1947
Jan: The Sisters Missionary Class of the Gospel Hall, Ventnor, New Jersey, is taking this means of giving information concerning the Gospel Hall Home for Aged Christians that has just been purchased in Longport, N.J., and would like to have the interest and help of other Sister-Groups in equipping the Home. Any packages or donations may be sent to Mrs. Raymond Sunderland, 20 S. Andover Ave., Margate, N.J."
Feb: Gospel Hall Home For Aged Christians, 24th and Oberon Ave., Longport, N.J.: The brethren responsible for the above home have made settlement on the building and are now busy having the necessary repairs and changes made. When finished it will be very comfortable for aged Christians to enjoy their closing days on this earth. An opening is planned for Saturday, Feb. 22, which will be carried through Lord's day. A number of the Lord's servants are expected and Christians are invited to come and visit the Home.
Any of the assemblies who would like to apply for space should write for an application. So far there are about twenty-eight applicants, so first come, first served to those who are eligible. A Library of good sound books with large print if possible, is being made. Any such books available can be sent in care of the home. To be exempt from property tax and also to open such a Home it was necessary to incorporate under the New Jersey state laws, and so the following brethren were appointed to serve as officers and trustees:
- Wm. Moon, President
- G.A. Stahl, Vice-President
- John Lloyd, Secretary
- Raymond Sunderland, Vice-Secretary
- Louis Smith, Treasurer
- Robert A. Crawford
- Arthur Davenport
Apr: Robert A. Crawford, 401 Elderslee Rd., R.F.D. 11, Pittsburgh 27, PA, Mar. 1: "Was with George Gould for five weeks gospel meetings at Niagara Falls. In spite of adverse weather conditions, attendance was good, but results in conversions were lacking. Had the privilege of being at the opening for the Home for Aged in Longport, New Jersey, last weekend. Will begin a series of gospel meetings in W. Chicago Blvd. Hall, Detroit, tomorrow."
July: "We have seen God's hand of blessing upon us in every step of the way. Perhaps you may better understand what great things the Lord has wrought here for His own, as it comes from the heart of one who enjoys the happy privileges. Our beloved sister, Mrs. Lilly Thomas, who comes commended from the Bronx Assembly, says: "I am so happy and thankful to the Lord for opening up this haven of rest for me, for which I have prayed for several years. From the moment I entered though late in the day, I felt the Christian atmosphere. I was welcomed by those who were here at that time and fell in love with them and the home. I thank my Father daily, yes hourly, for placing me here." Will be glad to consider any applicants that are submitted to us by any in your assembly. We would like again, to extend an invitation to any who are interested in seeing the home, at their own convenience. Please continue to pray for us that the Lord may give us wisdom and guidance in all matters pertaining to the Home. Wm. Moon."
1948
Feb: "We are again privileged to arrange for special conference meetings over the Washington's birthday holiday, Feb. 21-23. The first meeting will be for prayer Sat. Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. All meetings will be held and meals served at the home. We will try to accommodate as many as possible coming from a distance or arrange for accommodation. Everyone is heartily invited. Angus Weir and William Moon."
Apr: "While we are all well and enjoying good health, it is rather difficult to travel to conferences. Hence, we invited the Christians to come here and visit the Home on Feb. 22-23 and have a conference with the saints here. About two hundred stayed over the three days and we had eight of the Lord's servants to give helpful ministry. We have about thirty old people at present, and expect about twenty more to reach building capacity. William Moon."
Nov: "In every true sense of the word we can call our home a haven of rest for His own in the late years of their lives. The members of our family now number thirty-nine and with other applications pending we realize the necessity for this home. When an individual requests entrance, an application is forwarded and when endorsed by the brethren from the assembly with which the applicant is identified it is then judged as to the emergency and need of the person applying for such a home. Those privileged to carry on this work are doing it for the Lord. It has been necessary to equip a room with a hospital bed and needs for the sick. Such expenses are contributed by the assemblies and individuals of the Lord's people."
1949
May: Gospel Hall Home for Aged Christians, 24th St., Longport, N.J. held a grand open house Feb. 22-23. Many of the Lord's people attended and were refreshed in spirit by the messages from God's word ministered through His servants. Those taking part were William Moon, Robert Crawford, Benjamin Bradford, John Conaway, Paul Plubell, Gordon Reager, Ernest Sprunt, Bro. Glasgow, H. Marshall, and others. This home in large and comfortable, a delightful place for Aged Christians to spent their closing days on this earth."
"Favorable progress has been made regarding the purchase of the Essex Hotel in Longport, to be used as a home for more of the aged Christians who are in need of a home. At this writing $30,000.00 has been paid and with what will be realized after the sale of the present building, there will still be a balance of approximately $25,000.00 required for settlement by June 1. We would like to have the interest of all the Lord's people in the purchase of these larger quarters, as we have taken this step in the full confidence of the Lord and we believe He is able. Looking over the past two and a half years since this home was opened we have been made to realize and thank God for His unceasing faithfulness in supplying every need, opening ways and means for His people to be cared for in this the eventide of their lives. "He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:23). Please continue to pray that we may still definitely be guided and that God's good hand may be seen in this undertaking for His glory. Wm. Moon."
Sept: "Conference meetings will be held at the time of the formal opening of the Gospel Hall Home for Aged Christians in their new building on Atlantic Ave. and 29th St. in Longport, New Jersey. Accommodations will be provided for as many as possible in the new home, and suitable hotel accommodations at reasonable rates can be secured near by. The meetings will be held on Saturday and Lord's Day, Oct. 8 and 9, at 10, 2:30 and 7, with a prayer meeting Friday night, Oct. 7 at 7:30. Communications may be addressed to William Moon, 29th & Atlantic Ave., Longport, N.J."
1950's
1950
Feb: Winchester House ad
June: "In response to many requests, the publishers of Assembly Annals have reprinted the editorial appearing at the time of our Brother W.A. Upton's home-call from the Spring Lake Unit of Rest Haven Homes, Inc. This booklet contains a photograph of our brother, an account of his life, the memorial addresses given at the funeral service, as well as the editorial referred to. The booklet sells for five cents each and may be ordered from the publishers. The work for the Lord still goes on with encouragement in Elim Homes, in Waubaushene, Ontario, the Gospel Hall Home in Longport, New Jersey, and in Elnathan in Buffalo. We are sure our readers will remember those who in these places seek to serve the Lord in thus caring for His aging saints."
Oct: "The third annual Labor Day conference held at the Longport, N.J., "Home for the Aged," was very helpful for all who attended. Harmony and unity prevailed from the kitchen to the platform. Brethren Davis, Waugh, Dickson, Tharp, McBain, Crawford, Conoway, Oglesby, Hathaway and Reager took part in ministry with the exception of Mr. Conoway, who is convalesing. The ministry was helpful and edifying. From 450 to 500 attended. The conference was held in their new comfortable and attractive auditorium. The management and the growing assembly in the home was cheered and encouraged."
1951
Aug: NEW JERSEY, Atlantic City, Longport: "The fourth annual Convention will be held at the Gospel Hall Auditorium, 29th and Atlantic Ave., Sept. 22 and 23 commencing with a prayer meeting at 7:30 Friday Sept. 21. Other meetings at 10:30, 2:30, 7:30. Accommodations will be provided as far as possible, but rooms may be secured for out of season rates at nearby hotels. All meals will be served in the dining rooms of the Gospel Hall. Communications may be sent to Wm. Moon, 29th and Atlantic, Longport, N.J."
1953
Aug: NEW JERSEY, Longport. "The Sixth Annual Conference will be held in the Gospel Hall Auditorium, 29th and Atlantic Avenues, Longport (Atlantic City), N.J., Sept. 19 and 20 commencing with a prayer meeting Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:30. Meetings will be 10:30, 2:30 and 7:30 each day. Accommodations will be provided as far as possible, but rooms may be secured for out of season rates at nearby hotels. All meals will be served in the Gospel Hall dining rooms. Communications may be sent to Wm. Moon, 29th and Atlantic, Longport, N.J. Phone Atlantic City: 2-9979."
1954
Sept: Longport, N.J.: "Our annual conference will be held, D.V., Sept. 18 and 19, with prayer meeting, Sept. 17. Meetings to be held in the Gospel Hall, 29th and Atlantic Aves. Wm. Moon.
1955
Jan: Longport, N.J.: "W.H. Ferguson had some meetings, and then went to Ferndale, MI. He is exercised about cottage meetings some 30 miles from Detroit."
Aug: Longport, N.J.: "The Conference will be held, D.V., Sept. 17 and 18, with a prayer meeting Sept. 16 at 29th and Atlantic Ave."
1960's
1961
"John Elliott, 1030 Crutcher St., Springfield, Ill., during a recent trip east had the joy of ministering the Word and preaching the Gospel in several assemblies. Especially enjoyed a visit to the Longport Home for the Aged, and to see so many aged saints tenderly and lovingly cared for and the great sacrifice of many in order to provide this care. Following this had the joy of ministering the Word at Barrington, N.J.."
1962
"John Elliott, 1030 Crutcher St., Springfield, Ill: Some weeks were spent with brother Milo Vande Krol in the open air, first at Oskaloosa and then Lewis, Iowa. We trust the good seed sown will bring forth much good fruit. Last of August was in the east due to death of my brother-in-law, Alexander Johnston, and while there had the joy of ministering in several assemblies and also of visiting the Gospel Hall Home for the Aged at Longport, N.J. Those who serve God by ministering to the needs of these aged pilgrims will have their great reward in a coming day."
1980's
1982
Dec: Change of Address of Correspondent (of the Longport Gospel Hall): Gustave C. Semrau, 32 Harrys Village M.H. Park, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.
1983
June: Longport: "Tom Bentley gave appreciated ministry at the annual meeting."
Aug: Change of Address of Correspondent (of the Longport Gospel Hall): Gustave C. Semrau, 32 Tilton Terr., Pleasantville, NJ 08232;
1986
Jan: "Longport, Robert Surgenor had a few nights of ministry here and also ministered at Torrington, CT."
June: "Pennsylvania: Oswald MacLeod had a week in the Philadelphia area, speaking at the monthly ministry meeting at Hatboro and also at the annual dinner at the Longport Home."
Sept: "Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stenhouse served the Lord for many years in Chile's capital city, Santiago. He carried on radio work and wrote many Gospel tracts in Spanish. Andrew works with Carl Ostertag to produce a Spanish Gospel paper, "Palabras Fieles". There are two assemblies in the capital city with over 360 in fellowship. Mr. and Mrs. John Shaw, commended to the Lord's work by the assembly in Santiago, continue to serve in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Stenhouse are now residing in Longport, New Jersey."
1987
Mar: Longport, "Oswald MacLeod paid an appreciated visit here and well as at Bryn Mawr, PA."
1988
Jan: Hatboro, PA, "Recent visits by Oswald MacLeod and Gilbert Stewart were appreciated. Both brethren also visited Longport, N.J."
Jul-Aug: Faye Wahls, commended by Garnavillo (Iowa) Gospel Hall. Faye was in happy fellowship in the commending assembly for many years. She continues her faithful and efficient service as Administrator of the Gospel Hall Home for Aged Christians in Longport, New Jersey."
Nov: Longport, "Recently Robert Surgenor paid an appreciated visit."
1989
Nov: Longport, "There is an urgent need for nurses aides and registered nurses at the Home for the Aged. These positions, which offer competitive salaries and fringe benefits, are suitable for Christians with an interest in the care of the aged. For further details, please telephone Dave MacPhearson."
1990's
1991
Mar: Longport: "The 45th anniversary dinner will be held on April 13. A report on the previous year will be given as well as an update on the relocation project."
July: Change of Correspondent (for the Longport assembly): Roy Morrison, 2800 Atlantic Ave., Longport, N.J. 08403.
1992
Jan: "Oswald MacLeod gave two nights of helpful ministry recently."
Feb: Following the Jan. conference at Pennsauken, "Frank Pearcey ministered at Longport, Barrington and Pennsauken". It is this editor's presumption he would likely have visited the Home.
April: Change of Correspondent: Longport, N.J., Todd Cherry, McKee City, N.J. 08232-9412.
June: "Longport, Oswald MacLeod ministered the Word at the annual dinner on April 11."
1993
Jan: Longport, "The saints appreciated recent visits by Oswald MacLeod and Jim Dickson."
1996
Counsel 1996: Nov-Dec has a preface to an article "The Church in the Pastoral Epistles", by T. Ernest Wilson, that states, "As this issue is going to press, word has just come that our esteemed brother and beloved servant of the Lord, T. Ernest Wilson, was promoted to glory at 5 o'clock this morning from the Longport Home, New Jersey. If we could see the glory that shines on him today, the sight would cure our sorrow and wipe our tears away."
Sources
- Assembly Annals
- 1940's: 1949:9
- 1950's: 1950:6; 1951:8; 1953:8
- Counsel
- 1990's: 1996:11-12; 1997:1-2
- Know Your Missionaries
- 1980's: 1986:9
- Letters of Interest
- 1980's: 1988:7-8
- Light & Liberty
- 1940's: 1947-1&2, 7; 1948-2, 4, 11; 1949-5
- 1950's: 1950-2, 10;
- 1960's: 1961-6; 1962-10
- Truth and Tidings
- 1950's: 1954:9; 1955:1,8
- 1980's: 1982:12; 1983:6,8; 1985:4; 1986:1,6; 1987:3; 1988:1,11; 1989:11
- 1990's: 1991:3,7; 1992:1-2,4,6; 1993:1