Difference between revisions of "Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ"

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The [[Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ|Longport Gospel Hall Home]] '''For Aged Christians''' was started by William Moon prior to World War Two as a [[Retirement Homes|retirement home]] in Longport, [[New Jersey]] for aging maid-servants of wealthy Philadelphia homeowners, as a service exclusively to the open brethren Gospel Halls. The home had a capacity of 60+ residents at a given time, and for many years had a lengthy waiting list, before closing in 2000.
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The [[Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ|Longport Gospel Hall Home]] '''For Aged Christians''' was started by William Moon in 1946 as a [[Retirement Homes|retirement home]] in Longport, [[New Jersey]] for aging maid-servants of wealthy Philadelphia homeowners, as a service exclusively to the open brethren Gospel Halls. The home had a capacity of 65 residents at a given time, and for many years had a lengthy waiting list, before closing in 2000.
  
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==1994 Uplook==
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===Edwin Fesche testimony===
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'''An Appreciation of Home''': "Next to our own home, we have discovered a home away from home.  No small claim indeed!  The tidiness and cleanliness of this home deserves high marks.  So does the staff from the director to the least of the attendants.  Friendliness and cooperation characterize all.  No wonder, for we are in a Christian atmosphere.  Much liberty is entrusted and enjoyed by the residents.  While those in measurable health can enjoy this liberty, it is comforting to know that the varied amenities of the infirmary are well prepared for any emergency.
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 +
Where cultivation is possible, the colorful flowers and well-manicured lawn fit the emblazoned title on the building.  The spacious sea frontage to the Home affords an excellent view of the ocean, especially of an eastern sunrise, a reward to the early riser.  The sands themselves invoke wonder to the observer.  The stormy waves effortlessly move massive deposits from one area to another, often creating surprise in dwellers who felt their beach was stable.  A stroller along the sands on a winter's day often has only the seagulls as his companions.  They seem so tame.
 +
 +
A spirit of camaraderie is often encountered among other fellow walkers of the sands.  Sometimes a bit of the gospel can be slipped into a conversation.  Sometimes we have witnessed flapping fish caught by the pole-fishermen during the season.  On one occasion, we mentioned the One who can make us fishers of men.  We have been also pleasantly surprised to learn how many notice and read the Scripture texts that decorate the Home. 
 +
 +
On account of limited vision, I am appreciating my borrowed radio.  The broadcast news helps me to keep abreast of the current events so graphically moving toward fulfilling biblical signs.  Then, too, there are three Christian stations.  That assures us that God still has His witnesses that reach the otherwise unreachable.  Also, we are treated to some excellent sermons, gifts of the risen Head of the Church so that our faith is nurtured by "hearing the preached Word." 
 +
 +
Recently we figuratively glued our seat to the desk chair and wrote some suggestions for the 1995 Choice Gleanings Calendar.  So we feebly attempt to obey the Saviour's command: "Occupy till I come".  Like Gideon's 300, we are faint, yet still pursuing."  ''Edwin Fesche''
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===Miss Faye E. Wahls testimony===
 +
'''Gospel Hall Home for the Aged, 2800 Atlantic Ave., Longport, NJ  08403''': "Sometimes in the progression of life there comes a time to move.  Perhaps security or services become a necessity.  The question then arises: "Where shall I go?"  One of the reasons Christians decide to come to the Gospel Hall Home is to be with others who love the Lord.  Of special interest is the fact that the meetings of the local assembly are held in the auditorium.  No more concern about weather or transportation.  Bible studies are held several times each week.  Songs and devotions follow each meal and old-fashioned hymn sings are frequent.  Besides the spiritual atmosphere, there is a calm serenity that greets those who enter the spacious, high-ceilinged, Victorian living room where groups of residents are visiting or reading, or just relaxing.
 +
 +
In the south wing, single rooms with private  baths or half-baths are furnished, either by the resident or the Home, to suit the needs and tastes of the individual.  The emphasis at the Home is on providing a place as much like one's own home as possible.  Three home cooked meals are served family-style each day in the newly decorated dining room.  Snacks can be prepared and shared with friends in the tearoom.  Should residents become ill or in need of more continuous care, they would find shared rooms in the nursing care wing.  Gentle, loving care is provided by professional nurses and certified nursing assistants.  Doctors visit the Home weekly, and transportation and assistance are provided for appointments outside the Home.
 +
 +
Every attempt possible is made to maintain their normal life-styles.  This might mean providing space for studying, or letter writing, or growing plants or handwork.  Group activities include exercise class, book reading, missionary reports, reminiscing, quiz games, travel videos, news films, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and an occasional wedding!  Those consider a move to the Home are encouraged to come while they can still enjoy the independent life on the residential side.  Through careful management, room and board costs are lower than the majority of nursing homes in this country.  Those living here are expected to pay the cost if they are able.  We are not a government supported home.  Gifts of the Lord's people, collectively and individually, make up the difference for those unable to pay the cost.  There is no entrance fee and payments are usually monthly. 
 +
 +
The Gospel Hall Home has served the Lord's people since 1946, when Mr. William Moon, with the assistance of other brethren, purchased a five-story frame building in Longport, NJ.  Three years later, he was able to buy an oceanfront property with a stately brick building which, after some remodeling, was made suitable for a "home for the aged".  Throughout the years, rooms have been added and other changes made to accommodate the current needs of 60 to 65 residents. About eight years ago, plans were drawn up to construct a new building offshore.  To obtain the capital, we hoped to sell our present property, but because of a change in the economy, this is not presently feasible. 
 +
 +
The Lord knows the future.  He knows our needs and the needs of His people.  The Gospel Hall Home has been the subject of many, many prayers.  It is the Lord, through the prayers and service of His people, who has enabled us to continue serving those in need."  ''submitted by Miss Faye E. Wahls''
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==Also See==
 
* [[Visiting Ministry at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ]]
 
* [[Visiting Ministry at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ]]
 
* [[Who's Who at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ]]
 
* [[Who's Who at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ]]
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* Light & Liberty
 
* Light & Liberty
 
* Truth & Tidings
 
* Truth & Tidings
 +
* Uplook
 +
** 1994-9

Revision as of 15:16, 23 November 2020

The Longport Gospel Hall Home For Aged Christians was started by William Moon in 1946 as a retirement home in Longport, New Jersey for aging maid-servants of wealthy Philadelphia homeowners, as a service exclusively to the open brethren Gospel Halls. The home had a capacity of 65 residents at a given time, and for many years had a lengthy waiting list, before closing in 2000.

1994 Uplook

Edwin Fesche testimony

An Appreciation of Home: "Next to our own home, we have discovered a home away from home. No small claim indeed! The tidiness and cleanliness of this home deserves high marks. So does the staff from the director to the least of the attendants. Friendliness and cooperation characterize all. No wonder, for we are in a Christian atmosphere. Much liberty is entrusted and enjoyed by the residents. While those in measurable health can enjoy this liberty, it is comforting to know that the varied amenities of the infirmary are well prepared for any emergency.

Where cultivation is possible, the colorful flowers and well-manicured lawn fit the emblazoned title on the building. The spacious sea frontage to the Home affords an excellent view of the ocean, especially of an eastern sunrise, a reward to the early riser. The sands themselves invoke wonder to the observer. The stormy waves effortlessly move massive deposits from one area to another, often creating surprise in dwellers who felt their beach was stable. A stroller along the sands on a winter's day often has only the seagulls as his companions. They seem so tame.

A spirit of camaraderie is often encountered among other fellow walkers of the sands. Sometimes a bit of the gospel can be slipped into a conversation. Sometimes we have witnessed flapping fish caught by the pole-fishermen during the season. On one occasion, we mentioned the One who can make us fishers of men. We have been also pleasantly surprised to learn how many notice and read the Scripture texts that decorate the Home.

On account of limited vision, I am appreciating my borrowed radio. The broadcast news helps me to keep abreast of the current events so graphically moving toward fulfilling biblical signs. Then, too, there are three Christian stations. That assures us that God still has His witnesses that reach the otherwise unreachable. Also, we are treated to some excellent sermons, gifts of the risen Head of the Church so that our faith is nurtured by "hearing the preached Word."

Recently we figuratively glued our seat to the desk chair and wrote some suggestions for the 1995 Choice Gleanings Calendar. So we feebly attempt to obey the Saviour's command: "Occupy till I come". Like Gideon's 300, we are faint, yet still pursuing." Edwin Fesche

Miss Faye E. Wahls testimony

Gospel Hall Home for the Aged, 2800 Atlantic Ave., Longport, NJ 08403: "Sometimes in the progression of life there comes a time to move. Perhaps security or services become a necessity. The question then arises: "Where shall I go?" One of the reasons Christians decide to come to the Gospel Hall Home is to be with others who love the Lord. Of special interest is the fact that the meetings of the local assembly are held in the auditorium. No more concern about weather or transportation. Bible studies are held several times each week. Songs and devotions follow each meal and old-fashioned hymn sings are frequent. Besides the spiritual atmosphere, there is a calm serenity that greets those who enter the spacious, high-ceilinged, Victorian living room where groups of residents are visiting or reading, or just relaxing.

In the south wing, single rooms with private baths or half-baths are furnished, either by the resident or the Home, to suit the needs and tastes of the individual. The emphasis at the Home is on providing a place as much like one's own home as possible. Three home cooked meals are served family-style each day in the newly decorated dining room. Snacks can be prepared and shared with friends in the tearoom. Should residents become ill or in need of more continuous care, they would find shared rooms in the nursing care wing. Gentle, loving care is provided by professional nurses and certified nursing assistants. Doctors visit the Home weekly, and transportation and assistance are provided for appointments outside the Home.

Every attempt possible is made to maintain their normal life-styles. This might mean providing space for studying, or letter writing, or growing plants or handwork. Group activities include exercise class, book reading, missionary reports, reminiscing, quiz games, travel videos, news films, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and an occasional wedding! Those consider a move to the Home are encouraged to come while they can still enjoy the independent life on the residential side. Through careful management, room and board costs are lower than the majority of nursing homes in this country. Those living here are expected to pay the cost if they are able. We are not a government supported home. Gifts of the Lord's people, collectively and individually, make up the difference for those unable to pay the cost. There is no entrance fee and payments are usually monthly.

The Gospel Hall Home has served the Lord's people since 1946, when Mr. William Moon, with the assistance of other brethren, purchased a five-story frame building in Longport, NJ. Three years later, he was able to buy an oceanfront property with a stately brick building which, after some remodeling, was made suitable for a "home for the aged". Throughout the years, rooms have been added and other changes made to accommodate the current needs of 60 to 65 residents. About eight years ago, plans were drawn up to construct a new building offshore. To obtain the capital, we hoped to sell our present property, but because of a change in the economy, this is not presently feasible.

The Lord knows the future. He knows our needs and the needs of His people. The Gospel Hall Home has been the subject of many, many prayers. It is the Lord, through the prayers and service of His people, who has enabled us to continue serving those in need." submitted by Miss Faye E. Wahls

Also See

Location History

  • 24th & Oberon Ave. +1947-1948
  • Atlantic Ave. and 29th St. 1949+

Sources

  • Henry Carmichael & Dr. Sandy Higgins, both of NJ, 2020;
  • Assembly Annals
  • Light & Liberty
  • Truth & Tidings
  • Uplook
    • 1994-9