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Starting around 1950, ''Light and Liberty'' ran an advertisement in each issue for "The Winchester House" of Longport, N.J. "An exclusive Hotel for relaxation and rest. Christian atmosphere, ocean views, appetizing meals, convenient to Atlantic City, open all year. For details, write to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Wright, Proprietors." I think it was typical for assembly magazines' advertisers to be primarily serving those businessmen in fellowship with area assemblies, although not exclusively. More news concerning Longport may be found at [[Visiting Ministry at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ]], as well as at [[Who's Who at Longport Gospel Hall Home, NJ]]. These links will also be available towards the end of this primary article.
==1985 Truth and Tidings==* '''Gospel Hall Home: "An Interesting Report of God's Work at the Longport Home''' ==** by Miss Faye E. Wahls (Administrator 1970-2000), in May 1985 Truth & Tidings
"'Here in Longport, there has been raised this edifice to the marvelous, tender, gracious care and power of our wonderful God. This Home has been established after great prayer and great exercise. Thank God for these men and these sisters and for all those who have worked to make it possible.' Although these words were spoken at the opening of the Gospel Hall Home for the Aged, the same thoughts have been expressed many times in the succeeding decades.
In every age, God has men of vision to carry out His will. Such a man was William Moon. For years he felt a need for a retirement home 'where the aged and the afflicted of the Lord's dear people could be cared for.' Envisioning this home, he wrote, 'We are not thinking of anything institutional, rather, we are thinking of a real home-like, reverential, Christian atmosphere.'
One of the marks of Spirit-born exercise is that God often raises up fellow believers to share in the furtherance of His work. Godly men gathered around Mr. Moon in the early days, supporting and encouraging him, so that in his opening day report, he could say, 'We prayed earnestly about this matter and then asked the assemblies throughout the Eastern Seaboard to also pray with us to know the Lord's guidance. The Lord in a wonderful way directed us to the present location.'
In 1946, the dream became a reality when a five story frame building was purchased which at that time dominated the Longport, [[New Jersey]] landscape with its view of both the Atlantic Ocean and the bay waters. The Lord's people responded to the call to help clean and redecorate the place and prepare it for occupancy. Several residents were already living in it by the time the opening conference was held in February, 1947.
It was soon evident that the place was too small and, as often happens, divine sovereignty and human responsibility blended to advance the work to the next stage. The former owner of the building professed faith in Christ as a result of the testimony of the people living and working at the Home and showed an interest in the work. He also owned a nearby beach-front property and beach club. He had instructed his wife that after his death she should offer that property to Mr. Moon at a price they could afford. So, in 1949, the Home was able to purchase the commodious building.
This stately brick building with pillared portico and a large front lawn with formal flower gardens covers a city block. It was built in the early 1900's as a summer home for handicapped children. The front portion has a second floor topped by a white cupola, while the one-story wings extend to the ocean. Here, nursing services were provided on a very limited basis, but the Lord knew that more room was needed for this type of care. In the spring of 1962, a severe storm hit the eastern coastal areas. Tides were running high and waves were wild. Strong winds kept the tide from going out and a second tide was exceptionally high. The waves beat upon the end wall until it yielded, leaving a large, gaping hole. Water and sand poured in and much damage was done to the basement and end wall, but, by the preserving power of God, no one was injured.
As with Job and his affliction, the Lord blessed our latter end more than our beginning. Through the exercise and practical help of the Lord's people, the final result of the devastating storm was that we were left with a bigger and better facility than before. The broken wall was repaired, a stronger bulkhead was built and eight rooms were added to the infirmary.
In 1977, eight bedrooms and an activity room were added on the patio side of the residential wing. Throughout the years much of the interior has been remodeled and redecorated. Nevertheless, with high ceilinged rooms, donated antiques and Victorian decor, it still retains much of its old fashioned charm.
This is still a Home for the Aged and admission is primarily to one of the 49 private rooms on the residential wing. The residents may bring as much of their own furniture with them as they wish. When the residents need nursing care, they are transferred to the infirmary unit where there are semi-private and four-bed rooms, and nurses who minister to their needs 24 hours a day. Doctors, physical therapists, dentists, laboratory and x-ray technicians are on call to provide services at the Home.
The Christians living in the Home at present come commended from 36 different assemblies located in 12 northeastern states. There are 12 who are past ninety and the average age of all is 85. Many improve in health after coming here and perhaps that is part of the reason that the average length of stay is seven years.
Little did Mr. Moon envision the complexities of the 1970's and 1980's in the government regulations that began to descend upon us. Nevertheless, we have attempted to preserve the family atmosphere sought for from the beginning. Residents are encouraged to carry on much as they would in their own home. In the living room residents may be found visiting, reading, doing handwork or on occasion enjoying fellowship beside an open fire. In the large adjoining room, the piano and organ provide accompaniment for hymn sings which are sometimes shared with visiting friends. The book-reading group meets in this room and it is also the place for showing travel and missionary slides, having activities with visiting children and holiday get-togethers.
The spacious dining room is the scene of many happy occasions. Here wholesome meals are served family-style. Tray service is provided for those who need it.
Daily Bible readings are held in the infirmary sitting room as well as at the regular coffee hour and exercise sessions. The tea room is a place bustling with activity at any hour as residents prepare tea or snacks. Special holidays prompt picnics on the front lawn or patio. Shopping trips are frequent and several times a year rides through the countryside are welcome outings. "Mini-Mall" and visits from a clothing company provide shopping opportunities for those unable to go out. Many of the residents help one another and some volunteer their services in the dining room, kitchen, office or infirmary.
Many of the 19 full-time and 18 part-time workers are hired from the local community and are selected for their kind and caring ways. Presently, most of the supervisory staff are in fellowship in the local assembly and several live in the Home.
A Board of six brethren from neighboring assemblies meets monthly to determine policies, direct financial affairs, and act on admissions. They given an annual report to the many who attend the anniversary dinner held at the Home each spring. Friends and families are welcome to visit then or at any time they are in this area.
The Gospel Hall Home is unique in that the Longport assembly of Christians meets in the Home auditorium, thus making it possible for those in wheelchairs, or otherwise handicapped, to attend the meetings and visit with other Christians.
There has been much cause for rejoicing in the way the Lord led to the opening of the Home and has guided and provided in all the ensuing years. Many older saints, dear to the Lord, have been helped and cared for during a very difficult period of their lives. It is not easy to give up one's home, move away from family and friends, have poor health, adjust to new routines and live graciously with others' idiosyncracies.
In spite of these difficult lessons, and perhaps because of them, spiritual growth has been evident. Employees have been attracted to Christ by the lives of these older saints and a number have been saved. Staff and visitors have been uplifted and encouraged. As the Psalmist says, 'They shall still bring forth fruit in old age' (Psalms 92:14)."
==1989 Truth and Tidings==''': "Is This My Responsibility?''' "==* by William J. Oliver, Bryn Mawr, [[Pennsylvania|Pa]]for Truth and Tidings.
"This article was written in response to a request by the editor of the Truth and Tidings. In the midst of the sufferings of Calvary, the Lord Jesus left us a very practical example of care. Viewing His mother and John the beloved disciple at the foot of the cross, He first introduced her into a relationship: "Behold thy son". Then He introduced John to a responsibility: "Behold thy mother". The result was a care to assume and a love to enjoy. "That disciple took her unto his own home" (John 19:26-27)
The guides in the early church recognized a need to provide practical physical care. The result was they "looked out" men of "honest report" to carry out the existing need. Later Paul in writing to Timothy in his first epistle gave instructions regarding the responsibility of believers individually and the church collectively.
"Believers should be aware that such homes as [[Bethany Lodge, ON|Bethany Lodge]], Longport Gospel Hall Home for Christians, [[Linn Manor Care Center, IA|Linn Manor Care Center]] and [[Rest Haven Homes, MI|Rest Haven Homes]] provide a very necessary care for older saints. They have a major problem in meeting constantly increasing financial burdens and only a small part of their needs are met by gifts from assemblies and individuals."
==1994 Uplook=====: Edwin Fesche testimony=for Uplook==
'''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.
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''
===1994: Miss Faye E. Wahls testimony=for Uplook==
'''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.