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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.
It met initially at 24th & Oberon Ave. 1947-1948, then moved to its permanent location at Atlantic Ave. and 29th St. 1949-2000. The following is history on the latter location via Dan Shutt of Detroit.
"In 1911, Peter A. B. Widener purchased beachfront property between 28th and 29th avenues in Longport. In this space of land he built the Widener Industrial School as a “Summer Seashore Home for Handicapped Children.” Severely handicapped children were provided with a rigid schedule of rehabilitation at the school. When it opened, approximately 54 percent of the children had infantile paralysis and 36 percent were afflicted with tuberculosis of the spine.
The school was later re-named the Widener Memorial School, shortly after Widener’s son, George Dunton Widener and his grandson Harry Elkins Widener, died in the sinking of the Titanic. Over time, as treatment changed for handicapped children, enrollment began to decline at the Widener School. During World War I the building was used to treat soldiers and was vacated again in 1941 to allow the Armed Services to train on the beach in the back of the building.
In 1944 the Widener School building was purchased by William J. Bates who also owned the Canterbury Hall and the Winchester Hotel. He converted the building into his third hotel, known as the Essex Beach Club. It remained as a hotel until sold to The Gospel Hall Home for the Aged in 1949. It remained as the Gospel Hall until its demolition. The property is now home to 12 beach block homes known as the Widener Reserve."
Be sure to check out the "Also See" section towards the bottom for expansion on those involved, and visiting ministry.
==1947-1949 News==
===1950===
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.
==1989 Truth and Tidings==
'''Is This My Responsibility?''' by William J. Oliver, Bryn Mawr, [[Pennsylvania|Pa]].
"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.
The purpose of this brief article is not to give an exposition of the truth found in Scripture regarding our responsibility to "consider one another". The intent is to answer a question regarding the costs of operating a home for the aged in this twentieth century, while maintaining the principles which we hold dear in assemblies.
The Gospel Hall Home for the Aged Inc. in Longport NJ was founded in 1946 as a result of the exercise of a number of local brethren spearheaded by Mr. William Moon. The mission of the Home was to provide residential care in a Christian atmosphere for those who did not have a suitable source of care or were unable to care for themselves.
In those early days, there were many maiden sisters who were finishing their work careers on private estates and had no home in this country. There were as well some of the Lord's people whose families were all unsaved. The twentieth century also brought about circumstances which were not as conducive for grandparents to remain in the next generation home.
The residential Home by the seashore provides for many a great source of fellowship and enjoyment in what is now called the "golden years". In early days, many of the residents carried out most of the tasks at the Home. With the passing of time, it became necessary to add an infirmary so that the Lord's people would not have to go to a non Christian environment for full care. This infirmary care, coupled with the dwindling of volunteer help and the increasing complexity of government regulations and demands has resulted in greater costs.
The basic rules for admission have not changed despite the passing of years. Our mission is still the same: the desire to provide a caring, loving atmosphere, similar to an individual's home. But with these constants, there has been change. Volunteer help has diminished so that now we must meet a $15,000 payroll every two weeks. Around the clock nursing in our infirmary accounts for a good bit of the cost of operation. No resident in Longport receives a bill for his room and board. Each year the residents are told the estimated cost of operating the Home. This per month operating costs is left with them, before the Lord, to provide what they are able to pay. Presently, 46-25 of our residents are unable to meet the minimum monthly cost. Forty percent of the nursing care residents could be "medicaid eligible" but we do not apply to the government for assistance.
From hits inception to the present, the Longport Home has cared for 396 Christians from 136 different assemblies. How are the costs met if payment from residents does not meet all the need? Is this MY responsibility?
We are thankful to say that there are many individuals and assemblies who have felt that it was part of their responsibility to share in the care of the Lord's own. We have never sent out a letter of solicitation and have tried to report only facts at our annual report meeting, believing that the Lord would supply in His own time and way. We can testify to His faithfulness. We do not, however, operate with an excess of funds. We are not able to get the latest in equipment or gadgets as we might like, but we believe the Lord's people get quality, loving care.
Some who are familiar with Longport know that we are attempting to relocate inland. The oceanfront location causes us concern during storms. We will only be able to accomplish this as a result of the value of the present property. Its sale will provide the basic funds to build a new facility. Though we are not sure that its sale will account for all the cost, we are looking to the Lord to guide us in this undertaking. Pray with us.
I am reluctant to write some of the facts which I have because it is not the intent of the board to change our approach to our needs. However, to respond to the inquiry as to how the Lord's people can be better informed about operating a Home, I have sought to give this information. Other [[Retirement Homes|Homes]] such as Elim in Waubashene, [[Ontario]]; Linn Manor in Marion, [[Iowa]]; Bethany Lodge in Unionville, Ontario and others, have similar interests and needs. They could also clarify any questions which you might have.
"Is this my responsibility?" Consider the example of the Savior at the cross, and act accordingly. Yours will be the happy portion of knowing that your interests are in line with your Lord's. "I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Ps. 39:25)."
==1992 Truth and Tidings==
* Assembly Annals
* Letters of Interest
** 1989-:2
* Light & Liberty
* Truth & Tidings
** 1989:12
* Uplook
** 1994-:9