It was in November of 1901 when Abigail Townsend Luffe arrived in Buffalo, New York from England. Within days she had involved herself in caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those less fortunate. Later, as one might expect, Sister Abigail’s apartment could not squeeze in another soul in need. Feeling led to “enlarge the place of [her] tent” Mrs. Luffe was led to purchase a large home on North Circle in Buffalo; the work became known as El-Nathan. Having been moved to Marble Hill, Missouri, the work continues to minister to the needs of elderly believers.
During the 1940’s there was a stirring across North America as several assembly Homes were born. In 1936, Sister Abigail challenged Grace Pell to begin a similar work in Michigan. In 1940, a work was begun near Grand Rapids to meet the needs of some believers whose only alternative seemed the “poor farm.” Rest Haven Homes was incorporated 1941. Western Assemblies Home was established in Claremont, California in 1943 to meet the need of retiring assembly missionaries who were without a home or lodging. Later their vision enlarged to serve all believers who, at some point in their lives, fellowshipped in a gospel hall or chapel. Elim Homes, (near Midland, ON) was born in 1945 as a result of five brethren seeking the Lord’s guidance how to provide security, shelter and love for elderly persons. They opened with the admission of three sisters. Connaught Homes in Quebec was begun to serve believers in 1957. Today their vision has expanded to serve any in need of long-term care.
Then during the 1970’s the assemblies saw another stirring as several more homes opened. Bethesda Home (Hayward, CA) grew from a board and care home which an assembly had begun. In 1972, as care needs increased, other assemblies prayerfully and financially worked together to build a home. Bethesda’s main purpose was caring for full-time workers. Pittsboro Christian Village in North Carolina was originally a children’s home. In 1972 the work transitioned into a retirement home where the necessities of life are met as well as the fellowship needs of the Lord’s people. The Village has added independent homes as well as a care unit. Linn Manor Care Center (Marion, IA) opened its doors in August 1979 to care for the aged saints of the assemblies in the northeast Iowa area.
Tracing the varied roots of our assembly homes has been heart-warming. For over a hundred years assemblies have been faithfully ministering to the needs of their elder saints and we are saddened at the closing of long-established ministries in recent years. Time and space does not allow us to recount all the stories of how the Lord has met the needs of each ministry. We will never know all the ways that residents and families have been blessed, nor the impact in the hearts and lives of staff members who labored in the work.
Our concern is the future of these assembly ministries. There are great challenges. As the availability and selection of quality senior care options has increased, some homes have seen a decrease in the number of assembly believers who are willing to travel to live in an assembly setting. Another challenge faced by many homes is a shortage of help. Many young people used to happily sacrifice worldly wealth and fame to serve in our assembly homes. Now more than ever, the glamour and glitter of material accumulations distracts the believer and there are fewer willing to take the lowly path of service. The increase in regulations has placed a burden on our Homes and their leaders need wisdom in not only meeting these legislative demands but even exceeding them.
Lastly, each ministry has those who are supported by benevolent funds. As the costs of care have increased, many Homes have experienced an increased demand on their subsidy funds. In all of these challenges the prayers and exercise of God’s people is needed.
Unknown to Sister Abigail, the modern assembly long-term-care movement first stirred in her heart. One of her guiding principles was: “Look to God alone for every need and believe in faith that He will answer.” May each of our Homes find the same guiding principle leading us into the unchartered waters ahead.
Written by Terry Carrick