In 1952, Reggie Edwards, B.M. Hancock, David Allen and Len Paschal were led by the Lord to begin a ministry for children. God led them to a building that had been vacant for many years, and to Gene and Sue Hollingsworth, the first administrators of what was then known as Pittsboro Christian Home. The Hollingsworths had been in prayer for many years about such a work.
Through the prayers of brother and sister Hollingsworth, along with many volunteers from area Assemblies, the Lord transformed a run-down building into a suitable accommodation. Needs of the Home were never publicized, so when they were provided, God’s faithfulness was demonstrated, and He received the glory.
Over 20 years, Pittsboro Christian Home provided for the physical and spiritual needs for nearly 200 children.
In the early 1970s, the licensing authorities for children’s homes began to issue directives that were contrary to our mission. Regulations across the country made it difficult to teach the children according to Biblical principles. At the same time, more and more children were being routed to foster homes (and away from group homes). As a result, all six homes operated by Christians in assembly fellowship closed or changed emphasis within six months, in late 1971, early 1972.
In 1972, never willing to waste the resources or willing hearts of His people, the Lord presented the leadership with a new purpose: the care of elderly Christians. Once again brother Hollingsworth led remodeling crews to change the facility into rooms with baths.
The goal was to provide a place where elderly Christians could be blessed with the necessities of life, enjoy the fellowship of believers, hold meetings, and continue to serve the Lord.
Later in 1972, rooms were ready for the first residents. Later, more than a dozen cottages were added to the property. About that time, Pittsboro Bible Assembly was founded, to allow residents to attend meetings on the grounds. Noted for its missionary emphasis and mini-conferences, this testimony has continued.
The number of residents grew, and soon the need arose for an Adult Care Home. Brother Hollingsworth oversaw the design and construction of the Care Home, as well as the detailed process of State licensing for such a resource. This ambitious project, as well as all of the many additions and improvements have been financed by gifts from exercised Assemblies and individuals. No funds from the residents’ monthly accommodation and service fees have ever been used for additions or improvements.
Additions have included: expansion of the Care Home; a spacious dining room and kitchen; the Northeast Wing with private apartments; an auditorium/office unit; patio homes; additional cottages; a swimming pool, and the January 2009 addition of the North Wing, with its 29 independent living apartments. Change is gradual and intentional here, as the directors and administrators are careful always to seek God’s will.