Christian Science Society (Cape May, New Jersey)

The former Christian Science Society, also known as the John B. McCreary House, and, most recently, as The Abbey, is an historic Victorian building located at 34 Gurney Street, corner of Columbia Street, in Cape May, New Jersey. Designed by Philadelphia architect Stephen Decatur Button, it was built for $20,000 between 1869-1870 for State Senator John B. McCreary, a Pennsylvania coal baron.[1][2][3][4]

John B. McCreary House
The Abbey in 2018
Location34 Gurney Street
Cape May, New Jersey
Coordinates38°55′55″N 74°55′10″W
Built1869–1870
ArchitectStephen Decatur Button
Part ofCape May Historic District (ID70000383)

It is a contributing property in the Cape May Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

From 1979 to 2012, the structure was operated as The Abbey Bed and Breakfast Inn.[5] The couple extensively restored the building while adding bathrooms for each suite.[6]

Due to increasing operating costs and lower demand for the bed and breakfasts, they put the property up for sale in 2006.[7] It was sold early in 2012. The new owners will rent out the whole house rather than individual rooms. Those renting such units are not required to pay the 7-percent room tax levied on inn and hotel clients, which Jay Schatz believes to be a factor in the declining bed and breakfast business.[8]

  • Christian Science Society, in 1977. Photo: HABS
  • Photo from 2011

References
  1. Salvini, Emil R. (1995). The Summer City by the Sea: Cape May, New Jersey: An Illustrated History. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press. p. 41. ISBN 9780813522616.
  2. Tischler, Susan. "The Excursionists: A Ticket to Success". CapeMay.com.
  3. Landmark Society: tours - Cape May, NJ - May 2009 Archived January 26, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  4. Wallace, J. (August 21, 2009). "John B. McCreary House (The Abbey), Cape May NJ". 3D Warehouse. Trimble Navigation, Ltd.
  5. Shatz, Jay and Marianne. "The Abbey Bed & Breakfast Inn". Archived from the original on July 7, 2011.
  6. Bernstein, Lisa (February 1, 2002). "The Abbey: Gurney Street and Columbia Avenue". CapeMay.com.
  7. Cape May's B&Bs go on the block - USA TODAY - 2009
  8. Fichter, Jack (March 17, 2012). "Schatz Leaves the Abbey, Military Gear for Sale". Cape May County Herald.
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