Abstract: A doorway bar support and operating unit combination in accordance with the present invention includes a two part cross bar assembly connected by a threaded shaft for spreading the bar assembly outwardly for frictional bearing engagement of pressure plate members on each outer end against the spaced apart upright members of a door frame. The pressure plate members include a receiving channel to receive therein the upright abutment strip along each upright member of the door frame against which the door abuts when swung to its closed position. Thus, the pressure plate members have a broad enough bearing surface to bear against the upright members of the door frame on both sides of the abutment strip, and to bear against the outer surface as well as side wall surfaces of the abutment strip itself which are snugly received in the receiving channel of each of the pressure plate members.