Ocean Grove

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Historical Society of Ocean Grove

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Thornley Chapel

  • September 11, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Sandy Goes from Staten Island, New York
Thornley Chapel

The first Sunday worship service was held here June 30th, 1869. Joseph H Thornley was a charter member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. After his death in 1889, his life-long wish for a chapel was granted by the Board of Trustees, and a building was remodeled and converted into the chapel that still bears his name.

The English turn of the century pump organ is still in working order. Today the chapel is mainly used for the youth program held every summer. Often weddings and funerals are held in the chapel which seats about 60 people.

From journal National Historic District-Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Editor Pick

Historical Society of Ocean Grove

  • September 11, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Sandy Goes from Staten Island, New York

Be sure to take advantage of this informative 90' walking tour of the town which will allow entry into its most important buildings. The narration helps you to understand the reason for the town's existence. Ocean Grove has a respect and is supportive of the varied religions and beliefs. Everyone is welcome; so the docent informed us.

Tours are given on Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 1pm and on Saturdays at 11am at a cost of $6 per person. The tour is interesting and provides you with the history of the Camp Meeting Association from its beginning to present day. Meet them at Historical Society a few minutes before the tour. There is an exhibition downstairs with memorabilia and photos of many important past visitors to the Great Auditorium.

Reservations are required; there were 18 people in our tour. Surprisingly many had been to Ocean Grove before but had not taken the delightful tour.

www.oceangrovehistory.org (732) 774-1869

From journal National Historic District-Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Editor Pick

Great Auditorium

  • September 11, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Sandy Goes from Staten Island, New York
Included in the walking tour is the Great Auditorium where religious services and concert events are held during the summer months.

Originally a tent, the present structure is the fourth one on this site and was constructed in 1894 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Ocean Grove. The cost $69,112 was all pledged.

The original wooden seating capacity was 10,000 people. The auditorium now seats 6,500 in theater seats. The building, the area of a football field, is not air-conditioned or heated but usually the audience is cool because ocean breezes sweep in the doors and out the main windows.

The colored panes of glass are characteristic of the period and can also be seen in many private cottages and homes in Ocean Grove.

There are over 600 ceiling lights. The bulbs can be changed from catwalks above the ceiling. This was a unique method in 1894 to light such a large space.

The building has extraordinary acoustics due largely to the mostly parabolic wooden interior.

The flag, a sentimental favorite since 1914, is displayed during patriotic occasions. The electric lights blink sequentially giving it the appearance of waving. Audiences anticipate its lighting and stand spontaneously while it is on. The flag can be lowered into a special chamber behind the choir loft, revealing the wooden cross which is always present.

The pipe organ was built in 1908 by Robert Hope-Jones, an English organ builder. It has more than 10,000 pipes and 157 ranks and is rated among the top ten of pipe organs. Concerts are given throughout the summer by the organist in residence.

The exterior colors of the building: sand, maroon, and deep green are the original colors.

Not only is the building unique but the colorful history of the town, the Camp Meeting Association with its influence and strength is just as compelling and strong today as it was nearly 100 years ago.

From journal National Historic District-Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Editor Pick

Centennial Cottage

  • September 11, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Sandy Goes from Staten Island, New York
Centennial Cottage

Entry to the cottage is included with the Historical Society walking tour. Circa 1874, the house now a museum is a beautiful example of the carpenters Gothic style typical of the Victorian era. The cottage was donated to the Camp Meeting Association by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Skold in 1969. It was moved to its present location on a lovely landscaped corner lot where visitors are offered a glimpse of life in 19th century Ocean Grove.

The cottage was termed a "Swiss Chalet" as it was adapted from the traditional alpine farmhouse. The characteristics of this form were an overhanging front roof and balconies on the upper floors.

Furnishings were not the original nor were early photographs available but this cottage was typical of the period. Walls and ceilings could be painted or elaborately papered. Floors might be painted, stained, or left unfinished.

The second floor had three bedrooms. Two front bedrooms had access to a porch. There is a lovely Victorian garden, memorial rose garden, and an herb garden. As you walk by the front of the house the fragrance of flowers is delightful.

At the end of the house tour, refreshments are provided. (Cookies and juice.)

From journal National Historic District-Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Bishop James Tabernacle

  • September 11, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Sandy Goes from Staten Island, New York
Bishop James Tabernacle

The tabernacle, built in 1877, is the oldest building of continuous worship in Ocean Grove. The frame building is used for worship, sometimes weddings, and memorial services. Entry was only optional with the walking tour. The tabernacle was very plainly furnished. The surrounding windows gave it a lovely effect.

From journal National Historic District-Ocean Grove, New Jersey

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