The authoritative source on
  early churches of New Jersey

About this site
We've created a database and photographic inventory on more than half the 18th & 19th century churches in the state and add to it each month. We welcome and solicit all contributions and suggestions from our visitors.

How to use this site
Post a query
Respond to readers' queries
Consult the database
Annotate the database
Upload a photo
Suggest a church for inclusion
List of churches, by county
Photographic notes
Links to related sites

   Photographic Inventory

The Great Auditorium [Methodist Episcopal]
Ocean Grove, Monmouth County

  

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association was organized in 1869 for the purpose of providing a permanent campground\meeting place by the sea. Revival meetings, often 10 days long, were common in the decades leading up to the Civil War; after the war, many Methodist leaders sought to establish permanent places for annual summer revivals. The Great Auditorium was built in 1894 and seats 6,000 people. It is a steel-framed building covered with wooden clapboards, and features many sliding doors and hinged windows. There is a large stage rather than an altar and a gallery that almost completely encircles the interior.
     For more information about the Ocean Grove Meeting, see Holy Leisure, Recreation and Religion in God's Square Mile, by Troy Messenger. Another Methodist camp was established at Pitman Grove.

 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS  |  ABOUT US  |  HOME  |  BACK

Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel