Wow. Just wow! Seating for a few thousand and a beautiful 2025 Christmas Pageant/Nativity. So beautiful and a tree lighting ceremony, too. Ocean Grove is a National treasure and a pride of the Methodist Church. read more

Long before the trashiness of Wildwood, the tragedy of Atlantic City, or even the boardwalk bluster of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, NJ beach culture was largely defined by a bunch of teetotaling, bible-thumping, tent-raising Methodists. At the height of the so-called Camp Meeting movement in the late 19th century, American Methodists regularly convened massive summer religious retreats on remote beach locations far from the sinful cities. Popular locations included Martha's Vineyard, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware (a personal favorite), and, of course, the "Queen of the Victorian Camp Meeting," Ocean Grove, NJ. Few places give you such a concentrated dose of NJ weirdness as Ocean Grove, especially when contrasted with nearby Asbury Park, which is just a short boardwalk away. Then and now, the heart of Ocean Grove remains The Great Auditorium: a massive 1894 wooden barn-like structure built for church services that also contains "one of the largest pipe organs of the world." Walking around the ancient auditorium and the nearby Victorian homes, you feel like you've walked onto the set of some seaside mystery or horror movie. Lurking in the shadow of the Great Auditorium, you can still see the famed "tent colony" of Ocean Grove--another holdover from the town's Victorian beach days. Every summer, families can enjoy 1870s-style luxuries like living in a canvas tent with no air conditioning and limited access to running water. For some reason, there's a long waitlist for this privilege, which I will never understand. read more

The great auditorium in Ocean Grove is a classic example of 19 century architecture down the Jersey Shore, with religious overtones set throughout the building. I attended a concert here commemorating the Memorial Day weekend. It's an annual event for the last 27 years commemorating all five armed forces. I have been here a few times in the past few years and have seen concerts here such as, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Johnny Mathis. Since this venue started in 1894, it can get quite hot in the summer since there is no air conditioning. I also feel the seating is somewhat uncomfortable. But, go and see this magnificent structure. read more

The Great Auditorium - Religious Organizations Near Me - Neptune Township, New Jersey

Pro: 1. The Great Auditorium has decent acoustics. 2. Though ugly architecturally, it is of some interest due to its history. Con: 1. Good luck finding a place for your car in Ocean Grove during a Summer weekend. 2. Most Saturday eve concerts are by and for senior citizens. Some groups may be missing key members who are still alive: Beach Boys without Brian Wilson, Lovin' Spoonful without John Sebastian, etc. 3. The seats on the side face the center aisle, not the stage, so you literally must turn your neck. 4. Seats are not very comfortable. 5. There is no air conditioning and it can get quite hot in this big barn. Better go to a real concert hall like The Paramount in Asbury Park or Count Basie in Red Bank. read more

The Great Auditorium - Backside - Religious Organizations Near Me - Neptune Township, New Jersey

This is not a typical concert venue but rather an example of 19th century (I think) architecture at the Jersey shore. The area still shows signs of a religious movement. The Great Auditorium itself is beautiful. The pipe organ is still utilized and is a stately piece. In the evening, it is beautiful to sit here and have all the doors opened with the ocean breeze coming in. There is no air conditioning, so just be prepared for that. read more

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The Great Auditorium is a rare jewel , words cannot express the beauty, the simplicity, the majesty, the Heritage, and the importance of the Great Auditorium , this place will always be so dear to my heart read more

The great Auditorium is a part of the historical society and was constructed in 1894.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Grove,_New_Jersey In addition to worship services, the Auditorium has featured cultural events since its completion attracting a wide array of performers including Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, John Phillip Sousa and Peter, Paul and Mary. Along with these, seven presidents of the United States, including Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon have spoken at the Great Auditorium as well as 27 of the past 28 New Jersey governors elected since its completion. Other notable speakers include Admiral Richard Byrd, Booker T. Washington and Lowell Thomas. I have been going to The Great Auditorium and Tabernacle in Ocean Grove for over 2 decades! In fact I was introduced to The Jersey Shore by a former Christian radio station WWDJ who recently changed formats but for years the station held a huge beach party at Ocean Grove Beach which was interfaith called "Big Splash" and the speakers spoke at the Great Auditorium. The radio station does not exist any more but Christians of all kinds still go to Ocean Grove due to the former Big Splash event held in Ocean Grove. Ocean Grove still has other Christian events ,concerts and guest speakers and many of them "big" names. Billy Graham's grandson just spoke there recently. Now Big Splash is starting up again sponsored by another radio station. Now WMCA the other Christian radio station (which has changed formats frequently throughout the years) is having Big Splash for the next generation in Ocean Grove.http://www.summerbigsplash.com/ The speakers are from the NY and NJ area and it is sure to draw a big crowd. Usually there are games, boogie board races, worship, food vendors and ocean baptisms. It is July 29th through the 31st if you want to go or if you want to avoid the crowds. The beach is popular because in many Jersey shore travel guides it is named the best swimming beach on the shore. But it is a dry town and because of the Christian events draws a lot of Christians but they peacefully co exist with other faiths as well. Every year I go and see people I know from my former involvement with the Billy Graham ministry and with volunteer ministries at other churches. Also they had secular artists of all kinds here as well. One time I was looking for a concert at the Great Auditorium on Youtube and I saw that the Jonas brothers were there. There do seem to be certain artists who like to play in beach towns and who can blame them! Since we have been going we have noticed a slow decline in the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Associations adherence to their mission statement. The mission statement from their web site is-_______ to provide opportunities for spiritual birth, growth and renewal through worship, education, cultural and recreational programs for persons of all ages in a Christian seaside setting." The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting association is not without it's scandals. (The Camp Meeting Association runs the Auditorium and Tabernacle) The hypocrisy in religious organizations is sad. Jesus said " come to me all of you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28 Jesus did not pick and choose who he loved. I am in no way shape or form political as I see politics as divisive and if history repeats itself politics never has an ultimate answer. So please do not take this statement as political at all but I see heavy legalism and a lack of love here in especially dealing with the gay community here in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. I am not intimately involved in the inner workings of The Auditorium or Tabernacle or Camp Meeting Association. I just attend summer worship and it is exhilarating to worship at the beach! If you look at people you will never worship the Lord, take the good and discard the bad. Hypocrites in the church is the oldest and lamest excuse for running from God. You become most like what you hate! And there is no perfect church or organization of any kind. Mark 2:17- says-On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." I am in agreement with the mission statement and the Auditorium tends to have good speakers and concerts even if I don't like them all I can find one at least that I like per year. It used to draw a lot of senior citizens though people of all ages and backgrounds have always come but is now drawing a younger crowd. I only go for concerts and special guest speakers which can be very uplifting when at the beach. It is a beautiful place where you can experience God. read more

The Great Auditorium - Religious Organizations Near Me - Neptune Township, New Jersey

I have been coming to Ocean Grove for the last 5 years and a visit to this Auditorium is always on my list. read more

The Great Auditorium - This is one of the most open and beautiful sanctuaries I've ever visited. - Religious Organizations Near Me - Neptune Township, New Jersey

Listen: Even if you're not a fan of the whole sometimes zealous "religious" experiences that are centered around it, the love for this beautiful building should be a reason enough to pull over the car here in Ocean Grove, NJ. Get out to stretch your legs! It's a marvel for the area, and the entire town of Ocean Grove has at one time or another, had an event in this towered auditorium. Many of the locals we spoke to, including my travel partner who grew up here over his summers in NJ, remember it fondly as a place for music and large gatherings. Ironically, the surrounding area has now become very LGBT friendly, so pristine lawns, manicured gardens and a brief walk to the shore are all incentives to take a break here. Don't look for a brewtini though, this town is completely dry, and frankly after the frat party beach locations of recent, it's sort of a welcome relief! Truly lovely little spot, here's hoping Sandy left it in one piece. read more

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Absolutely a MUST SEE , if you visit Ocean Grove! The concerts are amazing! It's like a home away from home. Love it!!