Thornley Chapel

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Thornley Chapel

Joseph H. Thornley was a charter member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and it was in his tent — at the suggestion of his wife — that the first religious meeting was held on these grounds, on the evening of July 31 1869. There is an urn marking that spot in Founders Park at the corner of Surf and Central Avenues.

Mr. Thornley was also the founder of the Ocean Grove Sunday School program and was a strong supporter of Christian education. Before his death in February 1889, he expressed a desire for a building to hold smaller meetings. His friends organized shortly after his death to fulfill his wish. The Thornley Memorial Chapel was quickly built and on Sunday, June 30, the same year, was opened for use, free of debt and equipped with an organ and suitable furnishings.

Today it is used principally for daily programs for children ages 4 to 7, 9 to 10:00 AM, from mid-June to mid-August.