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The Great Auditorium

The present Great Auditorium is the fourth structure to stand on this spot.

The first “preacher’s stand” (constructed in 1870) was an octagon capable of seating 75 ministers and “surmounted by a cupola in which was a small bell”. The congregation seats were of pine boards planed on both sides and placed on trusses. The spot chosen for the congregation, although among trees, seemed to give the least shade of any place on the grounds and no protection from the rain. So in 1875 a substantial frame, 75’ by 100’, was erected and covered with tree boughs. It was beautiful and had there been no rain would have been a great success. But it did rain, so the following year the framework was covered in a permanent roof, the preacher’s stand enlarged, and a bell tower erected in which was hung a new bell. The fine tones of this bell pealed before Sunday services since 1876.

By 1877, the following year, although 3,000 could be accommodated, the entire congregation could not be seated. Again a change was needed. When an enlarged Auditorium was opened July 4, 1880, although nearly double the former capacity, it was filled. This auditorium was similar in appearance to the tabernacle in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard.

Over the next 10 years the need for larger accommodations for public worship became apparent. In 1891 Dr. Stokes proposed that plans be made to celebrate Ocean Grove’s 25th Anniversary by the erection of an Auditorium “seating not less than 10,000 persons”. The challenge was accepted and you are now viewing the building they built.

Ground was broken December 2, 1893. There are 7 main trusses set 21’ apart with a span of 161’. There are 18 angle trusses. 550,000 pounds of steel and iron were used in its construction. The foundation of the main trusses are broken stone mixed cement in trenches 6 by 7 and 9 ft. deep with a capstone of Pennsylvania granite that cost $1500 each. There are 1 15 tons of broken stone under each main truss and 8 tons under each of the balcony columns.

The first steel truss was set in position March 6 and the iron work was completed March 28, by 36 workmen. There are 262 doors and windows; 232 of which can be opened. The roof is corrugated galvanized iron, 40,300 square feet. The dimensions of the building: 225’ by 162’ or 36,225 square feet, 6/7 of an acre. The seating capacity was originally 9,600, achieved through the use of folding chairs and benches; today, it's about 7,000 because of the padded theater-style seats on the main floor.

The founding of Ocean Grove and the inauguration of President Ulysses S. Grant took place in the same year. President Grant was the first Methodist to be elected President and his summer home was in Long Branch, about 5 miles from Ocean Grove. He visited Ocean Grove frequently. Some of these visits were “official”, his being invited to speak such as on July 4, 1875 but often he was seen on the grounds visiting his mother and sister who occupied a cottage near Wesley Lake. However, one visit left a deep impression.

The Rev. Dr. John Newman, later a Bishop and then President Grants’ pastor in Washington, had been invited to preach at a Sunday morning service, so it was natural that the President should offer to convey Dr. Newman to Ocean Grove in his carriage and accompany him. No vehicle was allowed into the Grove on Sunday – could the U. S. President be asked to walk into the grounds like any other person? After much deliberation, Dr. Stokes decided to set his dilemma before the President. Grant’s reply gives an insight to his character: ‘“Who should regard and uphold the law, if not the chief magistrate of the nation? When I come to Ocean Grove on Sunday I will walk in like any other law-abiding citizen.” And he did.

President Grant was just the first of many Presidents who have spoken from the Auditorium platform. These include: Presidents Garfield, McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson (who was Governor of New Jersey prior to becoming president), Eisenhower and Nixon.

As you can well imagine, the greatest preachers in the world once preached in the Auditorium. Besides bishops and leading theologians of numerous denominations, evangelists such as Billy Sunday and Billy Graham have drawn standing-room crowds. Norman Vincent Peale was an annual preacher for many summers.

Since 1870 there has been a camp meeting, originally 10 days, now 7, offering an intensified period of religious fellowship, instruction and music.

Another major event is the Annual Choir Festival, held a Saturday evening in early July. Hundreds of singers and instrumentalists perform a program of anthems and hymns with a variety of conductors.