The most impressive structure in Ocean Grove, and the center of activity since 1894, is The Great Auditorium. It was preceded over the years by three smaller structures. In 1891, Dr. Ellwood H. Stokes, then president of the Association, proposed that a new building, capable of seating 10,000, be erected to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of Ocean Grove. Ground was broken for the Great Auditorium on December 2, 1893, and work was completed in time for the Camp Meeting in 1894. In 1907 the front of the Auditorium was extended to make room for the new Hope-Jones pipe organ. Installed in 1908, the total cost was $26,000, half of which was donated by the Hope-Jones Company. The organ has since been rebuilt, modernized, and greatly expanded. The Great Auditorium’s organ concerts on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons throughout the summer continue to draw enthusiastic listeners. Music programs include recitals of classical and sacred music. The venue also serves as an arts center, showcasing the latest in family entertainment. The Great Auditorium is almost the size of a football field. It continues to be used for Sunday services during the summer, and serves as a showcase for the world’s great preachers and evangelists. Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, Gypsy Smith and Norman Vincent Peale are among the well known personalities who have addressed the congregation.

The Hope Jones organ dominates the view, front and center, during the Choir Festival in the Great Auditorium, Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
Paul Goldfinger Photo