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Historical Sketch by Dr E H Stokes
"A brief outline of the Ocean Grove Enterprise seems appropriate," wrote the Rev. Ellwood H. Stokes, first of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association in 1872, after three summers had passed from the time when in "an informal, social, and religious way, eight or ten families met in the summer of 1869.’
Continuing, Dr Stokes said:
It’s origin was simply this: A few familiar friends, after protracted labors in the pastorate, felt that an annual respite of a few weeks from these toils was an absolute necessity. But where, in connection with the congenial society, free from fashion and folly, at an expense within their means, could such rest be found? This was a grave question, and for several years remained unanswered.
The first crude thought was, is there not, somewhere along the sea, a convenient place where families of like mind can pitch their tents, and for a little while in the summer enjoy the sea air, bathing, fishing, etc. having such social and religious exercises intermingled as convenience and inclination might suggest? An affirmation conviction seemed to rest on all. But it was a long time before the crude thought gathered sufficient strength to assume definite shape.
Meanwhile, the Rev. W.B. Osborn, whose interest in camp meetings is generally known, traveling extensively through the State, and conversing with many persons on the subject, associated with this thought of a summer resort for ministers, a long cherished camp meeting by the sea. And soon became greatly interested in the selection on the proper place. In this work the New Jersey coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May was thoroughly explored, and the grounds now occupied south of Long branch, having a magnificent ocean front, with splendid grove, bounded north and south by fresh water lakes, with every convenience needed, was selected as the best adapted to our wants.
"It was soon decided to purchase six acres of this land, lying in the grove immediately along the northern lake, and in this small compass, a few of us proposed, in the simplest and most unostentatious way, to assemble from year to year, and enjoy our summer rest in bathing, fishing, worshiping, or sauntering socially along the shore, free from the heavy cares which we felt resting upon us, welcoming from the immediate neighborhood such as might choose to join in our simple service by the sea.
"It was no speculation; no scheme for money raising; no device of any kind, but simply and singly social, recreative, and religious, mainly -excepting the few neighbors who might to desire to worship with us- for ourselves alone. The great world we did not seek, but rather shunned, following the Savior’s invitation, ‘Come apart into a desert [or quiet] place and rest awhile.’ In this informal, and social and religious way, eight to ten families met in the summer of 1869. We gave ourselves up to rest, yet at the same time two or three religious services of an intensely interesting character were held each day. The grounds were solemnly consecrated to the worship of Almighty God, with overwhelming and never-to-be-forgotten evidence of divine approval. Every one was delighted and the rich communion enjoyed with God and nature along the ever-sounding sea was left with profound regrets.
"As our plans became known, others wished to unite with us, and we were earnestly desired to extend our enterprise to include all who sought similar relief from the heavy cares of professional or business life. Yielding to this request, in the winter of 1869 an Association, consisting of thirteen ministers and thirteen laymen, was formed, and a charter obtained from the New Jersey Legislature, under the following title: THE OCEAN GROVE CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.’
"The following paragraph precedes the charter; ‘Recognizing the truth and beauty of the Scripture declaration, "The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,’ and being especially impressed with the propriety of having a portion of the land skirting the sea consecrated to sacred uses, we, whose names hereunto annexed, with a single eye to the Divine glory, and in humble dependence upon our heavenly Father’s aid, do hereby solemnly covenant together, to use certain land, which has been providentially committed to our trust for these high and holy purposes. And we further declare it to be our design, to keep these lands a perpetual oblation upon Christ’s altar, enjoining the same duty upon those who may succeed us. To this end we mutually pledge our Christian honor.’
"Any surplus funds remaining to the corporation, after defraying the necessary expenses for improvements or otherwise, are devoted to such benevolent objects as may be determined by the Association at it’s regular meeting."
From this time our enterprise assumed proportions not anticipated by any at its commencement, and from six acres has advanced [1872] to two hundred and thirty. This land, when originally purchased, was in many places overgrown with a tangled wildwood, while in others it was rough, unsightly, and barren. To reduce it to its present condition has been a very laborious and expensive work. Still, as the demand for lots exceeded our most sanguine expectations, we have gone forward, expending thus far more than all receipts, in payment for lands and permanent improvements thereon, and as funds continue to be received from the sale of lots and other sources, improvements for the general good will still be made. The grounds are laid out in beautiful avenues and parks. Some of these avenues, as they stretch across the open beach -land, are, at their commencement at the grove, two hundred feet wide, increasing in width as they approach the sea. The aggregate length of avenues now open [1872] is about five miles. The number of lots already surveyed [1872] is about fifteen hundred, two thirds of which are now sold. Over three hundred cottages, some of them very beautiful, varying in cost from one hundred fifty to over three thousand dollars, are already built, and many more will be erected the coming season.
"The eastern front of our grounds, half a mile in extent, is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, where surf bathing is unsurpassed; the west by a good turnpike, leading from Long Branch, six miles above, to Shark River, two miles below; the north by Wesley and the south by Fletcher Lake, both of which are fresh water, where the boating privileges are fine, and the bathing for ladies and children who fear the surf, superb. The congregational grounds, where large high toned, and successful camp meetings have already been held, are just inside Sea Drift Heights, in a delightful grove of thrifty young oaks, exactly five hundred yards from the open sea.
"Ocean Pathway, leading directly from the Preacher’s stand to the surf, is a fine graveled walk, in the center of a park, fifteen hundred feet long by two hundred feet wide at the grove and widening to the sea. Ocean Avenue running parallel with and immediately along the sea front, is also several hundred feet wide. Cottages are now being build on both these magnificent avenues to be found.
"Superior water for drinking and general household purposes is everywhere found, by means of tube pumps, at a depth of from fifteen to twenty-five feet, and the supply is inexhaustible. [Long since abandoned for artesian water of surpassing quality, not equaled anywhere along the coast.] A number of buildings have been erected by the Association for business and other purposes. Among these are a store for general merchandise and provisions also, a building used by the Association for post office, telegraph office, general news office, bookstore, etc. The Grove Cottage, just inside the gate, has been recently purchased by the Association, of Mr. Charles Rogers, raised, and otherwise improved, and will be kept open the year round for the accommodation of visitors. Ice houses, bathing houses, -bathing lines, boats, etc., are provided, and will be multiplied as necessity demands.
- "From this brief sketch it will be seen that our plans are vastly beyond original intentions. This enlargement has been pressed upon us. We have accepted the pressure as a providential call. The enlargement has involved a vast amount of care, anxiety, and expense; difficulties too have sometimes so accumulated as seemingly to obstruct our further progress, but, toiling on in faith, God has many times marvelously opened our way. Efforts still are necessary to complete our plans, but, as we believe our work is of God-, we shall toil, and pray, and wait."
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