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=====The Old Auditorium=====
The Old Auditorium was located in [[Ocean Grove|Ocean Grove, NJ]] where [[The Great Auditorium]] currently sits. It was demolished in 1894 for the new building.

====Speakers====
^Speaker^Date^Sermon/Reason^Notes^
|Rev. A.E. Ballard((//Ocean Grove Record, July 1, 1875//))|July 4, 1875|Centennial Fourth of July Oration| |
|Rev. L. Larew; J.H. Thornley, Esq.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 10, 1875//))|July 5, 1875|Prayer and Reading of the Declaration of Independence| |
|Rev. E.H. Stokes, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 10, 1875//))|July 5, 1875|Independence day address| |
|Rev. E.H. Stokes, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, September 11, 1875//))|August 27, 1875|Closing of the Auditorium|Scripture from Psalms 121, 122, 126, and 127|
|Dwight L. Moody((//Ocean Grove Record, November 27, 1875//))|November 21, 1875|Sermon from John 4:35-37| |
|Rev. Harry M. Sanders((//Ocean Grove Record, July 22, 1876//))|July 16th, 1876|On the spot sermon from John 14:21|Dr. Fuller was intended to speak but was not present at the meeting|
|Dr. Bartine((//Ocean Grove Record, August 5, 1876//))|July 31, 1876|Seventh Anniversary of Ocean Grove meetings| |
|Rev. William P. Corbit((//Ocean Grove Record, August 26, 1876//))|August 20, 1876|Evening sermon| |
|Willisford Dey, Esq.((//Ocean Grove Record, June 30, 1877//))|July 4, 1877|Fourth of July services| |
|Rev. Dr. A.J. Kynett, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 14, 1877//))|July 8, 1877|Morning sermon from Daniel 12:3|Corresponding Secretary of the Church Extension Board of the M.E. Church|
|Rev. S.H. Pratt((//Ocean Grove Record, July 14, 1877//))|July 8, 1877|Evening sermon from Judges 3:31|From the Baptist Church of Lowell, Massachusetts|
|Rev. H.R. Naylor((//Ocean Grove Record, July 14, 1877//))|July 15, 1877|Sermon|From Baltimore, Maryland|
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Murphy_(evangelist)|Francis Murphy]]((//Ocean Grove Record, July 28, 1877//))|July 19, 1877|Personal testimony as a drunk immigrant| |
|Bishop Simpson((//Ocean Grove Record, July 28, 1877; August 4, 1877//))|July 29, 1877|Eigth Anniversary of Ocean Grove meetings|Scripture from Ephesians 3:10|
|G.W.K. McPherson; J. Addison Richards; and Rev. S.T. Horner((//Ocean Grove Record, July 28, 1877//))|July 31, 1877|Addresses on the eighth anniversary proper|McPherson of Trenton, New Jersey;Richards of Montclair, New Jersey; Horner of Pennington, New Jersey|
|Mrs. Wittenmyer((//Ocean Grove Record, August 4, 1877//))|August 1, 1877|Sermon from Jeremiah 23| |
|Bishop Peck((//Ocean Grove Record, August 25, 1877//))|August 19, 1877|Morning Sermon from 2 Corinthians 5:10| |
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Taylor_(missionary)|Rev. William Taylor]]((//Ocean Grove Record, August 25, 1877//))|August 19, 1877|Evening sermon| |
|Rev. A. P. Jack((//Ocean Grove Record, August 25, 1877//))|August 22, 1877|Sermon|Pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Hazelton, Pennsylvania|
|Rev. Dr. Thomas Hanlon((//Ocean Grove Record, July 12, 1878//))|July 7, 1878|Opening Sunday of the Auditorium, Sermon from Romans 8:14|President of Pennington Seminary|
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._B._Earle|Rev. Dr. Absalom B. Earle]]((//Ocean Grove Record, July 12, 1878//))|July 9, 1878|Sermon from Psalm 51:12|President of The Union Evangelistic Society|
|Rev. William Lloyd((//Ocean Grove Record, July 12, 1878//))|July 10, 1878|Sermon on the subject of Christian unity|Pastor of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City|
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Fallows|Bishop Samuel Fallows, D.D.]]((//Ocean Grove Record, July 20, 1878//))|July 18, 1878|Sermon on "Union in Christ"| |
|Rev. Mr. Garretson((//Ocean Grove Record, July 27, 1878//))|July 26, 1878|Brief discourse on Exodus 32:26| |
|Rev. Dr. Bugbee; and Rev. Henry Baker((//Ocean Grove Record, August 1, 1878//))|July 28, 1878|Morning sermon|Dr. Bugbee was the President of Alleghany College; Baker was formerly of the New Jersey Conference, then pastor in Cincinnati, Ohio|
|George C. Stull((//Ocean Grove Record, August 1, 1878//))|July 31, 1878|Address on "Ocean Grove and its influence upon the young"|Of Trenton, New Jersey|
|Rev. W. X. Ninde, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, August 24, 1878//))|August 18, 1878|Morning sermon from 1 Peter 1:8|From Detroit, Michigan|
|Rev. William P. Corbit((//Ocean Grove Record, August 31, 1878//))|August 25, 1878|Sermon from 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-9|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Crosby|Fanny Crosby]] participated in this service|
|Rev. H.M. Sanders((//Ocean Grove Record, September 14, 1878//))|August 27, 1878|Sermon from Galatians 6:7|From Yonkers, New York|
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Fallows|Bishop Samuel Fallows, D.D.]]((//Ocean Grove Record, September 14, 1878//))|August 28, 1878|Morning sermon| |
|Rev. J.E. Amos((//Ocean Grove Record, September 14, 1878//))|September 8, 1878|Morning sermon|Prominent member of the old Baltimore Conference and pastor at Martinsburg, West Virginia|
|Rev. Arthur Foster((//Ocean Grove Record, September 14, 1878//))|September 8, 1878|Evening sermon and last for the season|From Baltimore, Maryland|
|Rev. J.H. Alday, M.D.; and Rev. J.G. Crate, A.M.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 5, 1879//))|July 4, 1879|Alday read the Declaration of Independence with Crate giving an oration|Crate is from New Egypt, New Jersey|
|Rev. Dr. A.J. Kynett, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 5, 1879; July 12, 1879//))|July 6, 1879|Opening sermon from Exodus 20 with selections from Matthew, Mark and Luke|Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Church Extension of the M.E. Church|
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McCosh|Dr. James McCosh]]((//Ocean Grove Record, July 19, 1879//))|July 13, 1879|Unclear|President of Princeton|
|Dr. Payne((//Ocean Grove Record, July 26, 1879//))|July 20, 1879|Sermon from Hebrews 1:1-2| |
|Mary T. Lathrop((//Ocean Grove Record, August 2, 1879//))|July 27, 1879|Evening sermon|From Jackson, Michigan|
|Rev. Dr. A.J. Kynett; Rev. W.P. Corbit; and Dr. Halley((//Ocean Grove Record, August 9, 1879//))|July 31, 1879|Ten year anniversary services|Dr. Halley is of the Presbyterian church|
|Rev. J.Y. Dobbins; and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_B._Fisk|General Clinton B. Fisk]]((//Ocean Grove Record, August 9, 1879//))|August 8, 1879|Addresses to The Young Men's Methodist Union of the City of Newark|Dobbins of Camden, New Jersey and Fisk of Seabright, New Jersey|
|Rev. T.H. Pearne, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, August 16, 1879//))|August 10, 1879|Morning sermon from Psalm 4:6; 34:8; 40:1-4; 62:1; 73:28; 116:1-8; Romans 5:1-5; and Ephesians 3:16-19|Presiding Elder of Hillsboro District in Ohio|
|Dr. Foss((//Ocean Grove Record, August 23, 1879//))|August 17, 1879|Morning Sermon| |
|Dr. Stokes((//Ocean Grove Record, August 23, 1879//))|August 17, 1879|Sermon in place of the Surf meeting, called off for heavy rain| |
|Rev. J.R. Westwood((//Ocean Grove Record, August 23, 1879//))|August 20, 1879|General prayer and song service| |
|Rev. J.H. Brown, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, August 30, 1879//))|August 25, 1879|Delivered discourse|A "father" of the Baltimore Conference|
|Rev. J.S. Inskip((//Ocean Grove Record, August 30, 1879//))|August 27, 1879|Sermon on saving faith| |
|Rev. E.M. Levy, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, September 6, 1879//))|August 31, 1879|Evening Sermon from Matthew 1:21|Pastor of the Berean Baptist Church, West Philadlephia|
|Dr. W.W. Wythe((//Ocean Grove Record, September 13, 1879//))|September 7, 1879|Morning sermon from Ephesians 1:13| | 
|Rev. C.H. Mead((//Ocean Grove Record, September 13, 1879//))|September 7, 1879|Evening sermon from Romans 1:16|From Hornellsville, New York|
|Rev. J.S. Inskip((//Ocean Grove Record, September 13, 1879; September 20, 1879//))|September 14, 1879|Morning sermon from 1 Corinthians 1:25| |
|Rev. J.C. Nobles((//Ocean Grove Record, September 20, 1879//))|September 14, 1879|Evening sermon from Psalm 40:15-17|From Newark, New Jersey|
|George G. Cookman, Esq.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 3, 1880//))|July 5, 1880|Reading of the Declaration of Independence|From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|
|Rev. G.K. Morris, A.M.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 3, 1880//))|July 5, 1880|Oration|From Vineland, New Jersey|
|Bishop Hurst((//Ocean Grove Record, July 3, 1880//))|July 4, 1880|Opening sermon| |
|Rev. Dr. Baldwin((//Ocean Grove Record, July 10, 1880//))|July 4, 1880|Evening sermon from Romans 1:16| | 
|Rev. A.J. Kynett, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 10, 1880//))|July 11, 1880|Morning sermon| |
|Rev. Dr. Spence((//Ocean Grove Record, July 17, 1880//))|July 11, 1880|Evening sermon from 1 Kings 20:40|Head of the Tennessee Wesleyan University|
|Rev. Dr. Dobbins((//Ocean Grove Record, July 24, 1880//))|July 18, 1880|Morning sermon on one of the instructive parables of the New Testament|Pastor of Trinity M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|
|Mary T. Lathrop((//Ocean Grove Record, July 24, 1880//))|July 18, 1880|Evening sermon from Philippians 2:12-13|From Michigan|
|Rev. Samuel Kepler, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 24, 1880//))|July 25, 1880|Morning sermon|From Baltimore Conference M.E. Church South|
|Bishop Bowman((//Ocean Grove Record, August 7, 1880//))|July 31, 1880|Morning sermon on James 5:16| |
|Rev. J.Y. Dobbins((//Ocean Grove Record, August 7, 1880//))|July 31, 1880|Evening sermon|Stationed at Covington, Kentucky|
|Rev. H.M. Sanders((//Ocean Grove Record, August 7, 1880//))|August 8, 1880|Morning sermon| |
|Rev. A.E. Ballard((//Ocean Grove Record, August 7, 1880//))|August 8, 1880|Evening sermon| |
|[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Willard|Frances Willard]]((//Ocean Grove Record, August 14, 1880//))|August 9, 1880|Arguments on temperance|From W.C.T. Union|
|Dr. Fowler((//Ocean Grove Record, August 21, 1880//))|August 15, 1880|Sermon from Romans 8:9| |
|Dr. Steele((//Ocean Grove Record, August 21, 1880//))|August 19, 1880|Sermon on St. Paul| |
|Rev. J.B. Brady((//Ocean Grove Record, September 18, 1880//))|August 29, 1880|Evening sermon on 2 Timothy 5:8| |
|Rev. J.W. Cornelius((//Ocean Grove Record, September 11, 1880//))|September 5, 1880|Morning sermon|Author of the book "Sabbath Home Readings"|
|Rev. Dr. Wythe((//Ocean Grove Record, September 18, 1880//))|September 12, 1880|Morning sermon on Galatians 2:20| |
|Rev. John. S. Inskip((//Ocean Grove Record, June 25, 1881//))|July 3, 1881|Morning sermon| |
|Rev. Dr. Charles H. Whitecar((//Ocean Grove Record, June 25, 1881//))|July 3rd, 1881|Evening sermon| |
|Rev. Dr. Naylor((//Ocean Grove Record, July 30, 1881//))|July 31, 1881|Morning sermon|From Baltimore|
|Rev. W.F. Bainbridge, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 30, 1881//))|July 31, 1881|Evening sermon|Of the Baptist Mission in China|
|A.G. Kynett, Rev. J.A. Jones((//Ocean Grove Record, July 30, 1881//))|August 1, 1881|Oration by Kynett, Address by Jones| |
|Rev. T.E. Martindale((//Ocean Grove Record, September 3, 1881//))|August 28, 1881|Morning sermon| |
|Rev. Selah Brown((//Ocean Grove Record, September 3, 1881//))|August 28, 1881|Evening sermon|From the valley of the Mississippi|
|Rev. Dr. DeLos Lull((//Ocean Grove Record, September 24, 1881//))|September 18, 1881|Morning sermon|Of the New York Conference|
|Rev. T.W. Simpers((//Ocean Grove Record, September 24, 1881//))|September 18, 1881|Evening sermon on 2 Corinthians 3:18|Of the Philadelphia Conference|
|Rev. Dr. A.J. Kynett((//Ocean Grove Record, July 1, 1882; July 8, 1882//))|July 2, 1882|Morning sermon on Luke 24:46-47|Of Iowa|
|Rev. C.H. Harding((//Ocean Grove Record, July 1, 1882//))|July 2, 1882|Evening sermon|Of Philadelphia|
|Rev. J. Boyd Brady((//Ocean Grove Record, July 1, 1882//))|July 4, 1882|4th of July oration|Pastor of Central M.E. Church, Newark, N.J.|
|Bishop Edward Wilson((//Ocean Grove Record, July 15, 1882//))|July 9, 1882|Morning sermon on Matthew 18:1-2|Singing was heard from the Auditorium as far as First Avenue in Asbury Park|
|Rev. E.J. Gray, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, July 22, 1882//))|July 16, 1882|Morning sermon on 1 Corinthians 3:21-22| |
|Rev. George Clarke((//Ocean Grove Record, July 22, 1882//))|July 16, 1882|Evening sermon on John 3:16| |
|Bishop Simpson((//Ocean Grove Record, July 29, 1882; August 5, 1882//))|July 30, 1882|Morning sermon on Colossians 1:28| |
|Prof. Caldwell((//Ocean Grove Record, July 29, 1882; August 5, 1882//))|July 30, 1882|Evening sermon entitled "The Divine Experiment" on Genesis 1:26|Of Athens, Tennessee|
|Bishop Coxe((//Ocean Grove Record, August 12, 1882//))|August 8, 1882|Impromptu address|Catholic Bishop from Western New York Diocese|
|Mrs. Lizzie Smith((//Ocean Grove Record, September 2, 1882//))|August 25, 1882| | |
|Rev. W.S. McCowan((//Ocean Grove Record, September 2, 1882//))|August 28, 1882|Monday evening sermon on Hebrews 2:10|Of the New Jersey Conference|
|Rev. J.B. McCullough, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, September 9, 1882//))|September 3, 1882|Morning sermon on 1 Peter 5:10-11|Of the Philadelphia Conference|
|Rev. George A. Hall((//Ocean Grove Record, September 9, 1882//))|September 3, 1882|Evening sermon on Genesis 3:9; Genesis 4:9-10|Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. of the State of New York|
|Rev. J.M Freeman, D.D.((//Ocean Grove Record, September 16, 1882//))|September 10, 1882|Morning Sermon on Luke 17:20-21| |
|Rev. Bro. Tower((//Ocean Grove Record, September 16, 1882//))|September 10, 1882|Evening sermon on Matthew 16:26|Of Oregon|
|Rev. Dr. Corning((//Ocean Grove Record, September 23, 1882//))|September 17, 1882|Morning sermon|Of the Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J.|
|Rev. Mr. Walcott((//Ocean Grove Record, October 7, 1882//))|September 24, 1882|Evening sermon| |


====Ocean Grove Record Chronology====
===July 10, 1875===
At 10 A.M., after prayer by Rev. L. Larew, J. H. Thornley, Esq., of Philadelphia, proceeded to read the immortal Declaration of Independence, and Rev. E. H. Stokes delivered one of the finest addresses for such an occasion that those who heard it declare had ever listened to. The production was replete with lofty sentiment, liberal and enlightened views, and pervaded by the soul of piety. G. W. Childs, of the Philadelphia //Ledger//, and many other distinguished visitors were present.
\\ \\
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulysses_S._Grant|President Grant]] had been detained, but to the gratification of all, arrived about 1 P.M., and with his lady, dined at the Pitman House as the guest of the Committee - Bros. Ross, Bakes, Beegle, and Alday, with President Stokes and members of the Ocean Grove Association. After dinner, Mrs. Grant joined the choir in singing a number of patriotic and religious pieces, and the President was conducted to the Auditorium, where he was presented to the people, and gave a willing and cheerful interval to hand-shaking. All the children enjoyed this privilege, the President himself entering heartily into the spirit of the hour. One ardent citizen of old Monmouth, as he grasped his hand exclaimed, "God bless you, General Grant! I hope you will get to heaven. you ought to; for a great many good people are praying for you."
===July 8, 1876===
Improvement is the order of the day at Ocean Grove. It will almost bewilder the eyes of the visitor who has not been on the grounds since August or September of last year to look around on his arrival and note the progress apparent on every hand. Among the objects most likely to awaken pleasurable surprise this year, we think, the enlarged preaching stand and substantially roofed auditorium will be most prominent.
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For two or three years past the subject of a permanent arrangement for the comfort of the large congregations worshiping with us has been brought before the Association in the President's annual reports. The bower constructed of brush every season was unsightly and only useful for purposes of shade. Against a sudden shower there was no adequate protection. For the thrifty little forest of oaks there existed a very decided attachment, but at length, for greater public convenience, the trees were sacrificed and a permanent roof constructed, which not only affords shade from the sun, but protection during the heaviest rains. This roof spans an area of 7,500 square feet, sheltering several thousand people, and is, in appearance, airy, tasteful and attractive. A dome and flag staff surmounts it and the stars and stripes will float over it whenever services are being held.
\\ \\
The preaching stand has been greatly enlarged in its dimensions, and will comfortably seat two to three hundred persons. It may be reached from both front and rear by very conveniently located stairways, and immediately back of it a pleasant reception room has been built and furnished for the use of those having charge of the public exercises. The preacher will stand well out towards the centre of his audience, and in a position which will give him better command of the multitudes ordinarily present to hear the message he brings to them from God.
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That something more suggestive than artistic arch, pillar or scroll work might meet and arrest the wandering gaze, a very happily conceived series of Scripture texts have been painted on the stand, the whole forming a comprehensive gospel, and an evangelical creed for the various denominations which here join in acts of devotion.
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The motto, "Holiness To The Lord," takes precedence, as a matter of course, this being the grand object of all religious enterprise, and expressed in the original purpose of this particular organization. It is beautifully lettered over the back of the platform. Immediately in front, as seen from the seats, may be read the declaration, "I Am The Almighty God," and underneath, that practical injunction of the same passage, "Walk before me and be thou perfect." On the arches right and left of this central precept are inscribed the words, "Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ," and "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost," thus bringing prominently to view the Trinity in Unity. In circular form, on the north side of the stand, is the inscription, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving," and similarly arranged on the south side, "Preach my gospel to every creature."
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Seated in the stand, the 22nd, 23d, and 24th verses of the twelfth chapter of Hebrews, appear, reading from left to right, "But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the first born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel."
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All this ornate and beautiful work has been done under the personal supervision of the President, Dr. Stokes, who in conducting the first service at the stand on last Sabbath morning, delivered a sermon founded on the several topics so conspicuously displayed around where he stood. Their complete harmony as they are all related to human salvation, and their significance as connected with character, experience and duty, were presented in his usually clear, forcible and eloquent manner.
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We may say, in conclusion, that the improvements here described have met with the enthusiastic approbation of all who have seen them, and to others, as they come for their summer sojourn by the sea, the auditorium and its embellishments will prove a source of great pleasure and satisfaction.

===July 22, 1876===
The auditorium in front of the Preachers' Stand has undergone several changes. At first there were simply plank seats, without backs, arranged under the trees, with no other protection from the sun or rain. Then a little canvas patching where the rees gave the poorest shade, to help screen from the hot sun. Next we erected posts and laying pieces cross wise from post to post, or from tree to tree, covered them with leafy branches.
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But the accommodations were too limited and imperfect, until last summer the large frame 100x75 feet was erected and also covered with boughs. This was a perfect screen from the sun and looked beautiful; still it was valueless in time of rain.
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This season as a protection from both sun and rain, a permanent roof has been built. The whole thing seems now complete, and answers our purpose in every respect. What should we call this newly arranged structure is a question of interest. Tabernacle seemed appropriate, but that is the name of the large tent south of the Stand.
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Pavilion has been suggested, and to some extent employed, but the term does not seem to give entire satisfaction. Auditorium sounds well, but is rather pompous for frequent use. Suppose we settle the controversy by naming the larger building "The Tabernacle." The tent south of it might be called "The Pavilion." All other places of meeting can be easily designated as the occasion may arise.

===August 4, 1877===
The real anniversary of the founding of Ocean Grove is the 31st of July. On the evening of that day eight years ago, the first service ever held on the ground - a prayer-meeting - took place at the instance of Mrs. J. H. Thornley in her tent, which was pitched in the woods near what is now called Thompson Park, on the edge of Wesley Lake.
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In assigning a portion of the exercises to the young people every year, that numerous class of our visitors appear to be greatly delighted, and their service held at 2 o'clock P.M. was well arranged and well sustained. Mr. Willisford Dey and his choir led the singing. Rev. G. Hughes offered prayer and thanksgiving for the favor God had shown to this place and people since it became a religious resort. Mr. J. H. Thornley then read, as appropriate to the changed circumstances of the locality since it was a desolate wilderness, the 35th chapter of the Prophecy of Isaiah, and made a glowing address.
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The Lakeside Glee Club sand a number of pieces. Mr. G. W. K. McPherson and Rev. S. T. Horner delivered very interesting addresses bearing on moral and intellectual culture. Miss Maude Grubb, of Texas, a graduate of Prof. Shoemaker's National School of Elocution and Oratory, Philadelphia, read several selections in the most attractive style, and the exercises were further varied by a cornet solo, executed by Mr. Charles Vaughan, an amateur, who has lately taken a fancy to this instrument, and will soon become a "star" performer.
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The procession was then formed at the Auditorium. The cornet player and Mr. Will Bender, of Camden, as flag-bearer, leading the way, and all the children bearing small flags. The march was along Pilgrim Pathway to Main Avenue, thence to the ocean, and up the plank walk to Ocean Pathway and back to the stand, in the rear of which a mammoth memorial vase had been hastily erected, filled with blooming flowers, and bearing the inscription on a marble tablet - "//To the Pioneer Women of Ocean Grove//"
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Here, surrounded by an immense crowd, the choir sang "The Royal Proclamation." The Glee Club also rendered a favorite piece, "Music in the Air," in lively time. Dr. Stokes read an original poem, being an apostrophe to "Flowers." Short and spicy speeches were made by Rev. A. E. Ballard, J. H. Thornley, G. W. Evans, and J. L. Hays. Another of the by-standers was called up, but after such a varied literary and oratorical entertainment, he found, like Othello, his "occupation gone;" yet he could do no less than refer to one important factor in the progress and improvement of Ocean Grove - the existence of a popular newspaper devoted to its interests, but which, it was intimated, had not half as many subscribers among this intelligent community as it ought to have.
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Father Osborn, being requested to make the closing speech, compressed it into the one significant word, "Hallelujah!"
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The Prayer-Meeting was commenced at the precise hour when, eight years ago, twelve persons engaged in a similar service. Dr. Stokes, who led the first, as a matter of course took charge. An hour glided very sweetly by, singing the old, unctuous Methodist hymns, and joining in prayer and praise to God. In this exercise, brethern and sisters of several denominations voluntarily took part. Nearly an hour was given to speaking. Once started, it was difficult to stop the pleasant interchange of Christian experience, and the many allusions to Ocean Grove as an Elim, a Bethel, or a Peniel to the souls of those present. Among these were Bros. Thornley, McPherson, Osborn, Benedict, of New Haven; Drs. Kynett, G. W. Woodruff, Ball, Of Washington, and Revs. S. T. Kemble and S. H. C. Smith; Mrs. Wittenmyer, Mrs. Hulse, Mrs. Brooks, of Baltimore, and Mrs. J. H. Thornley.
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In the remarks made there was not only hearty gratitude expressed to the president and members of the Association, but valuable hints and suggestions as to the best means to keep this godly place free from worldliness and vice.

===August 9, 1879===
Bishop McTyiere
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This eminent ecclesiastic of the M.E. Church South, spent last Sabbath at Ocean Grove, having come down as the guest of the Vanderbilt family who make the Sheldon their Summer home. The Bishop was importuned to preach, and either of the gentlemen who had been announced for that duty would have cheerfully given way had he felt inclined to take their place; but finding the arrangements had all been made beforehand, he very courteously and firmly declined the honor. He delivered a short address, however, in the afternoon at the close of the Sabbath school exercises, in which he remarked that he was disappointed in this his first visit to Ocean Grove, in two respects. First he came for a little cool air, but the day being one of the most sultry and oppressive of the season, he said if that was the best we could do, he would go home. Secondly, in being invited to address the Sabbath-school, he was like the little boy who on his first visit to a large city, said he could not see the town for houses; so he could hardly see the children for the grown up people who crowded around the Auditorium. Despite this bit of railery, the Bishop was wonderfully pleased with all he saw and heard, and will probably come again.

===February 14, 1880===
The pledge that Dr. Stokes made to the great congregation last Summer, that larger accommodations should be provided before next season, is likely to be fulfilled. The Executive Committee approved certain plans presented by Mr. Lillagore for 30-foot wings on either side of the present Auditorium, which will comfortably seat and shelter one or two thousand more people.

===March 13, 1880===
Workmen are engaged around the Auditorium, preparing for the enlargement of that mammoth structure by the addition of wings extending over 30 feet on either side, which will largely increase its seating capacity.

===April 17, 1880===
To raise at one instant the entire roof of the great Auditorium, seems a work of some magnitude; but those screws are quietly doing it. The centre is to be raised 8 feet, and the wings on either side will extend over 30 feet. Mr. Lillagore and Secretary Evans are in charge of the work, but they have more aids and advisers than they know what to do with.

===May 8, 1880===
The acoustic properties of the great Auditorium, it is supposed, will be improved by the recent changes made in the form of that building.

===May 8, 1880===
Work on the Auditorium has progressed rapidly within a week. The side wings have been roofed and floor "dished" so that persons on the outside circles can see over the heads of those in front.

===May 8, 1880===
No overseer could be more faithful to a job than Bro. Leck, who having nothing special to do until croquet season, has watched the progress of the work on the Auditorium, and given his approval in every case where it was deserved. If he can suggest some way to put those posts now out of plumb into an exact perpendicular he will have our thanks.

===May 29, 1880===
The Auditorium is about complete. It is now a magnificent structure, and the Major says it can yet be improved by side galleries to hold another thousand people.

===July 3, 1880===
The enlargement of the great Auditorium on a plan conceived in the brain of the Secretary, and elaborately executed by Bro. T. W. Lillagore and our own workmen, will strike every visitor as a stupendous undertaking. For weeks past David H. Brown, Esq., the veteran Treasurer of the Association, has dropped all his personal pursuits and devoted himself to the details of seating and other arrangements.

===July 10, 1880===
"The sparrow hath found a house," said the Psalmist, and we noticed on Sunday that about a score of them were busy selecting eligible positions in the Auditorium. No objection, if they will only learn to keep still during preaching, and defer their personal squabbles during divine service.

===September 4, 1880===
We hadn't the heart to upbraid those sparrows for gathering in our great Auditorium, but they have paid no attention to our admonition to keep quiet during sermon time. It seemed on last Sabbath morning that they invited all their family connections to hear the preacher, and made their comments audibly while he proceeded in his most energetic way to expound the gospel.

===October 16, 1880===
The extension of the Auditorium, until it now covers nearly half an acre of ground, and is capable of seating, with camp-chairs, 4,200 persons, cost $4400. The whole edifice has cost $7200.

===June 4, 1881===
The approach to the Auditorium from the south has been beautified by trees, flower mounds and sodded plats. The flowers have been set out this week and Mr. C. B. Horner, proprietor of the Osborn House here, and of a nursery at Mount Holly, is now filling the vases with choice plants.

===September 24, 1881===
**Death of President Garfield**\\
The communities of Ocean Grove, Asbury Park and vicinity, are invited to join in Union Memorial services as a tribute to the late [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_A._Garfield|President]], on next Sabbath morning and evening.\\
**At the Ocean Grove Auditorium**\\
Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Addresses may be expected by Rev. B.C. Lippincott, Rev. George Hughes, Rev. A. Wallace, Rev. J.S. Inskip and others.\\
**At Educational Hall**, Asbury Park, the services will be continued in the evening at 7:30 P.m. Addresses by Revs. A. Wallace, Dr. E.H. Stokes, Dr. Alday, J.S. Inskip and others. The choirs of both congregations will be present, to conduct the singing.

===April 1, 1882===
The Ocean Grove working brigade have been kept busily employed for some time past in laying sewers, until now a very large section of the ground may have the advantage of perfect under-drainage. The tenting area around the Auditorium has been thoroughly sewered for the accommodation of the people.

===July 8, 1882===
The Auditorium platform has been newly carpeted, and by the addition of a new building in the rear, embracing janitor's quarters, and preachers' room, all comfortably furnished, some needed accommodations have been supplied.