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Table of Contents
The Old Auditorium
The Old Auditorium was located in 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. L. Larew; J.H. Thornley, Esq.1) | July 5, 1875 | Prayer and Reading of the Declaration of Independence | |
| Rev. E.H. Stokes, D.D.2) | July 5, 1875 | Independence day address | |
| Rev. E.H. Stokes, D.D.3) | August 27, 1875 | Closing of the Auditorium | Scripture from Psalms 121, 122, 126, and 127 |
| Dwight L. Moody4) | November 21, 1875 | Sermon from John 4:35-37 | |
| Rev. A.E. Ballard5) | July 4, 1875 | Centennial Fourth of July Oration | |
| Rev. Harry M. Sanders6) | July 16th, 1876 | On the spot sermon from John 14:21 | Dr. Fuller was intended to speak but was not present at the meeting |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
But the accommodations were too limited and imperfect, until last summer the large frame 100×75 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.
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.
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.