Looking for the Perfect Location for Your Church’s next Religious Retreat?
The historic beach resort town of Ocean Grove was founded in 1867 by Reverend William B. Osborn, a Methodist minister, who was searching for the ideal camp meeting site. He found a secluded community on the North Jersey coast with thick groves of pine, cedar and hickory trees, the absence of mosquitoes and natural boundaries of two lakes and the ocean. It seemed an ideal place for spiritual and physical health renewal. In July of 1869, Osborn, along with a group of ministers and friends, camped at what is now called Founders Park and, after a candlelight prayer service, dedicated themselves to establish a permanent Christian camp meeting community called “Ocean Grove”. Today, Ocean Grove remains a popular destination spot for church gatherings and retreats.
What started in 1869 as a camp meeting site has become the Jersey Shore’s finest year-round seaside resort. The “Jewel of the Jersey Shore”, Ocean Grove’s one square mile of natural beauty boasts pristine beaches, quaint shops and the largest assemblage of authentic Victorian architecture in the nation. Perhaps the most impressive structure in Ocean Grove, and the center of spiritual & secular activity, is the Great Auditorium which 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 Inns of Ocean Grove, located one block from the Great Auditorium and the beach, have been host to many church retreats over the years and are the ideal location for your next church gathering. Open year around, The Ocean Plaza Hotel and The Ocean View Inn are fully heated and air-conditioned, and our elegantly appointed rooms all have private baths, Cable TV and WiFi. Continental breakfast is included with our packages and is served daily on The Plaza’s second level wrap around porch which boasts magnificent ocean views. This same porch, which seats up to 60, is enclosed and heated in the cooler weather months and provides a great location for welcoming parties, luncheons, dinners and/or meetings. We will be happy to customize menus and packages to suit all of your needs, as well as assist you with other arrangements for your retreat. The Inns of Ocean Grove do provide discounted group rates for church gatherings based on occupancy and time of the year and we will make every effort to arrange a package that meets your budget.
Please call us at…732-774-6552… when planning your next church retreat or gathering. Our elegantly appointed rooms, gracious service and warm hospitality make us the ideal alternative to typical hotel lodging. We hope to see you soon!
