Long before the trashiness of Wildwood, the tragedy of Atlantic City, or even the boardwalk bluster…read moreof Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, NJ beach culture was largely defined by a bunch of teetotaling, bible-thumping, tent-raising Methodists. At the height of the so-called Camp Meeting movement in the late 19th century, American Methodists regularly convened massive summer religious retreats on remote beach locations far from the sinful cities. Popular locations included Martha's Vineyard, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware (a personal favorite), and, of course, the "Queen of the Victorian Camp Meeting," Ocean Grove, NJ. Few places give you such a concentrated dose of NJ weirdness as Ocean Grove, especially when contrasted with nearby Asbury Park, which is just a short boardwalk away. Then and now, the heart of Ocean Grove remains The Great Auditorium: a massive 1894 wooden barn-like structure built for church services that also contains "one of the largest pipe organs of the world." Walking around the ancient auditorium and the nearby Victorian homes, you feel like you've walked onto the set of some seaside mystery or horror movie. Lurking in the shadow of the Great Auditorium, you can still see the famed "tent colony" of Ocean Grove--another holdover from the town's Victorian beach days. Every summer, families can enjoy 1870s-style luxuries like living in a canvas tent with no air conditioning and limited access to running water. For some reason, there's a long waitlist for this privilege, which I will never understand.

The centerpiece of Ocean Grove and a landmark you simply can't miss while wandering through these…read morecharming Victorian streets. Standing proudly since 1894, it almost feels like the building is quietly saying, "I've witnessed generations of New Jersey's history." When we walked by, a band was rehearsing inside, and the music drifting through the open doors made the moment even more magical. The doors were probably open for ventilation, but it gave us a chance to peek inside and realize just how massive the auditorium really is. Its stunning wooden architecture and timeless design are impressive even from the outside. Surrounded by the famous Tent City, it perfectly reflects Ocean Grove's rich history and unique character. Definitely one of the town's must-visit landmarks.

This is an amazing body of believers. So happy to be a part of the body of Christ serving my…read moreneighbors here. Matt's messages are inspiring. Join us! I look forward to serving you. Be sure to fill out a connect card so we can reach out to you. We will also pray for you if you include a prayer request. Be blessed at Park Church! Great children's ministry also.

Park Church is full of love and peace and welcomes everyone with open arms. Every single time my…read morefamily attends, we all learn about the most important things in life - love God with all your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. Park Church is truly an awesome group of believers that strive to share the good news and teach about Jesus.

Yes is it Amazing!It was extremely happy to go to mass at St. Anselm's church in Tinton Falls, NJ.read more

This is spiritual Home for me for 16 years. A place where all are welcome and there;is no sin and…read moreshame. A place where we know God is in the midst of all. And God is good all the time.

This is a spiritual home for anyone who believes there is Goodness in the Universe and people are…read moremeant to be Good in their Heart. I suffered the 'standard teachings' of mainline theology whose message is People are Bad, the Devil is against all that is good, and Hell is waiting for us. In my heart I knew God was Good all the time, S/He Loves all Humans. God wants us to be happy and enjoy eternity in heaven. There is only ONE DESTINATION FOR THE HUMAN SOUL: TO BE WITH GOD. Unity by the Shore not only teaches that messages but finds it in many holy scriptures and through the teachings of Christ Jesus who told us we are never disconnected from the Father, and, Heaven is Within Us. After more than 45 years of wondering who came up with all the crazy religions, I finally found one that makes sense. For the last 20+ years I have been happy to sit with God, a True Friend and Benefactor. People of all faith traditions will find a Message of Hope, Love and Eternal Peace (beginning right now) at this Spiritual Center.

just now Great worship. Great message. Great people. Amazing…read morechurch that welcome everyone!

From the owner: Our services last about 75 minutes. You’ll be sure to find a warm smile and a friendly hello from…read moreall of our hosts. There really is no dress code, but you’ll see mostly jeans and t-shirts. We have free coffee and breakfast snacks for when you get here. Through a time of live music and Bible teaching that makes sense, you’ll get a little bit closer to God than you were when the day began! You’ll meet some amazing, imperfect people, who just like you are trying to get better at following Jesus. You don’t have to believe like us to come. Bring your doubts, insecurities, bad church experience and come belong before you believe. Spoiler alert we think if you hang out long enough you’ll encounter the living God and it’ll change everything. Searchlight Church is currently holding one service at 10 a.m. at the George L. Catrambone School on Park Avenue in Long Branch! Hope to see you Sunday!

I love this church they always treat everyone the same no one differently. It does get a little…read morecrowded so when mass is happening make sure you come a lease 5 mins early 10 mins if your good on time

Friendly people. However, as a father of two young kids and one on the way, I do NOT recommend this…read morechurch to families with children especially young ones. Parents and Families RUN!! I strongly feel that the church shouldn't be all about the LGBTQ community, supporting it privately is fine, but to have the colors on their sign where school buses pass everyday, is teaching our children that it's ok for them to change their identity even though in God's word, in Genesis 1:27 it says that God created us male and female, nothing else. Twisting God's word is not what a pastor should be doing, shouldn't be leading his flock astray, but that's what Pastor Vincent Rife and Pastor Lorraine Carroll is doing and it's shameful. A church is supposed to teach the word of God, NOT the opinion of man. I will be praying that this church that technically is a cult opens their eyes and one day teaches God's word.

From the owner: United by a common faith in Jesus Christ, our community is characterized by a diversity of creative…read moremembers who live by faith, are known by love, and are a voice of hope to those without. We are a people who come from different cultures, ethnicities, generations, socioeconomic status, education, and religious backgrounds.