Church of the Presidents (New Jersey)

For the Massachusetts church also referred to by this name, see United First Parish Church.
Church of the Presidents
View of the chapel in 2016 after substantial restoration work
Church of the Presidents (New Jersey) is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Church of the Presidents (New Jersey)
Church of the Presidents (New Jersey) is located in New Jersey
Church of the Presidents (New Jersey)
Church of the Presidents (New Jersey) is located in the United States
Church of the Presidents (New Jersey)
Location1260 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, New Jersey
Coordinates40°15′46″N 73°59′25″W / 40.26278°N 73.99028°W / 40.26278; -73.99028
Area0.1 acres (0.040 ha)
Built1879 (1879)
ArchitectWilliam Appleton Potter and Robert Henderson Robertson
Architectural styleCarpenter Gothic
NRHP reference No.76001169[1]
NJRHP No.2006[2]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 07, 1976
Designated NJRHPOctober 17, 1975

The Church of the Presidents is a former Episcopal chapel on the Jersey Shore where seven United States presidents worshipped. It was visited by presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson.[3] All except Grant were in office when they paid their visits to the church.

For approximately 75 years it was a seasonal summer resort church, located at 1260 Ocean Avenue in Long Branch, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, just across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. In 1953 the Episcopal Diocese deconsecrated the church and slated it for demolition. Local preservationists stepped in and in 1955 the old chapel was rededicated as the Long Branch Historical Museum. Today the building is undergoing extensive structural repairs and renovations. It is closed to the public.

  1. ^ "National Register Information System – (#76001169)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. ^ "New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Monmouth County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Historic Preservation Office. December 28, 2020. p. 9.
  3. ^ (2006) The Year in Review, The Long Branch Historical Museum Association, Page 1.