For the first time in its 155-year history, the Christian town of Ocean Grove, New Jersey, will open its beach on Sunday mornings.
The mile-long stretch of Jersey Shore beach has traditionally been closed for religious observance until noon on Sundays since 1869. However, following persistent pressure from the state of New Jersey, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA), the town's governing body, has been mandated to open the beach.
The OGCMA expressed its disappointment in a statement posted on its website, "For 155 years, we have closed our beach on Sunday mornings to honor God a core pillar of this community since the founding of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. Now, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is ordering us to open our privately owned beach on Sunday mornings."
The association has announced its intention to challenge the order in an effort to "preserve our property rights and religious freedom." The group added, "Our application for an emergent stay is pending, but we have no indication when an Order will be entered. We are currently compelled to comply with the NJDEP order to open the beach, but have not ceased nor abandoned our quest to protect our religious and property rights."
In the interim, Ocean Grove has committed to providing lifeguards on Sunday mornings to ensure the safety of beachgoers. The OGCMA concluded its statement by reiterating its commitment to its mission, "We continue to do ministry by providing opportunities for spiritual birth, growth, and renewal through worship, education, and cultural programs. As always, we welcome all to join us in Gods Square Mile."
The NJDEP served the OGCMA with an administrative order in October 2023, after finding the group in violation of the Coastal Area Facility Review Act. The order demanded the removal of padlocks and chains from their beach site from May through September, with a threat of daily fines of $25,000 for non-compliance.
On May 21, NJDEP commissioner Shawn LaTourette denied the OGCMAs subsequent request to stay, or halt, the order pending appeal. In a legal document shared with Fox News Digital, the commissioner stated, "I find that OGCMA has not demonstrated that a stay of departmental enforcement of applicable public access requirements is warranted in this matter. Accordingly, OGCMAs request for a stay is denied."
The NJDEP declined further comment to Fox News Digital this week, citing that the "matter is in litigation." Ocean Grove had previously received a warning letter from the NJDEP in August 2023, forecasting this outcome.
Last summer, several protests took place as opposition groups trespassed onto Ocean Groves private beach property while it was closed for Sunday worship. In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, former OGCMA President Michael Badger emphasized the importance of the Sunday morning beach closure for upholding Ocean Grove's tradition and respecting religious observation.
Badger stated, "It creates a quieter, less stressful environment. It's in keeping with the historic charm that is characteristic of Ocean Grove and differentiates us from our neighboring communities." He also noted the practical benefits, such as reduced traffic and easier parking, as well as the opportunity for people to attend church.
Ocean Grove has traditionally closed its beach on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon between Memorial Day and Labor Day for several decades. Prior to this, the city closed its beach all day on Sundays. The OGCMA, a private, religiously affiliated nonprofit that owns the land in Ocean Grove including the near-half-mile beach, boardwalk, and pier is home to the longest-serving lifeguard corps in New Jersey, according to Badger.
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