Daily Republican., 1885-08-22
Tho National Camp N Letting nj
Ocean Grove


The National camp meeting at Ocean
Grove opened on "Wednesday, the 10th
inst, under she most favorable auspi-
ces. The inaugural sermon was de.
livered by Bishop Andrews, of WASH
ington, before an audience of fully
seven thousand people, and all the
services up to the present time have
been largely attended. The indie atoms
foreshadow that this will be the largest
as well as the most successful messing
for many years. There never was 30
many people In the hotels and cottages
of the Grove, nor has there ever been
q more notable collection of religious
leaders from all portions of the land.
A long list Of bishops, ministers, and
lay workers, male and female, gives
assurance that every service will be
conducted In the most inter.
estinR and effective manner. The
entire day and evening Ia filled in with
devotional exercises of some descrip.
tion.
Beginning in the morning at 8 o'clock
the series of services runs through
the forenoon, afternoon, and evening
each service differing from the other.
and each devoted to some special branch
of Christian work. There are learned
discoures from the leaders of thought.
interesting discussions from the
the woI kers, meetings of prayer and
meetings of praise, and examples OF
every mode of orthordox worship. A
peculiar and very interesting feature is
the surf-meetiDg, held on the beach
every evening at six O'Clock. Thou
sands of people attend and form con-
gregation as unique as it is extraor.
dinary.
The large number of participants and
their manifest zeal adds an impres.
siveness to the meeting such as could
hardly be found in any similar re-
ligious assemblage. 1t is a great camp
OF the Churoh militant, where chiefs
and snboTdinates are earnestly strug-
Cling with a might directed to the &C
accomplishment of single purpose.
Such a scene Is distinctively American,
and to those who find interest in the
study of human character and the de.
velOpDent of Christian morality, or de-
rive pleasure from religious eloqu ence
aud sacred song, or find aught to q l.
mire in the zeal and perseverance, OF a
great body striving for the same objects
this is an opportunity that rarely pre-
sents itself in lifetime.
The location OF the camp Is aptly suit
ed to the purpose. In fact Ocean Grove
was founded with the express intention
that II should become a great centre oi
religious work. The town itself Is
beautifully situated on the shore of the
ocean. 1t has been laid out AID built
In handsome, yet subdued manner.
Beauty in the arran cement of streets,
the architec ure of the houses and their
|ornamentation has followed the mid
die course, and gone hand in hand with
com fort and utility, never being sacri'
feed TO fashion for mere effect.
The sanitary arrangements are com .
plete, and the municipal regulations
which set apart Sunday as day of res,
and worship, are enforced. Apart
from the bathing, which a splendid surf
makes excellent, beautiful lake, per.
petuating the name of Wesley, offers
delightful boating. The extensive
camp grounds, shaded by trees and fur.
n,shei with pavilion capable of ac-
com modating tsn thousand people, Dor
ders the lake, ON the opposite side OF
which is situated the kindred city OF
Asbury Park. No more beautiful or
appropriate spot for out door worship
could we'll be provided, nor could any
be found more complete in all its ac
com IN modations. The capacity of hotels
and cottages for sheltering visitors is ar
unknown quantity. Hotels overflow
into cottages, and cottages expand tc
surprising proportions. Come as
many as will, there is always room fol
all.
Besides bathing and boating, driv-
ing is favori:e diversion. Ther,
are avenues along the sea and hiZl
ways In tho I" back country" all c.
which furnish the way, while countless
coaches, backs and phatons supply th'
means of an agreeable drive.
Ocean Grove is bounded on the soutl
by Key East on the north by Asbdr
Park. Spring Lake, Sea Girt, anc
Point Pleasant, Deal Beach, Elberon
and Loug Branch are close and easil.
acces sible neighbors.
A short vacation in this section can
not fail TO give satisfaction in ever.
respect.