130 Years Ago
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September 10, 1879, brothers Ezra B. Lake, S. Wesley Lake, James E. Lake,
and an associate, William H. Burrell, all Methodist clergymen, sailed to
"Peck's Beach." With Rev. William B. Wood and Simon Lake (the brothers'
father, who mortgaged the farm for the initial purchase), they established a
"Christian Seashore Resort," the island city that would become Ocean City,
New Jersey.
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At first the Association was responsible for all the transactions of real estate,
and at the outset, did everything--mapped out the town, cleared away the
underbrush, built the avenues, built the water and sewer companies, lighted the
streets, gave police protection, supplied a place for public schooling, built two
railroads and a trolley line. They also provided the place for Christian worship.
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One hundred five years ago, in 1904, S. Wesley Lake made these comments on
the 25th Anniversary of the purchase. His words are still appropriate
to the Tabernacle and its surrounding City:
"The tendency of the times was for people to take vacations and they were
going for weeks. . . should [the church] stand idly by. . .? 'No.' Many
people thought to build a city without some licensed houses (for liquor)
was a mistake . . . but we said, 'No.'"
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Lake spoke of gratitude for "the growth of our city . . . houses, churches,
businesses, schools, more than 15 miles of graveled streets . . . two steam
railroads connecting us with Philadelphia and Longport . . . and ferry boats
too." And he noted the "Beautiful grounds . . . Beautiful because of the noble
purposes for which they were consecrated." Lake prophetically looked to the
future when "larger and better buildings take the place of these. . . and
still more beautiful because of the thousands that are yet upon these
grounds to become acquainted with the Lord Jesus."
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Over the 20th century, land was donated to the City and to year-round
churches. Small plots first used for tents and then tiny cottages were sold to
families - both to provide summer fellowship and to fund the programs of the
Tabernacle.
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In our day the Trustees have adopted this mission statement: "Ocean City Tabernacle
offers to all people summer worship services with the finest inspirational
speakers and music dedicated to the glory of God," adding this vision: "To
be recognized as a Christ-focused ministry offering year-round opportunities
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Indeed, those "larger and better" beautiful buildings have taken place, and
thousands have "become acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ." Dr. Lake's
100-year-old benediction still rings true: "That we all unite to keep Ocean
City an Ideal City and may God's Blessings be upon us and crown our efforts
with marvelous success."
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Read an excerpt from Fred Miller's 2003 book on Ocean City.
View a
timeline of the City of Ocean City.
View a
virtual tour of the grounds
