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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.

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.

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.'"

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."

During  the early 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.

Ralph G. Luff, President 1948-1961, saw the expansion of the worship services from one to two services each Sunday morning.  The evening services (10 each summer) moved from the Village Theatre on the Boardwalk to the Strand Theatre, cooperating with Dr. Ross Stover, a Lutheran pastor who was also a popular Tabernacle speaker.

June 23, 1957, the current auditorium opened under the leadership of Ralph Luff, Robert Bell, the Stillwell Estate, and gifts from Charles & Helen Shriver Schilling and the Howard Stainton estate.  A gull-winged entrance welcomed worshipers.

William G. Luff, President 1961 - 1992, continued the tradition of famous preachers and fine music (a mixed quartet).  As song-leader, he added a new hymnal during the 100th Anniversary year (1979) with a supplement particularly for the Tabernacle. "Bill" supervised the addition of the "Family Room" in 1991, a nursery area with its large window looking into the auditorium.
J. Robert "Bob" Buck, President 1992-2002, led the Tabernacle as it became air conditioned, installed the magnificent four-manual Allen Renaissance model organ (with Jeff Seals, organist), and added the large screens for increased enjoyment of all who sat along the sides.  He also was responsible for bringing major gifts to the endowment. The earnings from those investments continue to provide the needed funds for the gap between the offerings and Tabernacle expenses.    Richard Stanislaw became president in 2003.  Since then, the Tabernacle has added the front entrance that includes the Ark Nursery, the Adams Narthex, new restrooms, and the Richardson Christian Education wing.  In 2008, the Kull Youth Center opened, expanding the ministry to local youth and making the facility available to visiting churches for retreats. In 2010 the Steinway Model D nine-foot concert grand piano was added to the platform (Carolyn Lothian, pianist). The Tabernacle is now used year-round with concerts, after-school programs, a pre-school, local church events, and other community activities. A strong Board of Trustees has continued the tradition of moving ahead as a Christian witness in the City of Ocean City, bring the message of Jesus to the community and its many visitors.    Indeed, those "larger and better" beautiful buildings have taken place, and thousands have "become acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ," as Dr. S. Wesley Lake had prophetically prayed in 1904.
2005 Richardson Christian Education Wing, Adams Narthex, Noah's Ark Nursery

  

2008 Kull Youth Center

In our day the Trustees 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." 
 

Dr. Lake's century-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."