Photo: Library of Congress
Photo: Library of Congress
Photo: Library of Congress
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
When one thinks glam robber baron hang out one thinks Newport Rhode Island. In fact, during the late nineteenth century many seaside communities vied for the title of haughtiest haunt of the highest of the high rollers. Long Branch, New Jersey was one such community.
Now considered part of the working class “Jersey Shore” it once played host to Vanderbilts, Goulds, Sloans, and many other brand name big money families. Long branch even attracted presidents. But where’s a president to worship while on holiday? Enter St. James Protestant Episcopal Chapel, otherwise known as the “Church of the Presidents”. Built in 1879 as a seaside outpost of the in town St. James Episcopal Church, it catered exclusively to the well to do summer crowd. A crowd that included seven sitting & retired presidents. Chester A. Arthur, James Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford Hayes, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson all attended services during Long Branches heyday.
Unfortunately, the draw of more glamorous resorts farther afield sent Long branch into decline after the First World War. By the 1950’s the Church of the Presidents was slated for demolition. Fortunately, a group of local preservationists led a vigorous campaign to prevent its destruction & preserved it as headquarters for the local Historical Society. Over the ensuing decades, sea air had its way with the shingle clad edifice & it is now temporarily closed awaiting the completion of a full overhaul. Favorite parts of this distinguished landmark? Those arrow loops! Also, those wonderful turrets!
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