Wayne ("Ted") Bell (left), Cindy Bell, and Darrell Dufresne. Blogfinger photo.
By Paul Goldfinger
A delicate balance was precariously achieved today at History Day during a presentation sponsored by the Historical Society of Ocean Grove about the Great Auditorium. The three authors of a soon-to-be published book about that extraordinary building discussed a variety of fascinating facts that are not widely known about the GA, but they didn’t want to reveal too much; after all, they need to retain some secrets in order to tantalize those who would buy the book, perhaps in September. The tentative title of the long-awaited book—3 years in the preparation— is “The Great Auditorium: Ocean Grove’s Architectural Treasure.”
Cindy Bell, Darrell Dufresne and Wayne (“Ted”) Bell offered a lecture-slide show in the Community Room, and then Mr. Bell took the group over to the Great Auditorium to check out some of the structural and engineering features that are so interesting and mysterious.
Cindy told us about the fund raising efforts by Rev. Stokes and his associates that went right to the wire as far as paying off the building in time. No deficit spending for those 19th century Methodists. Darrell talked about strange features like the huge wooden pipes underground and the primitive and nonfunctional air conditioning system found under the floor. He shared the secret of how the ceiling light bulbs are changed and he discussed how that massive roof is supported.
Ted Bell conducts walking tour in the Great Auditorium. Photo by Eileen Goldfinger
During Ted’s GA tour, he was able to point out some fascinating facts about the installation of that huge Hope Jones organ (the 3rd largest organ in the northeast after Atlantic City and West Point.) One fact that leaked out has to do with the false impression that the GA is made totally of wood. The truth is that there is a steel framework that maintains the strength and rigidity of the building.
Steel buttresses and posts reinforce the GA to help support the roof. The pipes carry water in case of fire. P Goldfinger photo.
We all hope that Ted and his colleagues complete the book before the CMA decides to build a bigger tabernacle.
Can’t wait for the book to come out! Will enjoy it myself and make a great xmas gift for other OG admirers I know.
A very big hats off to OG resident and historian Christopher Flynn who is manager of the Great Auditorium and his staff who do an excellent job in maintaining it and in keeping it running smoothly.
Thanks! I always wondered how they managed to do that!
Christina–The Blogfinger explanation is 100% accurate as to how the bulbs are changed—this is another example of the excellent reporting from this blog site with it’s motto of providing the best in news & other information on our town.
OK Christina; I feel guilty brushing you off that way, so here it is: Each bulb is inserted into an individual mobile fixture. The wire from the fixture goes up to its connection in a hidden attic above the wooden ceiling. A technician in that attic can pull the bulb/fixture up into the attic where it is replaced.
One challenge has to do with his locating the bulb that needs changing. He has an accomplice who stands below and shouts, “Go to the left and move down a foot.” Trial and error is their middle name. It’s quaint, it works, and it gives Ted Bell, Cindy Bell and Tinker Bell something to shmooze about. (Sorry Darrell; it’s just a joke) PG
Christine: Let’s ask Ted if he wants to reveal this poorly kept secret. I will forward him your comment/question. Paul @Blogfinger
How are the ceiling lights changed?