Ocean Grove 2019. Fletcher Lake by Paul Goldfinger A foggy future. Blogfinger.net.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor@Blogfinger. This re-post from January 2020. This conversation has been going on for some time on Blogfinger.net. We are engaged in our Modern History series because many of our readers are new to town and need historical perspective.
When we first moved to Ocean Grove in 1998, we admired the spiritual currents that ran through the town. We liked the idea of a religious temperament in the Grove emanating from the Camp Meeting culture including such elements as the Live Nativity, ringing church bells, Santa in the park, the Choir Festival, teenage and children’s programs, and the Great Auditorium with its classical and pop concerts. We believe that religion is generally a force for good in our society.
But we were rattled by the turmoil and clashes of 2007, and years later we began to see the cultural balance shift in the Grove as secular programming was largely discontinued in the Auditorium and as religious programming was increased, potentially changing the sense of balance in our community. The CMA didn’t seem to appreciate the presence of a secular community which makes this town its home and they seemed to think that whatever they did would be perfectly fine for everyone else in town.
We became aware of the growing throngs of religious tourists drawn into the Grove by CMA programs.
These large crowds coupled with growing numbers of Chamber programs often crowd those who live here and want to promote their own lifestyles with an emphasis on neighborhoods, families, porch culture, and down-home events such as art shows, lectures, farmers markets, etc. which enhance the lifestyles of the locals—not tourists.
Some of us were surprised when the Founders Park fountain dedication last summer became a religious service with sermons and hymns, and when Illumination Night morphed from a community event for all to a religious happening.
And now we see that the CMA will allow their North End property to be used to create a commercial and residential conglomerate which will cause congestion and will compromise the comfortable neighborly feel for those who live there. It will be more like Asbury Park South.
We recently saw the CMA step into the public space to threaten a law suit over parking.
President Badger showed up in Neptune when the BPA was presenting a new parking plan, but he would not cooperate in the discussion. Instead he declared that the CMA would hire its own parking consultant and he went off the rails discussing parking with a newspaper instead of with the citizens.
This past year the CMA cancelled their usual Labor Day community report with opportunity for questions by the public.
Blogfinger has maintained an interest in the cultural and demographic currents in the Grove, and instead of seeing a blending together and a balanced community, we see increased isolation by the CMA, as if they were still dominant as they were from 1869 to 1980. Yet when they were fund raising, they asked for financial help from everybody.
The tilting of the community scales will have a negative impact on good will in Ocean Grove—to what extent is unknown.
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT:
Yes, it is possible, if every individual could adopt a strong kindness toward each other.
We were told to expect an interview when we bought in 1998, but it never materialized, so I guess that is around the time that interviews became obsolete.
The CMA cannot deny their history of religious discrimination. There was a religious litmus test then,, but no longer.
I don’t think they thought of it as discrimination. For them it was necessary to maintain their way of life in the Grove.
But our article is not about discrimination; it is about how a diverse community can maintain good will and brotherhood despite their differences.
Is it possible in OG without the participation of the Camp Meeting Association?
BLOGFINGER: – Years ago new home buyers were required to “interview” with the CMA to be sure they would “contribute” to the town and that they were “in good standing with a church”. The realtor advised you of this requirement. At the interview you would receive a folded piece of paper with the “Rules and Regulations” for living in Ocean Grove.
I don’t think there is a relationship like this with realtors any more, and I don’t think they even have the “rules” pamphlet anymore.
Regarding your excellent article on secular living in Ocean Grove and the CMA’s attitude about it, we interviewed with a Board Member of the CMA when we purchased our home 25 years ago. The realtor explained it was required; that you make an appointment with them.
My husband is Jewish. During this interview with an officer of the CMA, the interviewer said: “There was a time we wouldn’t let your kind in here.”
So, do you think they are interested in including a secular population in Ocean Grove?