Pray here. Faith Baptist Church. Wickapecko Drive, Ocean, NJ. By Paul Goldfinger September 3, 2013. Click once to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
I frequently pass this church because Wickapecko Drive is a country road that provides an alternate scenic route coming back from Wegmans to the Grove. Just turn right off Sunset Avenue by the firehouse with Chief Wanamassa painted on the side (see below.)
Indians used to paddle their canoes around there. Sometimes they had to take a detour because of Township road work.
The Chief first met white men when the Ocean Township DPW began paving Sunset Avenue. That historic work continues to this day.
Legend has it that Chief W. had a vision that told him to open a Wegmans nearby. You can sometimes find him shopping there in the Kosher department for lox.
The Wickapecko Indians were Rutgers fans, and that is why they were called red men. They would go to football games with no shirts, painting RU on their chests. They have been upset since the 18th century over Rutgers football misfortunes.
The church has a woodsy setting, and the light often twinkles on the front and sides as the massive trees cast all sorts of changing shadows.
I have photographed it many times, but this image, obtained in late afternoon, after making a carrot, dill, and celery run for Eileen who was working on a batch of chicken soup, is what I had been looking for.
I shot it this time both in color and black and white, but the latter, with a “vintage” tint, looks fine.
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA From the Imus Ranch Record II
Baptist Church. (Used to be Christian Reformed). Wickapecko Drive (opposite Bryan Ave). Wanamassa 07712.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We have a winner. Congratulations Beezee; you were quick on the drawer. –Stop by Smuggler’s Cove and ask for Richee, the head smuggler. He has a prize for youm
The actual name of the church is the Faith Baptist Church. The actual town is Ocean, but this area is Wanamassa. The church is known for their food pantry.