Church of the Presidents

This wooden chapel features the pointed arches and steep gables characteristic of Carpenter Gothic style, constructed in 1879 along the Jersey Shore. The carefully crafted wooden details define its exterior, while the interior now holds exhibition spaces about the location's past.

Built in 1879, the chapel emerged when Elberon was a popular summer destination for wealthy families including sitting presidents seeking respite from the capital. It later transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving artifacts and stories from this coastal community's most notable period.

The church's name reflects the visits of seven American presidents who worshipped here during their summer vacations along the New Jersey coast. Today visitors find exhibits inside that tell stories about these distinguished guests and local heritage.

Located in a quiet residential area near the beach, the site is accessible by car or local transit. Daytime visits work best since natural light helps you see the wooden details and read the exhibition displays throughout the interior.

President James Garfield spent his final days in 1881 in a nearby cottage following an assassination attempt, making this chapel a pivotal location in presidential history. The proximity to this tragic event still draws visitors curious about this darker chapter in American leadership.

Location: Elberon

Location: Long Branch

Architects: William Appleton Potter

Architectural style: Carpenter Gothic

GPS coordinates: 40.26330,-73.99080

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02