There's No Chapel In The World Like This One In New Jersey

Several of these notable guests included presidents Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley and Woodrow Wilson. Throughout the years, they all came to worship at the St. James Protestant Episcopal Chapel, pictured.

The Carpenter Gothic-style church was first consecrated in 1879 and was used as a summer resort church for over 75 years. Long Branch dwindled in popularity as performers flocked to California and the Parkway allowed locals to travel further south. The church was deconsecrated and slated for demotion in 1953. Local preservationists fought to save the historic landmark, and won.

In 1955, the chapel was rededicated as the Long Branch Historical Museum. The museum remained open until 1999, when the building began to deteriorate. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, private donations have been acquired to stabilize the building , but more work is necessary.

The church and surrounding structures are loaded with history. Other notable parishioners included the Goulds, Sloans, Drexels and Vanderbilts. Some of the wealthiest families in the world worshiped here, and rumor has it that weekly offerings could amount to thousands of dollars, even way back in the 1890s.

The church is surrounded by several smaller buildings, including the tiny red tea house in the left of this photo. After President James Garfield was shot, he was taken to Long Branch in hopes of recovery. A short stretch of railroad was built to accommodate him on his trip from the railroad terminal to his private cottage. After his passing, the tracks were disassembled and the railroad ties were sold to a local who incorporated them into this tiny structure. It was used for many years to host tea parties, and was eventually moved to the church's grounds for restoration.

Other historic objects and artifacts associated with the church and presidents who worshiped there include the flag that covered President Garfield's casket, President Grant's gun cabinet, and several of the chapels guest books, signed by the presidents.