Ocean Grove auditorium damage from Hurricane Sandy

Ocean Grove Auditorium, Ocean Grove, New Jersey, received major damage from Hurricane Sandy during the last week of October. A large portion of the roof of the historic 7,000-seat structure was blown off during excessively high winds that engulfed the entire New Jersey coast.

Fortunately, according to resident organist Gordon Turk, the 189-rank auditorium organ sustained no damage. The roof over the organ chambers and unenclosed divisions was not affected by the high winds nor did the storm surge damage the blowers located below street level. The auditorium organ is the centerpiece of Ocean Grove’s summer music program and is used extensively to accompany choral and orchestral concerts as well as semi-weekly recitals and Sunday worship services.

Temporary roof repairs were begun immediately in order to safeguard the 118-year-old structure until permanent repairs can be made. According to Dr. Turk, while the damage to the auditorium was extensive, it was minimal in comparison to the devastation of other New Jersey shore communities.