Stop off at St. James Episcopal Chapel on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch, the site where seven former U.S. presidents prayed. Built in 1879, this symbol of Long Branch's elegant past has been renamed Church of the Presidents, to honor Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, and Wilson. The seven presidents did not go to the Jersey shore just to pray at St. James. Long Branch, NJ was a fashionable seaside, Gilded Age, resort, one of the most popular in the United States. And in those days, New Jersey had more electoral votes than California, Texas or even Florida.
The structure is being restored and it is expected that one day, the Tiffany stained glass ceiling will be on view. The dark wood interior is quite small and gives a Tudor-like feel to the chapel.
This is not to be confused with the St. James Episcopal Church, also in Long Branch, which is the main place of worship for the community. The Church of the Presidents is across the street from the beach and was in use only during the summer season to cater to the upscale resort traffic - including, as mentioned, seven Presidents of the United States.