Ocean Grove Beach Opens on Sunday Mornings for First Time in 155 Years

The Methodist community temporarily lifts its long-standing beach closure amid legal dispute over religious freedom and state regulations.

Ocean Grove has historically closed its beach on Sunday mornings for religious services since 1869.
The state Department of Environmental Protection challenged the closures, citing beach access laws.
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association argues the closures are a matter of religious freedom and property rights.
A court case is ongoing, with the association temporarily allowing Sunday morning beach access during the legal battle.
Residents and visitors experienced a historic change as they accessed the beach on a Sunday morning before noon.