Long Branch's Church Of The 7 Presidents Is Being Renovated, Intends To Reopen To Public

LONG BRANCH, NJ — The Church of the Seven Presidents, located in the Elberon section of Long Branch and one of New Jersey’s most significant historic landmarks, is currently undergoing a major renovation.

Built in 1879, the Church of the Seven Presidents is the only house of worship to be visited by seven U.S. Presidents when they were in office:

It was the summertime church of Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley and Woodrow Wilson.

This was at the turn of the 20th century when Long Branch was a seaside retreat for America's wealthy and powerful. That was when many of Long Branch's seaside mansions were built.

But today, the iconic 19th-century building (which is mostly made of wood) had deteriorated so much that it had to be closed to the public; it was too dangerous to enter.

Renovations are expected to be completed in 2027. The church's distinctive Carpenter Gothic design and rare stained-glass features will be preserved.

Once completed, the church is expected to reopen to the public as a museum, and will educate visitors about this unique chapter in American — and Long Branch's — history.

The Long Branch Historical Museum Association owns the church, which it purchased in 1953. State and federal grant funding is paying for the restoration, which close to two million dollars.

“The Church of the Presidents Museum is not only a local treasure, but a national landmark that tells the story of Long Branch’s role as a summer destination for U.S. leaders," said Jim Foley, who runs the building today.