Long Branch's Church Of The Seven Presidents Gets $250K From NJ

LONG BRANCH, NJ — One of the most historic buildings in Long Branch received $250,000 in funding as part of Governor Phil Murphy's budget, unveiled last week.

The church is St. James Chapel, commonly known today as The Church of the Presidents. The church is now a museum that honors the seven U.S. presidents who are associated with Long Branch. It is an Episcopal chapel where seven United States presidents worshiped: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley and Woodrow Wilson.

The money will be used to help preserve the Church of the Seven President's Museum, called an "iconic" building in Long Branch. The church/museum has been closed in the pandemic.

The Long Branch Historical Museum Association was founded in 1953 with the sole agenda of preserving the church.

Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey (all D-Monmouth) helped secure the funding.

"The pandemic has severely impacted the private donations that we normally receive," said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. "I know firsthand that this money is needed for the museum to succeed. The board members have used private donations to restore the museum, but a lot more needs to be done."

"We are very appreciative to Senator (Vin) Gopal and Governor Murphy and we cannot wait until we can use this money to further upgrade the museum," said Museum President Jim Foley.

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