Skip to content

Caleb Parke

  • About
  • Interviews
  • Good News
  • Contact
  • Toggle search form

NJ Town Defies Atheists with Cross-Shaped Pier: ‘Can’t Hide Our Faith’

Posted on April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 By Caleb Parke

A New Jersey shore town rebuilt a pier in the shape of a cross to fulfill its “Christian mission” after much prayer.

The privately-owned boardwalk in Ocean Grove, nicknamed “God’s Square Mile,” was destroyed in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy and will open to the public Saturday, ahead of the Methodist group’s Memorial Day projection.

Be sure to sign up for Caleb’s FREE newsletter for more encouraging stories like this one in your inbox!

“The more we thought about it, prayed about it, the inspiration came for the present design,” Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association president Michael Badger told Fox News. “It’s functional, but it became obvious to us that it is in the shape of a cross — and how fitting it is for our Christian mission.”

The design has been labeled controversial by the local media after residents complained about a religious symbol in the public, but the group said they make “no apologies” about the donor-funded $2 million, 500-foot-long pier that they see as a “blessing of God’s hand.”

Badger pushed back against the angry atheist critics.

“There are some people who feel that, in this day and age, Christians should take the crosses and move them inside their buildings and close the doors, and that’s not a sentiment that we agree [with],” he said.

Coach Joe Kennedy Scores Another BIG Win After He Was Fired for Praying

“Christianity is a global faith … We’re always going to be welcoming and seeking for people to be engaged by the gospel — and that’s what we have to offer,” Badger explained. “We can’t hide our faith. It’s something we live out day to day, and I would be concerned if there ever came a day that wasn’t allowed.”

According to the United Methodist Church, several famous hymns were written in the beach town:

The backstory is that after the Civil War, there was still unrest in the U.S., and Methodist leader William Osborn had a dream of establishing a permanent camp meeting, a place where visitors focused on spiritual growth and holiness.  Organizers scouted seaside locations and in 1869, chose Ocean Grove, New Jersey, an idyllic setting that came to be called “God’s Square Mile.” At its peak, 660 tents stood on the grounds. That number is closer to 118 now, but the meeting’s mission remains robust: to revive people so they go back to their home churches with new excitement for the Lord.

Evangelist Franklin Graham celebrated the pier on social media.

“What a great landmark for their town,” the son of Rev. Billy Graham said. “They said they wanted to build the best pier possible, and that’s what they did.

Colts Neck Community Church Pastor Chris Durkin told the outlet, “the cross is the most celebrated symbol across the world, so putting a cross along the Jersey Shore reminds us of the hope that Jesus Christ gives to all who believe.”

The local pastor added, “This isn’t political; this is spiritual. And for Ocean Grove, it’s historical.”

CLICK HERE FOR A LIVE VIEW OF THE OCEAN GROVE PIER!

Caleb Parke is the SMG managing editor. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Linkedin
  • Share via Email


Good News Tags:Christianity, faith, Good News, New Jersey

Post navigation

Previous Post: TN’s First Lady Shares ‘Hopeful’ Cancer Update: “We’ve Seen God’s Faithfulness”
Next Post: ‘Erased’ 1,750-Year-Old New Testament Translation Discovered

More Related Articles

Christian Worship Leader Lands Better Book Deal: ‘God Is Bigger Than Cancel Culture’ Good News
‘I’m Still Here’: Almost a Year After Suicide Attempt, Swimmer Shares Emotional Victory Speech Good News
Famous Model Turns to Jesus, Quits ‘OnlyFans’ and Reverses Plastic Surgery Good News
Kari Jobe: Jesus is ‘the answer’ to healing the nation Good News
Asbury University Revival Makes History: ‘God Is Moving’ Good News
Only in America: You, Me, Winsome Sears, and Edward Durr Good News

Copyright © 2023 Caleb Parke.

Powered by PressBook Blog WordPress theme