The old Methodist Church on LaReine Avenue was built in 1900 on a plot of land donated by James Bradley, the founder of Bradley Beach. Beautiful stained-glass windows capture Community Leaders of the time, notably Sarah JC Downs, the President of the New Jersey Women’s Christian Temperance Union from 1881 until her death in 1891, and an early suffragette leader. Also represented is Reverend Ellwood H Stokes, the first President of the Camp Meeting Association in Ocean Grove in the mid 1860’s, who led the construction of the Great Auditorium. Residents of Bradley Beach, and of surrounding communities, support the idea of establishing a Community Center on these premises – in the center of town – with programs that could include:
- Performing Arts including plays, concerts
- and book-readings
- Social gatherings such as banquets, anniversaries, etc.
- Space for volunteer and civic organizations and the Historical Society Museum
- Community fun such as Bingo, Dances and Games
- Day care and after-school programs
- Adult education classes
- Senior Citizens activities
- Fitness classes, Basketball and Volleyball