Our Story

In 1879, four Methodist ministers – Ezra B. Lake, S. Wesley Lake, James E. Lake, and William H. Burrell – explored what was then known as “Peck’s Beach.” Kneeling beneath a cedar tree, they prayed for guidance, dedicating the island to God as a “Christian seaside resort.” With the Lakes' father, Hon. Simon Lake, and Rev. William B. Wood, they incorporated the “Ocean City Association,” purchased the island, and set about developing it into the town now known as Ocean City.

The geographical, cultural, and spiritual center of this new town was the Ocean City Tabernacle, originally an open-sided auditorium constructed in 1881 on a beach-to-bay parcel of land between 5th and 6th Streets known as “the Strand.” In the years that followed, the city grew up – literally and figuratively – around the Tabernacle.

From the beginning, the Tabernacle’s vision was to be a “summer preaching center where the gospel of Jesus Christ is central.” This vision was realized through annual “camp meetings” where worshipers would enjoy family vacations and worship services while living in tents erected on the Tabernacle grounds. Also established early on was a summer schedule of Sunday worship featuring dynamic, well-known preachers from across the country who could deliver God’s Word powerfully and impact the visiting families for Christ.

After a few years of ministry, the Tabernacle auditorium was enclosed, and a “Young People’s Temple” was constructed on the property to reach youth with the gospel through sports and other activities. In 1930, the Ocean City Association was dissolved, and in its place, the Ocean City Tabernacle Association was formed to continue the ministry of the Tabernacle and plan for future growth.

As God blessed, the ministry grew through the next three decades, leading to the construction of a new building in 1957. The modernized auditorium and beautified grounds provided an inspiring environment for hearing God’s Word and worshiping Him in song. After another three decades, the “Family Room” was added in 1990 to help families with young children worship together more easily.

In 2002, the Family Room was replaced by the Narthex and Noah’s Ark. This major renovation – a project designated “For Our Children’s Children” – included a spacious lobby for fellowship, an Ark-themed nursery, and classrooms where God’s Word comes alive to children.

In 2006, the Kull Youth Center opened, revitalizing ministry to children and teens that began in the 1800’s with the Young People’s Temple. The KYC is home to the Son Club After-School Program, ministering to Ocean City Public School students each school day. It has also become a favorite destination for churches to hold youth retreats and events where students can meet God in a unique “beach and boardwalk” environment.

Today, the Ocean City Tabernacle maintains the deep roots of its founding nearly a century- and-a-half ago with a vison for the future as a “Family Ministry Center where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Central.” Our desire is to help people KNOW GOD through the Bible, help people WORSHIP GOD in Spirit and truth, and help STRENGTHEN FAMILIES as we remain a vital spiritual hub for Ocean City and the surrounding region.