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The most impressive structure in Ocean Grove, and the center of activity since 1894, is the Great Auditorium, although it derived from humble beginnings.

The First Auditorium was a "Preacher's Stand," surmounted by a cupola in which was a small bell. That Auditorium was capable of seating 75 ministers, however the congregation sat on pine planks placed on trusses in the grove of trees. Unfortunately this first Auditorium provided no protection form the elements.

The Second Auditorium, constructed in 1875, was a 75 foot by 100 foot frame structure covered with tree boughs. While this structure provided shade for the congregation, the boughs continued to drip water onto the people below for days after a rain.

In 1876 a permanent roof was added. This Third Auditorium was a graceful, open-air structure, capable of seating 3,000 worshipers in relative comfort. However as the congregation grew over the years the Auditorium overflowed its capacity. In 1891 Dr. Elwood H. Stokes, then president of the Ocean Grove Camp meeting Association, proposed a new structure, capable of seating 10,000, be erected to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of Ocean Grove. Ground was broken for the existing Great Auditorium on December 2, 1893 and the building was completed in record time, being ready and consecrated for the 1894 Camp Meeting. Rev. Stokes firmly believed it was the Will of God that the Great Auditorium be built and He would provide the funds for construction. By the time the final nail was hammered and the last board painted, the Great Auditorium's construction costs had been paid in full, allowing it to enter into service debt free.

in 1907 the front of the Auditorium was extended to provide room for the Hope-Jones pipe organ which was iInstalled in 1908. The total cost of the organ was $26,000, but the Hope-Jones Company donated half the cost. At the time Samuel L. Clemmons, better known as Mark Twain, was a member of the Board of Directors and frequented the New Jersey Shore. Although the organ has since been refurbished and modernized, it is one of the most famous of its kind in the world. To this day, the free Wednesday Evening and Saturday Afternoon organ concerts continue to draw enthusiastic listeners.

In the winter of 1988 the original roof of corrugated steel was in need of replacement, and a new roof of stainless steel was installed at a cost of $850,000. Just as Rev. Stokes had faith the Lord would provide the funds for the structure to be built, so did the congregation of the Auditorium and the members of the Camp Meeting Association believe the funds for the new roof would be provided. With support form the State of New Jersey and contributions from friends and loyal supporters, the entire amount was raised and the roof paid for in full before the work was completed.

The Great Auditorium is approximately the size of a football field and initially sat 10,000. However, after several modernizations, including the installation of theater style seats, the Auditorium's capacity is now 6,500. The Auditorium continues to be used for Sunday Services during Camp Meetings, as well as continuing to serve as a showcase for some of the world's top religious leaders including Billy Sunday, Gypsy Smith, Billy Graham and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.

In addition to worship services, the Auditorium has featured cultural events since its completion attracting a wide array of performers including Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, John Phillip Sousa and Peter, Paul and Mary. Along with these, seven presidents of the United States, including Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon have spoken at the Great Auditorium as well as 27 of the past 28 New Jersey governors elected since its completion. Other notable speakers include Admiral Richard Byrd, Booker T. Washington and Lowell Thomas.