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One of the region’s most famous landmarks, Ocean Grove’s Grand Auditorium, lost a large portion of its roof during Hurricane Sandy [pictured above], but officials say permanent repairs should be done by Memorial Day.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association oversees the Auditorium’s operation, and the group’s interim chief operating officer is Ralph Del Campo.

The Grand Auditorium’s roof was repaired temporarily just one day before the snowstorm that struck nine days after Sandy, Del Campo said. Using tarps, plywood and temporary enclosures and seals, local contractors and volunteers secured the space so that precipitation couldn’t get into the landmark.

It worked, and after both storms, the water damage inside was minimal, Del Campo said. The church’s famous organ was not damaged at all.

Contractors are working to put a permanent, stainless steel roof in place by Memorial Day, Del Campo said. The last time the roof was replaced was 25 years ago. The Auditorium itself was built in 1894.

“That roof, because of the size and scale, is something that is unique,” he said. “It’s custom fabricated and not something you can just buy. It will take a while to be constructed.”

The Ocean Grove boardwalk and fishing pier, which are also Camp Meeting properties, were also damaged in the storm. They suffered similar damage in a 1992 nor’easter, and were repaired with funding from governmental agencies, Del Campo said.

Del Campo expects the boardwalk will be done by Memorial Day. The fishing pier may take slightly longer because the boardwalk is higher on the association’s list of priorities, Del Campo said.

“We are committed to do everything we can to have everything refurbished and reconstructed, and we really appreciate the support from the community in Ocean Grove and all the people who love Ocean Grove,” Del Campo said.

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