5th Ave. Chapel - The Belmar Hospital

You are at the Fifth Avenue Chapel, stop #35 on the Belmar Treasure Trail. The chapel was originally built as the Church of the Holy Apostles in 1873. By 1940, the frame building, constructed in the shape of a cross, was in poor repair, having been closed for many years. However, its beautiful stained-glass windows remained intact. The Fifth Avenue Chapel purchased the property for $1,500 and began its ministry here in 1941.

If you walk down the block to 316 Fifth Ave., you will not see a Treasure Trail marker because it is a private residence, but we wanted to share its history. What is now a lovely home was built in the 1890’s as a wellness clinic where city dwellers came for restful rejuvenation at the ocean side. It became known as The Belmar Hospital in the 1930’s, continuing as a wellness clinic, but also offering minor medical care. It was renamed Fitkin Hospital when it moved to Spring Lake and then found a permanent home in Neptune Township, where it has grown into today’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center.