As the birthplace of Universalism in America, Murray Grove offers purposely simple, peaceful overnight accommodations and day space year round. Open 24/7.
Murray Grove has special importance for Unitarian Universalists. However, we reach out to individuals and groups of all kinds. We are located near Barnegat Bay and close to the New Jersey coast, 90 minutes’ drive south of New York City and about the same distance east of Philadelphia, Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, a private, non-profit organization, occupies twenty lovely partially-wooded acres. Adjoining it is 200 acres of the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Preserve, with nature trails leading through woods to the wetlands on Barnegat Bay, encompassing several ecosystems. We’re open all year.
Our 20-acre partially wooded campus includes:
• Lodge with Fireside Room and fireplace, dining room, kitchen, office
• Screen House for outdoor meetings and events
• Barbecue Grills
• Cone House with meeting/program space
• Weakley House lodging (accommodates up to 22)
• Friedrich House lodging (accommodates up to 20)
• Courtyard
• Fire Circle
• Salt water (Outside) pool
• 11-circuit labyrinth
• Large athletic field with play structure
• Walking trails in the wildlife preserve immediately adjacent
• Universalist National Cemetery
• Potter Memorial Chapel sited in the old Good Luck Cemetery next door to Murray Grove
• A Universalist history of over 240 years.
We are easy to get to – 15 minutes south of Toms River at exit 74 or 77 off of the Garden State Parkway.
Murray Grove is a peaceful place that allows guests to disconnect from the concerns of their everyday lives and concentrate fully on what brings them here. We’re open to all, year-round, and we invite you to contact us with your questions and requests for information.
Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center is owned and operated by the Murray Grove Association, a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
The Murray Grove Association exists as a living memorial to the lives and the Universalist faith of John Murray and Thomas Potter.
Unitarian Universalists and friends and neighbors who seek to give to the world hope and courage enliven the legacy of Universalism by promoting the union of faith, love, and action as inspired foundations of building beloved communities.
Therefore the policies, resources and actions of the Murray Grove Association’s Retreat and Renewal Center will result in:
a preserved historic pilgrimage site where people of all traditions experience the heritage of Thomas Potter and John Murray;
a sustainable residential retreat and renewal center where guests experience respite from everyday stresses, and gain strength and a deepened capacity for unconditional love and radical inclusion;
educational opportunities where persons of all ages expand knowledge of Universalism, and spread the message of love, hope and courage – thus strengthening the Unitarian Universalist faith;
prophetic outreach where religious and community leadership promotes love, justice and kindness in our communities and the greater world.
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Values We Live By
Universal Love - honoring the inherent divinity and interdependent unity of all life.
Hospitality - creating a sanctuary where mutual respect is fundamental, where people:
are welcome and cared for;
discover and reveal the promise they carry within them;
bring their differences and gifts to co-create a safe space for deep personal and collective learning, broad reflection, and renewed commitment.
Inclusive Community - welcoming all who are respectful of others and reaching out to groups that are marginalized by our culture.
Lifelong learning, spiritual deepening and prophetic transformation - cultivating transformation and spiritual development, thus inspiring and encouraging people to work throughout their lives with courage and love to make the world a better place.
Reverence for life and the natural world - respecting and caring for the natural world and affirming the inspiration humans derive from it.
Unitarian Universalist Principles - standing as the foundation of all our work.
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Principles of the
Unitarian Universalist Association
We covenant to affirm and promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The living tradition we share draws from many sources:
Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
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Overnight accommodations and day space for congregational retreats, spiritual gatherings, youth groups, family/school reunions, women's & men's groups, yoga & meditation groups, staff retreats, commitment ceremonies, conferences, special events and more.
