MVCMA - Tabernacle Renovation: Topping the Tabernacle with the New Cross

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1969 Cross on top of the Tabernacle

This was the third cross at the top of the tabernacle. It was desgined by late Campgrounder Gordon MacGilvray and manufactured by the Philip Shea Co. in Malden, MA. It served for 40 years until it was removed during the restoration of the cupola in 2008

Later, when the sky cleared, we got a hint of what the top of the tabernacle will look like on a clear summer day.

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Later, when the crane was gone, MVCMA President Russ Dagnall admires the cross from its base at the tope of the cupola

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Prior to the erection of the first cross in 1926, the Tabernacle had been topped by a flagstaff and flag which flew over the Tabernacle during the summer campground season.

tabrehabcross6.jpg (55836 bytes) Tabernacle with flagpole before 1926

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Topping the Tabernacle
Installing the New Cross

The third phase of the Martha's Vineyard Camp-Meeting Association's (MVCMA) Tabernacle restoration is nearing completion with the mounting of the new carbon fiber cross by the Crocker Architectural Sheet Metal Company on top of the Tabernacle cupola.

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Crane Installing Cross at the top of the Tabernacle

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It was a moving moment as the rain ceased briefly while the 20 foot cross was gently hoisted by a giant crane to the top of the Tabernacle.

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The harness of the crane was removed at 10:31 a.m. leaving the majestic cross to begin its vigil of watching over the MVCMA Campgrounds and the Town of Oak Bluffs.

Back to the first set of Renovation Photos

Removal of the old Cross in March 2008

Contributions to the restoration fund can be made to MVCMA Tabernacle Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 367, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. The MVCMA Tabernacle Restoration Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.