Support a Martha's Vineyard Icon
There are many ways to be involved and show your support for this National Historic Landmark!
Explore all of the ways you can volunteer or contribute financially, and be sure to get on our
email list to stay informed.
In recent news Nov 2020
Explore all of the ways you can volunteer or contribute financially, and be sure to get on our
email list to stay informed.
In recent news Nov 2020
Or, checks can be written to the “MVCMA” with “Tabernacle Restoration Fund” on the memo line and sent to:
MVCMA
P.O. Box 1685
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
MVCMA
P.O. Box 1685
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
The Tabernacle has weathered time since 1879 on the grounds of the old Wesleyan Grove, now known as the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, located in Oak Bluffs, MA.
It has been a destination for generations of Islanders and summer visitors alike. But, after serving so many so well, this "Iron Maiden", a majestic wrought iron marvel of 19th century architecture, was in need of an extensive restoration.
The Tabernacle has entered its final phase of a planned five phase restoration project, which began in 1999. More than $2 million has been spent on the historically accurate restoration, but the Tabernacle will require an additional $2 million, if it is to continue to be enjoyed and passed on to future generations.
It has been a destination for generations of Islanders and summer visitors alike. But, after serving so many so well, this "Iron Maiden", a majestic wrought iron marvel of 19th century architecture, was in need of an extensive restoration.
The Tabernacle has entered its final phase of a planned five phase restoration project, which began in 1999. More than $2 million has been spent on the historically accurate restoration, but the Tabernacle will require an additional $2 million, if it is to continue to be enjoyed and passed on to future generations.
It's an architectural gem, an historic treasure, a gathering place like no other, and only to be found on the Vineyard. Praise be!
- noted author and historian, David McCullough
- noted author and historian, David McCullough
The Tabernacle, which is the largest covered outdoor performance space on the Island, has been a center for cultural, religious, and social activities on the Island for more than a 100 years. In 1978, the Tabernacle and the Campground were listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
In 2000 it was given recognition by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
"Save America's Treasures" Project
and in 2005, it was recognized by the United States Department of Interior,
along with the rest of the MVCMA site, as a
National Historic Landmark
The designation reads: "This site has been found to possess exceptional significance in illustrating or commemorating the history of the United States for the benefit and inspiration of the American people."
The Tabernacle is one of the few remaining examples of wrought iron structures created at the time - along with the Eiffel Tower - and has been described as:
National Register of Historic Places.
In 2000 it was given recognition by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
"Save America's Treasures" Project
and in 2005, it was recognized by the United States Department of Interior,
along with the rest of the MVCMA site, as a
National Historic Landmark
The designation reads: "This site has been found to possess exceptional significance in illustrating or commemorating the history of the United States for the benefit and inspiration of the American people."
The Tabernacle is one of the few remaining examples of wrought iron structures created at the time - along with the Eiffel Tower - and has been described as:
"Gaining its grace from three floating roof line, each more relaxed in slope than the roof above, which give it the look of a great bird spreading its wings. Rather than mere props against gravity, the web of thin iron supports resemble cords of a hovering parachute, pinning the roof to the earth to keep it from flying skyward. Under the roof, the daytime sky is constantly felt through colored sunbeams that filter through the high stain-glassed windows"
At the Heart of the Community
As the MVCMA Music Director, Bob Cleasby, famously quipped, "the Tabernacle seats never get cold!"
The Tabernacle lifts spirits and builds community throughout the summer with the joyful sights and sounds of concerts, lectures, weekly worship services and Community Sings, the All Island Art Show, charitable events and many other activities.
Capping the summer is Grand Illumination - a magical Vineyard tradition, during which thousands of visitors come to hear music, sing and view the magical lights emanating from the Chinese lanterns hung throughout the Campground..
The Tabernacle lifts spirits and builds community throughout the summer with the joyful sights and sounds of concerts, lectures, weekly worship services and Community Sings, the All Island Art Show, charitable events and many other activities.
Capping the summer is Grand Illumination - a magical Vineyard tradition, during which thousands of visitors come to hear music, sing and view the magical lights emanating from the Chinese lanterns hung throughout the Campground..
Protecting The Tabernacle for Future Generations
In 1999 a major fundraising campaign was undertaken to restore the Tabernacle to its full grandeur, to upgrade utilities, including sound and lighting systems, and to preserve the structural integrity of the building.
This five phase restoration is the first substantial restoration of the Tabernacle since 1901:
Phase 1
Stabilize the wrought iron columns with new footings, anchors and braces
Completed at a cost of $340,000
Phase 2
Remove leaded paint from the interior wrought iron, paint the interior and replace interior lights with historically appropriate lights
Completed at a cost of $500,000
Phase 3
Restore cupola including replacing cross with a lit carbon cross
Completed at a cost of $635,000
Phase 4
Rebuild upper clerestory
Completed at a cost of $500,000
Phase 5
(Estimated cost of $3.4 million)
Restore iron trusses and historic benches and chairs (Complete)
Rebuild stage (Complete)
Replace corrugated asbestos roof
Add internal lighting at clerestories
Install metal cresting at main entrance pavilion
Install replicas of park lighting based upon historic photos
Add accessory structure at east side of Tabernacle
We are now in the fifth and final phase or restoration which centers on the interior and the roof.
The Tabernacle's roof has outlived its expected useful life by more than 30 years, and must be replaced within the next two.
Your tax deductible contribution of $25, $50, $100, or more to the
Tabernacle Restoration Fund
has a direct impact upon ensuring that the Tabernacle
is here for generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to give what you can.
The MVCMA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Tabernacle Restoration Fund
has a direct impact upon ensuring that the Tabernacle
is here for generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to give what you can.
The MVCMA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
