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Project Introduction

The Tabernacle is a historic national treasure and a central part of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association’s (MVCMA) property located in Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, MA. The Tabernacle was built in 1879 and is a covered open-air public venue open seasonally that can seat approximately 1,678 people. This is the fifth stage of the Tabernacle restoration that began in 2002. The approximately 17,000 square foot roof with three levels of roofing was originally constructed of corrugated iron sheeting. Later it was replaced with corrugated cement asbestos sheeting fastened to wood purlins. The age of the current roof is believed to date to 1932 according to MVCMA Board of Director meeting minutes. A March 2020 roof condition survey produced by Hoffmann Architects of Hamden, CT indicated that the roof has reached the end of its useful life. The Tabernacle is an Official Project of “Save America’s Treasures.” In 2005, the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, including the Tabernacle, was designated as one of only 2,600 National Historic Landmarks in the Country. The MVCMA is also the #1 attraction in Oak Bluffs according to TripAdvisor.

Project Description

The Tabernacle is a historic open wrought iron structure which was constructed in 1879 to replace an older canvas tent located at the center of the Methodist cottage community in Trinity Park. It was originally designed by architect J.W. Hoyt of Springfield, Massachusetts and employs a structure comprised of T-shaped iron members, L-shaped angle iron, and pipe with wooden roof purlins supporting a multi-tiered corrugated asbestos cement roof. The upper structure consists of three roof tiers surmounted by a tower which rises to a height of 100 feet. The Tabernacle is approximately 130 feet across, and its main arches span 61 feet, making it one of the largest iron structures in the United States. The structure has been in continuous use for religious and cultural activities since the day it was constructed.
Phase V of the restoration project includes a proposed new addition/accessory structure, approximately 1,300 gsf in area, containing permanent gender-neutral toilet rooms intended to serve occupants, staff, and other island visitors, and provides an alternate accessible route to the stage.

Project Phases

This is phase V of restoration. The previous phases started in 2001 and included the following restoration efforts:

Preloader

  • Phase I

    Stabilize the wrought iron columns with new footings, anchors and braces
    Completed at a cost of $340,000

  • Phase II

    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 III

    Restore cupola including replacing cross with a lit carbon cross
    Completed at a cost of $635,000

  • Phase IV

    Rebuild upper clerestory
    Completed at a cost of $500,000

  • Phase V

    (Remaining construction estimated cost of $8 million)
    Restore iron trusses and historic benches and chairs (Complete)
    Rebuild stage (Complete)
    Replace corrugated asbestos roof
    Add internal lighting at clerestories
    Add accessory structure at east side of Tabernacle

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