Frequently Asked Questions

Replacement of the roof of The Tabernacle, Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. This is the fifth and final stage of the Tabernacle restoration that began in 2002. The Tabernacle was built in 1879. In 2005, Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting grounds, of which the Tabernacle is a key component, was designated as one of only 2,600 National Historic Landmarks in the Country. The approximately 17,000 square foot roof was originally constructed of corrugated iron, but this was replaced with corrugated cement-asbestos sheeting in 1932. A March 2020 survey by Hoffmann Architects, Inc, of Hamden CT, indicated that the roof has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced in the next three years. Additionally, the MVCMA will add an Accessory Structure with plumbing (approximately 1300 sq. ft.) to the rear of the Tabernacle and post construction site work.

The pre-construction bid cost estimate received March 6, 2023, totals $3.77 million for the roof and portable ADA lift. The accessory structure as an add-alternate which includes: Accessory Structure, Tabernacle smoke detectors and electrical upgrades, landscaping and other misc. is priced at $3.04 million, for a total of $6.81 million (+5.3% vs July 2022 bid). Internal MVCMA design and construction contingency, permits, and professional fees are now estimated at $2 million bringing the total project cost towards $8.81 million. The wood blocking was priced separately as an add-alternate at $283,853 (-3.8% compared to July 2022 bid). (Final costs may be lowered by up to $1.4 million depending on alternates accepted and contingency used. Market factors may increase costs. True costs will be determined once bids are received and accepted in May 2023). Given the unique nature of the roof work, the MVCMA has planned for 20% contingency for the Tabernacle Roof Replacement and 12.5% contingency for the rest of the project. The costs will be paid through a variety of sources including Capital Reserves, CPA funding, Save America's Treasures grant, corporate and individual donations, program fees, etc.

When Phase I of the Tabernacle Restoration began over 20 years ago, the roof had approximately 20 years remaining. With careful maintenance and repairs, the roof has lasted. The Tabernacle Roof is now 91 years old and has reached the end of its useful life. Costs continue to escalate through inflation and supply shortages and when the “Martha’s Vineyard” factor costs continue to rise. Given the urgency for the roof replacement, that portion of the project is being bid first for construction during a single off-season from 2023-2024.

When the restoration began it was understood that additional funds would be required in order to fully restore the Tabernacle including replacing the roof.
The Board split the projects into stages to spread the costs out over multiple years. Donations, grants, a bank loan, the leaseholders, the MVCMA and Community Preservation Funds paid for Phase I-V. The funds that were unspent in prior years are being applied to Phase V.

The MVCMA has been building a Tabernacle Endowment Fund. Tabernacle maintenance is covered first from 2% cottage transfer fees collected during any year.
Yearly collections have been $40,000 yearly, with maintenance costs approximately $25,000 - $35,000 annually.
Any amount beyond the annual maintenance expenses must be deposited into the Tabernacle Endowment Fund. The balance of this fund on June 30, 2021 was $790,194.

Roof replacement, completing the chair restoration, adding additional lighting, site work, and adding an accessory structure at the east side of the Tabernacle.

1. The Tabernacle Restoration Committee, Development Committee and the Finance Committee have been working collaboratively to determine the best strategy for funding the project. To date, 62% of the funds has been raised. The remaining Phase V projects will be funded through a combination of capital reserves, grants, and fundraising.
2. Nearly half is being paid for by the MVCMA.
3. Recognizing the vital positive economic impact that the Campground provides to the island, the six Town Meetings (Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury) voted to provide Community Preservation Funds for Historic Preservation totaling over $974,449 toward the roof project.
4. The Board of Directors have shown their strong support of the project with 89% having contributed to date.

Under the leadership of Andrew Patch, President, Craig Lowe, Development Chair and Steve Hight, Finance Chair, a fundraising program has been formed to conduct the campaign over the next 3 years using many of the strategies that have proven successful in the past including direct asks, virtual and live events, grant applications, etc. All donors will be recognized through announced categories.

Through a competitive bidding process in compliance with Massachusetts procurement laws, qualified contractors by role:

1. Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) to represent the MVCMA. This person will serve as our eyes and ears to support the steps of the process and oversee both design and construction as well as manage the timeline and coordinate amongst the team, and manage the authorized budget.
   The MVCMA selected CHA as the OPM.
2. Designer/Architect – The designer/architect will design the project, recommend materials, and prepare construction documents. As part of the design team an acoustic engineer will ensure that the Tabernacle a prime venue for graduation, concerts and theater performances. The MVCMA selected DBVW Architects as the designer/architect.
3. General Contractor – Under the direction of the OPM and designer the construction team will build the roof and the accessory structure to specifications. Bids are currently open for this project: https://biddocs.com/listings

1. Historically, there was a small structure behind the stage of the Tabernacle.
   The 1,300 square foot accessory structure will be built in a manner that reflects the historic character of that structure.
2. Piano storage – Due to a generous gift in the early stages of the Tabernacle restoration, the MVCMA has a Steinway piano.
   Currently at the end of each season the piano is removed from the stage and taken to an offsite storage facility and returned in the Spring. The structure will contain climatized storage for the piano during the winter which will save costs and wear and tear on the instrument.
   
   
3. Accessible Lift – Currently there is no safe way for someone in a wheelchair or with mobility limitations to access the stage.
   Accessibility improvements will be built into the structure that will make the stage accessible to all.
4. Chair storage – Over the past few years, the chairs in the Tabernacle have been painstakingly restored funded by a special assessment to the leaseholders and Community Preservation Act funds.
   During the winter these chairs are currently stored on stage with a tarp. Storage in the new accessory structure will help protect them.
5. Bathrooms –The structure will house permanent restrooms that can be made available to the public.
   This will eliminate the need for port-a-potties as well as the cost and odors currently experienced as a result of their use.
   The bathrooms will have an electronic system so that we can control which bathrooms are open and during which hours.
6. Community Space – A room will provide space for event preparations which is currently lacking at the Tabernacle.
   It will also serve as an alternate venue for small meetings and activities such bag lunches during inclement weather.

The Board voted on a Project Charter in 2020 to address the remaining pieces of Phase V restoration together so as to maximize resources and therefore the design elements were defined together. However, given the urgency for completing the roof portion of the project, in March 2023, the Board voted to bid the roof first in order to ensure construction could be completed in the 2023-2024 offseason.

For a building the size of the Tabernacle, MA Law requires 26 restrooms.
The Capital Improvements Task Force successfully received a variance from the MA Board of State Plumbers and Gasfitters to reduce the impact to the historic structure of adding that big of a building. Currently, the MVCMA has 6 porta-a-potties on the back of the Tabernacle throughout the season, and additional port-a-potties are brought in for larger events.
These will be replaced by the permanent restrooms and the maintenance costs reallocated accordingly.
The bathrooms have been designed with fixtures and tiling to limit long-term maintenance costs and facilitate cleaning.

There is a small portion of the project that was in the floodplain, but as part of the regrading required for the foundation, the building will not be in the flood plain and compensatory storage will be provided on site.
A full drainage plan was also designed to help prevent erosion and other impacts from rainwater runoff.
The plan was approved by the Oak Bluffs Conservation Commission.

This project has been reviewed by the Mass Historic Commission who determined no adverse effect and the National Park Service who determined that the schematic design meets the Secretary of Interior's standards. The project also received approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness by the Architectural Review Committee with conditions. As part of the Save America's Treasures grant process, the National Park Service is currently reviewing the project to provide final approval that there will be no adverse effect.

The State Automatic Sprinkler Review Board reviewed the project and provided conditions to sprinkler the accessory structure and add fire alarms in the Tabernacle.