Built in 1932, the Tabernacle at the Oak Bluffs campground has held nearly a century of roof-raising events in its historic outdoor ampitheater.
But members of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association told selectmen on Tuesday that the famed roof has now reached the end of its useful life and is in need of a replacement.
Andrew Patch, president of the MVCMA, said the project is “not an entirely unexpected thing,” as the Tabernacle restoration project began in 1999 and has ultimately built up to the roof replacement as one of the final stages. In earlier stages of the restoration project, the Tabernacle’s rod iron and the cupola were secured. More recently there was an effort to refurbish the benches and chairs. MVCMA board member Ashley McKenna said the roof replacement is “the biggest component of what’s left.”
The pricetag for the project is estimated at $2.2 million.
Ms. McKenna said the MVCMA has put forward a regional application to the Community Preservation Committee under the category of historic preservation to secure funds for the project.
Ms. McKenna said the MVCMA’s goal is to start construction in the fall of 2021 and to have the project completed before the start of the summer season.
Additionally, Ms. McKenna said the MVCMA would like to add an accessory structure on the east, or back, side of the Tabernacle to store chairs, benches and a Steinway piano donated to them during the restoration project’s early stages. She said the MVCMA is not asking for funds for the accessory building.
“We’re very well aware that it’s a large project we will be undertaking and we want to be able to do it in a way that’s most transparent to all,” Ms. McKenna said.
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