For the first time in its 142-year history, the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs will be open for worship on Easter Sunday, with three different Island churches holding services there.
Religious institutions on the Island have struggled with the decision of whether to open this summer, noting the challenges of holding services in small enclosed spaces.
The dedicatory services at the new Baptist Temple on Vineyard Highlands Sunday morning, were very successful. Despite the unpleasant weather the friends of the Baptist denomination gathered in large numbers, and some two thousand people were present at the opening services, among them eighty prominent divines.
The introductory services were conducted by Rev. R. G. Seymour of Boston. Mr. J. E. Simonds led the singing and Mrs. Simonds presided at the organ.
David Martin, former educator and administrator at Gallaudet, visited Vineyard Haven on Sunday to talk about the legacy of the Martha’s Vineyard deaf community of the 18th and 19th centuries.