A Michigan State University researcher is working to uncover the history of the old tabernacle and religious community that made a home in 19th century East Chop, then known as the Highlands.

Work on the Baptist Tabernacle is progressing rapidly, under the superintendence of the contractor, Mr. Tilly, of Hyde Park, Mass.

The Baptist Pavilion, at Vineyard Highlands, will seat from 2,500 to 3,000 persons. The Vineyard Baptist Association has purchased a lot of the chairs lately used in the Moody Tabernacle in Boston. They have been brought to the island, and are now in the Pavilion, which is approaching completion.

The first public religious services were held in the new Baptist Temple at the Highlands, Sunday morning last, and Rev. G. L. Lewis, of Vineyard Haven, preached from 1st Corinthians, 3-16. Theme - “Our body the temple of God.” It was announced that religious services would be held in this place every Sabbath hereafter, at 10.30 A. M., and that the “Temple” would be dedicated Aug. 19th.

When I was a university professor, I often taught a new course because I wanted to learn more about a subject. In this spirit, I will focus this column on Baptist Temple Park.