Windows at the top reaches of the Tabernacle. All photos by Paul Goldfinger © Click on all photographs to enlarge them.
By Paul Goldfinger MD, Editor @Blogfinger.net Original 2014…
The Bishop Janes Tabernacle is the oldest permanent structure in Ocean Grove, build in 1877.
It is an airy, open building consisting basically of one room and a center section on top where a sweep of windows allows light to stream in from above and illuminate the seating below–symbolic perhaps, or very practical, or both.
Light and breezes come inside. ©
Ted Bell, Ocean Grove historian and author, showed us the 19th century ventilation system which keeps the place cool. Downstairs there is a ring of large doors and windows. The latter open in a curious way, but there is a purpose to the design. The window aims the warm breezes upward where they can stream through the top row of windows.
Ted Bell shows how the lower level windows open. ©
Outside, the light trickles and flows through the trees to hit the Tabernacle and creates moving patterns on its outside walls and illumination for the prayer books inside.
BACH: Double concerto in D minor for 2 violins and strings. With Yehudi Menuhin, Alberto Lysy, and Camerata Lysy Gstaad.
—- Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
The Tabernacle was intended to be an open sided affair, but it was decided to enclose it during construction in 1877.
“The Tabernacle, always low, unsightly, and badly ventilated, has been improved by cutting out the center of the roof and building up a large ventilator with windows all around, thus greatly improving the appearance, and relieving the room of vitiated air. It has been repainted inside and out. The old tower [cupola], taken from the top, placed on Wesley Lake foot of Pilgrim Pathway and fitted up for a waiting room. Tower [cupola] from the former Young People’s Temple, placed on the Tabernacle. Total cost, about $500.”—OGCMA Annual Report, 1887.
In 1983, the Tabernacle was found to have serious structural issues requiring about $100,000 in repairs.
Oct. 5, 2019 A memorial service was held today for Ted Bell in Ocean Grove. Reposting this article is our way of remembering him.
Well-written.